Hoover, Alabama — The quarterfinals of the 2025 Southeastern Conference baseball tournament concluded Friday at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, with Ole Miss and LSU securing their spots in Saturday’s semifinals alongside Vanderbilt and Tennessee.
In the day’s first matchup, seventh-seeded Ole Miss delivered a commanding performance against second-seeded Arkansas, clinching a 5-2 victory. The Rebels wasted no time, scoring five runs before Arkansas could respond, fueled by pivotal hits from second baseman Judd Utermark and right fielder Ryan Moerman, who both contributed with RBI singles. Catcher Austin Fawley capped the explosive start with a three-run home run, putting the Razorbacks on their heels early.
Despite a rocky beginning, Arkansas managed to respond with a run of its own in the opening inning and added to its score when Cam Kozeal hit an inside-the-park home run in the second. The ball eluded Moerman and center fielder Isaac Humphrey, allowing Kozeal to touch home safely. Following the collision, Moerman left the game, making way for Hayden Federico.
Ole Miss pitcher Riley Maddox regained composure after the early burst, going 5.2 innings while allowing just three hits and striking out seven batters. The Rebels’ bullpen faced challenges, particularly in the seventh inning where Mason Morris navigated a critical jam. After allowing a double that placed runners on second and third with one out, Morris struck out Wehiwa Aloy and forced Logan Maxwell into a flyout to maintain Ole Miss’s lead. Earlier, Arkansas had failed to capitalize on a bases-loaded opportunity in the sixth.
In the nightcap, LSU emerged victorious over Texas A&M with a narrow 4-3 win. The Tigers bolted to a 4-0 lead behind a strong offensive showing from designated hitter Ethan Frey, who recorded an RBI double in the first and a two-run homer in the third inning. Luis Hernandez also contributed with an RBI groundout to add to the score.
Texas A&M battled back in the fourth inning, with Jace LaViolette’s RBI single followed by a sacrifice fly from Gavin Kash, trimming LSU’s lead to 4-2. LaViolette struck again with another sacrifice fly in the sixth, bringing the Aggies within one run, but neither team would score again as the tension mounted.
LSU’s starter, Kade Anderson, shined on the mound, striking out 12 batters over six innings while yielding just four hits and three earned runs. Anthony Eyanson ensured a tense end to the game, shutting down Texas A&M in the final three innings while also claiming four strikeouts. The ninth inning featured a near scare when a walk and a single placed runners on the corners for the Aggies, but a fielder’s choice ultimately sealed the Tigers’ victory.
The semifinals are set for Saturday, featuring fourth-seeded Vanderbilt clashing with eighth-seeded Tennessee at 11 a.m. ET, followed by Ole Miss facing off against third-seeded LSU. Excitement builds as teams vie for a coveted spot in the championship game.