Diamond Hogs Sweep South Carolina

The Diamond Hogs continued their hot start to the season by sweeping South Carolina in their second SEC series of the year. Arkansas’ offense exploded, outscoring the Gamecocks 35-9 over three games. The Razorbacks improved to 23-2 on the season and will look to continue their dominant play.

Series Summary

Game One

Starter Zach Root delivered a complete-game performance, striking out seven while allowing two runs over seven innings. The Razorback offense erupted for 12 runs on 15 hits. The Hogs were led by Charles Davalan’s four-hit night and Logan Maxwell’s two-run homer. Wehiwa Aloy’s two-hit, three-RBI game brought his season totals to a team-best 10 home runs and 31 RBI. No. 3 Arkansas dominated South Carolina in its SEC home opener with a 12-2 run-rule victory. It was ended by Aloy’s walk-off three-run homer in the seventh inning.

Game Two

Brent Iredale’s three-run homer and Wehiwa Aloy’s two-run double fueled Arkansas’ early offensive surge. While Kuhio Aloy, Wehiwa Aloy, Cam Kozeal, and Ryder Helfrick all recorded multi-hit games. Despite a short outing from starter Gabe Gaeckle, Arkansas’ bullpen secured the win, with Aiden Jimenez and Will McEntire combining for 7.1 shutout innings.

Game Three

South Carolina hit two solo home runs to take an early 2-1 lead into the third inning. The Hogs responded with two solo homers of its own to tie the game. The Razorbacks took a two-run lead in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Iredale and an RBI fielder’s choice from Kozeal. The Gamecocks closed the gap with two runs in the seventh. Arkansas put the game away with a seven-run eighth inning, featuring a grand slam from Iredale, a two-run homer from Justin Thomas Jr., and a solo shot from Helfrick. The Hogs secured the sweep with an 11-4 victory.

Who Stood Out for the Hogs

Wehiwa Aloy was a force at the plate, delivering multiple clutch hits, including a walk-off three-run homer in Game One. He also had a two-run double in Game Two, bringing his season totals to a team-best 10 home runs and 31 RBI. Brent Iredale showcased his power with a three-run homer in Game Two and a grand slam in Game Three, driving in a series-high seven runs.

Looking Ahead for the Hogs

Arkansas will remain in Fayetteville to host Missouri State at Baum-Walker Stadium for a midweek game on March 25, with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m. on SEC Network+.