Diamond Hogs Take Down UCLA to Continue Their Season

The Diamond Hogs advanced in the College World Series with a 7-3 win over UCLA on Tuesday night at Charles Schwab Field. With the win, the Razorbacks remain one of four teams left in Omaha and will face SEC rival LSU once again, needing two wins to reach the CWS Finals.

Game Summary

Arkansas took control early, beginning in the bottom of the first after UCLA ended its half of the inning on a failed steal attempt at home. Charles Davalan got the Razorbacks started with a base hit, and Golden Spikes Award finalist Wehiwa Aloy followed with a two-run homer to put Arkansas ahead 2-0. In the fifth, Aloy narrowly missed another home run but settled for an RBI triple to make it 3-0. The Hogs added insurance in the later innings, highlighted by a two-RBI double from Logan Maxwell in the seventh, a run scored by Cam Kozeal on a wild pitch in the eighth, and an RBI double by Justin Thomas Jr. to cap a four-run lead.

Zach Root started on the mound and bounced back from a short outing against LSU with a strong five-inning performance. The left-hander threw 87 pitches, allowed no runs, struck out five and gave up just three hits and two walks. Aidan Jimenez tossed three scoreless innings in relief before Will McEntire came on to close the game. UCLA managed to plate three runs in the top of the ninth, but Arkansas sealed the 7-3 victory.

Who Stood Out for the Hogs

Aloy powered the offense once again, going 2 for 3 with a walk, a home run and three RBI. Maxwell added a 2 for 3 night with two RBI and a walk, while Brent Iredale reached base four times, going 2 for 2 with two walks and three runs scored. Thomas Jr. continued his hot streak with a 2 for 3 outing and an RBI after his 4 for 4 game against Murray State. On the mound, Root set the tone with five shutout innings, allowing the bullpen to stay fresh ahead of another must-win game.

Looking Ahead for the Hogs

Arkansas will now face LSU in a rematch, with both teams the last remaining on their side of the bracket. The Hogs must beat the Tigers twice to reach the championship series, while one loss would end their season. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. CST on Tuesday, June 18, on ESPN.