After losing last weekend’s series at Georgia, the Hogs couldn’t clinch the series win against Texas A&M, resulting in back-to-back SEC series losses. Arkansas struggled to contain the Aggies’ offense, allowing 21 runs over the three-game set.
Series Summary
Despite another stellar performance from Wehiwa Aloy, who went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and made a highlight-reel defensive play at shortstop, No. 2 Arkansas dropped the series opener to Texas A&M, 7-4, Thursday night at Baum-Walker Stadium. The Razorbacks tied the game at 4-4 in the third inning, but the Aggies pulled ahead for good with a two-run fifth and shut down the Arkansas offense over the final five. Starter Zach Root took the loss, allowing six runs in four innings. While Dylan Carter and Christian Foutch combined for five solid innings of one-run relief. Charles Davalan and Justin Thomas Jr. each recorded two hits, and Kuhio Aloy added an RBI double in the loss.
No. 2 Arkansas bounced back in game one of Friday’s doubleheader with an 11-5 win over Texas A&M. Powered by standout relief performances from Ben Bybee and Gabe Gaeckle, who combined for 12 strikeouts over 8.2 innings after Gage Wood’s brief return from injury. The Razorbacks’ offense exploded behind three-hit games from Wehiwa Aloy and Kuhio Aloy. While Justin Thomas Jr. launched two home runs. Wehiwa Aloy’s solo shot marked his fourth homer in as many games and his team-leading 15th of the season, setting a new single-season career high. Gaeckle earned the win in his first relief appearance of the year, matching career highs in innings pitched and strikeouts.
Texas A&M secured the series win with a 9-2 victory in the nightcap of Friday’s doubleheader, using a pair of late three-run innings and two home runs from Jace LaViolette, who finished with four runs scored and three RBI. Razorback starter Landon Beidelschies delivered four solid innings on short rest, but the bullpen faltered, surrendering eight runs after his exit. Despite multi-hit efforts from Davalan, Wehiwa Aloy, Iredale and Ryder Helfrick, Arkansas stranded 10 runners and went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position, ending its streak of 12 consecutive SEC home weekend series wins.
Who Stood Out for the Hogs
Wehiwa Aloy and Charles Davalan were on fire at the plate in the series. The duo combined to go 13-for-28 and scored nine runs, while Davalan also drew a walk. On the mound, Dylan Carter had a productive outing in the series opener, tossing four scoreless innings in relief. He allowed just one hit and struck out four without issuing a walk. While Gabe Gaeckle who was benched from his weekend starter role came up big for the Hogs. He pitched 5 2/3 innings in game two and struck out eight hitters and only allowed one run.
Looking Ahead for the Hogs
Arkansas will face in-state opponent Little Rock for a two-game midweek series at Baum-Walker Stadium. The Trojans have already knocked off SEC foe Ole Miss this season, so the Hogs will need to be ready. Following the midweek series, Arkansas will travel to Gainesville for a weekend SEC matchup against Florida.