Arkansas Razorbacks Soar in Dramatic Fashion Against LSU Tigers.
Thursday Night – Razorbacks Rally to Overcome Tigers
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – Baum-Walker Stadium was pulsing with energy as the No. 1 Arkansas Razorbacks (21-3, 6-1 SEC) showcased their resilience and firepower in a gripping series opener against the No. 8 LSU Tigers (20-7, 2-5 SEC) on Thursday night. Behind a crucial three-run homer from Kendall Diggs and a dominant pitching display from Hagen Smith, the Razorbacks clawed their way to a 7-4 victory.
Arkansas’ triumph marked their fifth 6-1 start or better in SEC play under the leadership of head coach Dave Van Horn, echoing their strong performance from two seasons ago. Smith, the junior southpaw, was in stellar form, chalking up his team-leading fifth quality start of the season and fanning 10 batters over six innings, solidifying his undefeated record at 5-0.
The Hogs’ offense sparked early with a sac fly from Ben McLaughlin, but the Tigers briefly seized the lead with twin homers in the fourth. Undeterred, Arkansas answered back immediately, retaking the lead on Jack Wagner‘s solo blast and Peyton Stovall‘s timely RBI single.
Reliever Will McEntire handled the later innings, striking out eight before Diggs delivered the decisive blow in the eighth with a three-run shot, cementing the Razorbacks’ lead and setting up closer Stone Hewlett to seal the deal with his first save of the season.
Friday Night – Razorbacks Clinch Series with Walk-Off Drama
The excitement reached a fever pitch on Friday night as the Razorbacks (22-3, 7-1 SEC) edged the Tigers (20-8, 2-6 SEC) in a 4-3 nail-biter, culminating in a walk-off double from Hudson White in the 10th inning. This victory not only clinched the weekend series but also tied the record for the longest home winning streak, at 16 games, at Baum-Walker Stadium.
Mason Molina‘s five innings of three-run ball laid the groundwork, and despite LSU ace Luke Holman‘s early control, the Razorbacks’ offense surged in the fourth inning, rallying to take the lead. Arkansas’ bullpen was a fortress, with Christian Foutch, Gabe Gaeckle, and Stone Hewlett pitching scoreless frames, setting the stage for White’s dramatic game-winning hit in extra innings.
Arkansas’ consecutive series wins over LSU at Baum-Walker Stadium serve as a testament to the program’s dominance, with the last home series loss dating back to 2017. The Razorbacks will now set their sights on a clean sweep in the finale.
Looking Ahead – Eyeing Sweep Of The Tigers
With the series firmly in their grasp, the Razorbacks aim to complete the sweep against the Tigers on Saturday afternoon. The atmosphere at Baum-Walker is expected to be electric as fans anticipate another thrilling contest.
The Hogs will throw Junior Brady Tygart in the final game. The Hernando, Mississippi native has been stellar this season holding opposing batters to s .167 batting average while allowing 9 earned runs thus far. In conference play Tygart has been even more dominant as he has a 1-0 record while striking out 10 batters. In addition, Tygart has allowed only two runs while stifling batters with a.094 average against SEC foes.
The game will be broadcast on SEC Network+ with Brett Dolan and Troy Eklund providing live commentary.
As the Razorbacks continue their relentless march through the season, the blend of clutch hitting and solid pitching has become a hallmark of this team’s success. With their sights set on postseason glory, every game is a step towards their ultimate goal. The series finale against LSU is more than just a game; it’s an opportunity for Arkansas to assert their dominance in the SEC and send a message to the rest of college baseball: the Hogs are here to win it all.
