On June 18, 2025, the Arkansas Razorbacks faced a heartbreaking moment in the College World Series semifinal against the LSU Tigers.
The game came down to a single play in the ninth inning, one that would haunt 21-year-old left fielder Charles Davalan.
A critical mistake, now known as the “Charles Davalan Error,” turned a potential victory into a devastating 6-5 walk-off loss, sending LSU to the CWS final and ending Arkansas’ season.
Charles Davalan, A Native Of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Has Always Been A Standout
He honed his skills at TNXL Academy in Ocoee, Florida, where he was ranked by Perfect Game as the No. 458 overall prospect and No. 76 outfielder in the class of 2023.
That same year, he earned a spot on the Perfect Game Preseason All-American Canada/Puerto Rico All-Region First Team.
His talent was undeniable, and in 2024, he took his skills to the University of Arkansas, where he quickly became a key player for the Razorbacks.
In 2025, Davalan’s star continued to rise. He posted an impressive .346 batting average, smashed 14 home runs, and earned All-SEC First Team honors.
His performance on the field caught the attention of Major League scouts, and later that year, the Los Angeles Dodgers drafted him in the Competitive Balance Round A, 41st overall.
At just 21, Davalan was living his dream, but the CWS semifinal would test his resilience in a way he never expected.
The Fateful Ninth Inning
The Razorbacks were leading 5-3 in the bottom of the ninth, just one out away from advancing to the CWS final against Coastal Carolina.
With two outs and LSU runners on first and second, the stage was set for Davalan to seal the victory.
LSU’s Luis Hernandez stepped up to the plate and crushed a 104-mph line drive toward left field.
It looked like a routine catch for Davalan, who had been a defensive standout all season.
But then, everything went wrong. As Davalan moved to track the ball, he slipped slightly, throwing off his angle.
He dove in a desperate attempt to make the play, but the ball ricocheted off his shoulder and rolled to the left-field corner.
The crowd at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha gasped as both LSU runners, Ethan Frey and Steven Milam, raced around the bases to score, tying the game at 5-5.
The Charles Davalan Error had changed everything.
Yesterday was tough for the Hogs, but especially for Charles Davalan. He recorded 101 putouts this season & his only error came in last night's game
— Josh Berrian (@_joshonair) June 19, 2025
Everyone came up to console him, but Rocco Peppi wouldn't leave his side
That's not a teammate, that's a brother. #WPS | #MCWS pic.twitter.com/wM0ApeGiYi
The nightmare wasn’t over.
In the very next at-bat, LSU’s Jared Jones hit a sharp single that glanced off Arkansas second baseman Cam Kozeal’s glove.
Hernandez sprinted home, scoring the winning run for a 6-5 LSU victory. Just like that, Arkansas’ season was over, and LSU was headed to the CWS final.
While the Charles Davalan Error took the spotlight, earlier miscues also hurt Arkansas. In the same inning, shortstop Wehiwa Aloy fielded a ground ball with runners on base.
Instead of turning a potential game-ending double play, Aloy threw to third, a decision that kept LSU’s rally alive.
These small mistakes piled up, putting extra pressure on Davalan’s play in left field.
LSU’s outfielders, Derek Curiel and Jake Brown, later defended Davalan, noting the difficulty of the play.
Yesterday was tough for the Hogs, but especially for Charles Davalan. He recorded 101 putouts this season & his only error came in last night's game
— Josh Berrian (@_joshonair) June 19, 2025
Everyone came up to console him, but Rocco Peppi wouldn't leave his side
That's not a teammate, that's a brother. #WPS | #MCWS pic.twitter.com/wM0ApeGiYi
Despite the crushing loss, Arkansas rallied around its teammate.
Coach Dave Van Horn was quick to support Davalan, emphasizing his importance to the team.
Van Horn said-:
“I started telling him that. How much I appreciated him, and we would never have made it here without him.”
Via Tiktok
Catcher Ryder Helfrick echoed those sentiments, consoling Davalan after the game.
Helfrick said:
“Charles, he told me…’I’m sorry, I said, ‘Why are you sorry?’ We wouldn’t be where we are today without him, the way he competes, and he’s one of the best hitters and people and just all-around best baseball players I’ve ever been around. For him to say sorry, it kind of pissed me off because the game’s not on him. It’s on the team. He’s one of the greatest to do it here.”
Via bestofarkansassports
Davalan was visibly emotional as he left the field, surrounded by teammates who refused to let him face the moment alone.
For a young player who had carried the Razorbacks with his bat and glove all season, the weight of the Charles Davalan Error was heavy.
Yet, his teammates’ support showed the strength of their bond.
The Loss Marked Arkansas’ 12th Appearance In The College World Series Without A Championship
The Razorbacks had come so close, especially after Justin Thomas Jr.’s clutch two-run single in the top of the ninth gave them the lead.
But the Charles Davalan Error and LSU’s relentless fight flipped the script, leaving Arkansas fans stunned and the team grappling with another missed opportunity.
For Charles Davalan, the error was a painful lesson in a young career filled with promise.
At 21, he has already proven himself as one of college baseball’s brightest talents.
His journey from Montreal to Arkansas and now to the Los Angeles Dodgers shows his determination and skill.
While the Charles Davalan Error will linger in the minds of Razorbacks fans, it’s clear that this moment won’t define him.
As Davalan prepares for his professional career, he carries the support of his teammates, coaches, and fans.
The heartbreak of June 18, 2025, will fade, but the lessons learned will shape him into an even stronger player.
For now, Arkansas mourns a season cut short, but Charles Davalan’s story is far from over.
