By Otis Kirk
FAYETTEVILLE -- No. 5 Arkansas swept a double-header from Washington State on Friday to open the 2025 season with success.
The games were complete opposites. In the opener, Arkansas scored two runs in the bottom of the tenth to take a 3-2 win. In the second game, the Razorbacks had an easy time of it taking a 14-2 run-rule seven-inning win.
Game 1
Both teams just managed six hits each. In the top of the tenth, Washington State took a 2-1 inning when the Hogs committed two errors. Second baseman Ollie Obenour reached on an error to start the inning. He advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. He then scored on another Razorback error.
In the bottom of the tenth, Washington State brought relief pitcher Trevor Stowe into the game. He walked the bases loaded with no outs. Wehiwa Aloy struck out to temporarily give life to the visitors. However designated hitter Logan Maxwell walked to force in Ryder Helfrick to tie the game with one out and bases still loaded. That is when third baseman Brent Iredale hit a sacrifice fly into left field that allowed left fielder Justin Thomas Jr. to score from third and allow the Hogs to win.
Dave Van Horn was pleased to get the pair of wins.
"Well, on the day I felt like overall we played well," Van Horn said. "Played some different in the second game and the first game defensively was great until I guess the 10th inning. I guess we made two errors in that inning.
"Really you look back on it, the play of the day was Aloy’s play at shortstop was incredible. He catches the ball over his head, the wind’s blowing the ball, he spins and makes an off-balance throw right on the money and we get a tag out. And instead of being down two runs going into the bottom of the 10th we’re only down one. Obviously we end up scoring two and winning the game."
Gabe Gaeckle got the start working five innings allowing just one hit, striking out seven and walking a hitter. Will McEntire, Parker Coil and Christian Foutch all pitched in relief. Foutch closed the game working two innings and picking up the win. He allowed two hits and one run.
"I thought the Gaeckle was outstanding," Van Horn said. "You take away the, I think it was the third inning when his pitch count got up there. He was cruising after two innings, he’d only thrown 22 pitches and you’re thinking ‘This guy might go 6 or 7 today.’ And give them credit. They fought him a little bit."
Stowe took the loss. He worked 0.2 inning and allowed the two runs, both earned. Griffin Smith got the start and was impressive working five innings. He allowed three hits, no runs, walked two and struck out four. Van Horn praised Smith.
"I just thought we were a little … first-game jitters, a little tight the first game," Van Horn said. "And I thought their starter did a really nice job of locating all of his pitches. You know, I looked at his record last year in junior college, he was 11-0 with like a 1.99 ERA and you’re kind of thinking, ‘Well, that’s junior college.’ But on the other hand you’re thinking ‘This guy knows how to pitch,’ and he does. He wasn’t overpowering at all but just did a great job."
Game 2
The Razorbacks scored early and often to take the win. Arkansas scored two runs in the bottom of the first and never trailed. Washington State answered with one in the top of the fourth, but the Hogs answered with six of their own for an 8-1 lead.
The Razorbacks added one in the fifth, two in the sixth and then Kuhio Aloy, serving as the designated hitter, ended the game with a three-run blast over the fence in left field.
Lefty Zach Root got the start and earned the win. He worked five innings. He allowed two hits, one runs, walked one and fanned eight. Aiden Jimenez and Tate McGuire each pitched an inning in relief. Nick Lewis started for Washington State and took the loss. He worked 3.2 innings, allowed six hits and five runs. He walked two and struck out three.
"The second game I think Zach Root really set the tone first inning," Van Horn said. "He was really good. Really good five innings honestly. Really commanded his breaking ball, had a cutter, fastball, busted right-handers in with his heater, locked them up. He had it all going today. It was fun to watch. So good day for us."
Brent Iredale had three hits and knocked in four runs. Aloy, Ryder Helfrick and Charles Davalon plated three runners each. Rocco Pepper had the other RBI for the Hogs. Van Horn was pleased with Iredale and his five runs batted in on the day including the game winner in the opener.
"Well, he had a great day," Van Horn said. "Unfortunately for him and us, the wind’s not blowing like it was, that ball hits the top of the batter's eye. That ball was absolutely crushed and it didn’t go anywhere. We had a couple of balls that would have been out of the park, two or three. They had a couple as well. One of ours could have been a three-run homer, Maxwell’s ball. Centerfielder made a great play, still got a sac fly out of it, That ball was hammered and then Brent’s ball there. I like the base hits up the middle, line drives all over the field. I thought he played great defense for us today, cut off a couple balls, prevented them from getting to the 6-5 hole, probably not going to be able to throw anybody out. One of them he started a double play. I said all along, we knew he could hit and then when he got to campus, my comment was “He’s a better defender than I thought and he’s continued to get better. That’s been big for him and us."
Up Next
The two teams will play a single game on Saturday with the first pitch set for 1 p.m. Gage Wood is on the mound for the Hogs.
