After sweeping top-ranked Texas last weekend, the Hogs lost two of three games to LSU at Alex Box Stadium. The Razorbacks will return to Fayetteville for their final regular-season series against the Tennessee Volunteers, set for May 15-17 at Baum-Walker Stadium.
Series Summary
Zach Root turned in another quality start with six strong innings and six strikeouts. Unfortunately, the Hogs let a two-run lead slip away in the seventh and ultimately fell, 5-4, in 10 innings to LSU. Arkansas jumped ahead with solo homers from Cam Kozeal and Kuhio Aloy and RBI from Charles Davalan and Wehiwa Aloy. LSU rallied late to tie the game, and despite a strong 3 1/3-inning relief outing from Gabe Gaeckle, the Hogs couldn’t push across the go-ahead run. The Tigers walked it off with a sacrifice fly in the 10th.
Arkansas suffered its first run-rule loss of the season in a 13-3, seven-inning defeat in game two to drop the series. LSU scored in each of the first five innings, including a six-run fifth, and tagged Razorback starter Gage Wood and the bullpen for 12 earned runs on four home runs and nine walks. Arkansas didn’t break through until the seventh, when Justin Thomas Jr. and Charles Davalan drove in runs and Logan Maxwell added a sacrifice fly. Davalan and Ryder Helfrick each recorded two hits, but the Tigers responded in the bottom half to end the game early.
The Razorbacks avoided the sweep with a 7-4 win in the series finale to remain in second place in the SEC with an 18-9 conference record. LSU hit a pair of solo home runs in the second, but Arkansas answered with a four-run third. Wehiwa Aloy opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly, Ryder Helfrick followed with an RBI double, and Kozeal added a two-RBI single. Reese Robinett knocked in another run in the fifth and ninth inning to help the Hogs secure a 7-4 victory.
Who Stood Out for the Hogs
Zach Root delivered another solid start in game one, throwing six innings and allowing two runs on five hits while striking out six without issuing a walk in 91 pitches. Ryder Helfrick had a standout weekend at the plate, going 6 for 9 with two walks. Justin Thomas Jr. also had a strong series, finishing 5 for 11 against the Tigers.
Looking Ahead for the Hogs
The Diamond Hogs return home to host Tennessee in their final regular-season series at Baum-Walker Stadium. Arkansas remains in contention for the SEC regular-season title, sitting just two games behind first-place Texas.
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