No. 24 Arkansas baseball (27-15, 9-9 SEC) received another tough test from the Missouri State Bears (26-12, 14-4 MVC) as they carried a 2-0 lead into the sixth inning and were ready to pull off their second upset victory against the Razorbacks this season. In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Hogs took a 3-2 lead. Missouri State tied the game 4-4 in the top of the eighth inning. Unfortunately for the Bears, the Hogs' bats came alive in the eighth inning in a way reminiscent of how Arkansas performed at the plate against Georgia in Game 3 of the series, scoring 14 runs on 14 hits. The Razorbacks erupted with eight runs in the eighth inning, ballooning their lead to 12-4, which was the final score.
Although the keys to a Razorbacks victory against Missouri State were not executed to perfection by even the slightest stretch of anyone's imagination, especially not the key of starting fast, though Tate McGuire had a decent outing on the mound in the first 3.2 innings, surrendering two runs, two hits, and two walks, and recording four strikeouts, Arkansas' bats eventually reflected the power needed to win the game convincingly. In the future, however, the Hogs must avoid working from a deficit, which means the pitching staff must improve its performance significantly.
Arkansas baseball vs. Missouri State: Pitching performance
As previously mentioned, Tate McGuire got the start for the Hogs and went 3.2 innings, only allowing two runs against an explosive Bears' offense. Such a performance against a team that has great firepower at the plate merits much credit. In relief of McGuire, Colin Fisher pitched 3.1 innings and allowed only one run, though it was unearned, and two hits. He threw one wild pitch and had five strikeouts. Speaking of wild pitches, Arkansas' pitching staff and Ryder Helfrick, the team's starting catcher, must become more connected to avoid wild pitches from developing into an undesirable throughline.
Steele Eaves entered to relieve Fisher and a poor showing in 0.1 innings. He permitted Missouri State to score one run on two hits and had one strikeout. Parker Coil came in next and pitched 0.2 innings, holding the Bears hitless and scoreless. To finish the game, Dave Van Horn called upon Cooper Dossett to pitch the remaining 1.0 innings, and he did not permit Missouri State to produce a hit or run and two strikeouts, though he had one walk. Pitching by committee proved to be an effective strategy for the Hogs, as it held this talented offense to only four runs.
The Razorbacks' performance at the plate
Cam Kozeal had an excellent night at the plate. He had three hits in five plate appearances, including a home run, scored two runs, and had two RBIs. Even though Ryder Helfrick must improve his performance behind the plate, he hit a massive homer, scored two runs, and drove in three runs. TJ Pompey also had a homer in his only plate appearance and drove in two runs. Â Â
Every Arkansas baseball player who came to the plate, except Christian Turner and Maika Niu, had at least one hit, though Niu had one walk. This kind of excellent hitting combined with quality pitching is what the Razorbacks need more consistently, and such a performance positions them well as they prepare to go on the road to Columbia, Missouri, on Thursday to battle the Missouri Tigers in a three-game SEC series. Game 1 of the series in Columbia, Missouri, starts at 7:00 p.m. CT. Fans who are unable to attend the game can watch it on the SEC Network.
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