The Diamond Hogs opened the season with a four-game sweep of Washington State at Baum-Walker Stadium. After a close finish in the first game, Arkansas run-ruled the Cougars in two of the last three games.
Series Summary
The series opener was a pitchers’ duel until the sixth inning, when both teams scored one run. The game went into extra innings, and Washington State took a 2-1 lead in the 10th. In the bottom half, Brent Iredale delivered a sacrifice fly to walk off the game for Arkansas.
In the second game of the doubleheader, the Razorbacks’ bats came alive, recording 13 hits to Washington State’s five. Kuhio Aloy ended the game in dramatic fashion with a three-run homer in the seventh, giving Arkansas a 14-2 run-rule victory.
In game three, Zane Becker got Arkansas on the board with an RBI double in the second inning, but Washington State took a 2-1 lead in the fourth. Iredale responded with a solo home run to tie the game, then hit another in the sixth to give the Razorbacks the lead. Wehiwa Aloy added a two-run homer in the eighth, sealing a 5-2 victory and the series win.
The final game started slow, with both teams scoreless through three and a half innings. In the bottom of the fourth, the Razorbacks’ offense exploded, beginning with a solo home run from Kuhio Aloy. Arkansas scored 11 runs in the fourth and fifth innings, securing another run-rule 12-2 win, to complete the sweep.
Who Stood Out for the Diamond Hogs
Gabe Gaeckle impressed in his first start, pitching five scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and one walk. He struck out seven batters and made a strong case to remain the Friday starter.
Brent Iredale had an outstanding debut series in a Razorback uniform, going 7-for-15 with nine RBI and two home runs while maintaining a perfect fielding percentage. He started all four games and leads the team in batting average and RBI.
Looking Ahead
The Diamond Hogs will head to Arlington, Texas, to compete in the College Baseball Series. They will play Kansas State on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. CST, No. 22 TCU on Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. CST, and Michigan on Feb. 23 at 11 a.m. CST. All three games will be streamed on FloCollege.