If you were expecting the No. 3 national seed, the Arkansas Razorbacks (44-13, 20-10 SEC), to blow the North Dakota State Bisons (20-33, 13-15 Summit) out of Baum-Walker Stadium, then you were likely shocked or underwhelmed by the Hogs' 6-2 win. However, the Bisons have tested themselves this season with a challenging schedule, including traveling to battle SEC teams on the road. Therefore, they didn't arrive in Fayetteville fearing the Razorbacks and stunned by the team's talent.
The present writer asserted that Arkansas needed to establish its dominance early in this game to put the rest of the teams on notice that it means business this season about winning the College World Series. Unfortunately for Razorback Nation, the Hogs didn't truly separate themselves from the North Dakota State until the fifth inning, when Cam Kozeal hit a two-run homer, driving in Kuhio Aloy. Kozeal's homer drew the loudest reaction of all plays from fans in attendance at Baum-Walker Stadium. Overall, though, Arkansas' bats were relatively quiet, which has to change as the Hogs will encounter much stiffer competition than the Bisons.
While the underwhelming hitting should trigger concern for Razorback Nation, the Hogs' excellent pitching should give it reason to believe that Arkansas will win its elusive first College World Series. Aiden Jimenez got the start for the Arkansas Razorbacks. In 3.2 innings, Jimenez only allowed two earned runs and five hits and delivered three strikeouts. In relief for Jimenez, Parker Coil gave the Hogs 3.1 scoreless innings and had four strikeouts. Landon Beidelschies pitched the final 2.0 innings; he allowed only one hit and had four strikeouts.
While the Razorbacks must improve their hitting to advance past the Fayetteville Regional, the excellent pitching against the North Dakota State Bisons was truly a positive sign. The Arkansas Razorbacks handled their business against the Bisons, which pleased many fans.
Arkansas baseball vs. North Dakota State: Fayetteville Regional social media reactions
Cam Kozeal praise
Daniel Shi, an Arkansas Razorbacks beat writer at Sports Illustrated, noted that Cam Kozeal "takes over second bomber spot" with his two-run homer.
Tonight's news and notes:
— daniel shi (@dshi12) May 30, 2025
-Count Masters
-Kozeal's takes over second bomber spothttps://t.co/Mitcz7YIB8
Cam Kozeal asserted that the first game of a regional is "no place for the timid."
Ain't no place for the timid pic.twitter.com/KSG1U6COxL
— Arkansas Baseball (@RazorbackBSB) May 30, 2025
Jacob Morris, a Pig Trail Nation journalist, wrote, "Cam Kozeal: built for the postseason."
Cam Kozeal: built for the postseason.
— Jacob Morris (@JacobMorrisTV) May 30, 2025
3-3, 4 RBI, 1 homer. Big time. #WPS
pic.twitter.com/UwOAa8dwUA
Pig Trail Nation stated, "Cam Kozeal have a day!"
Cam Kozeal have a day! #WPS
— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) May 30, 2025
The Hogs’ second baseman is 3-3 with 4 RBI as he extends Arkansas’ lead to 6-2! #WPS pic.twitter.com/05dpsVkl6i
RazorbackHobbs, an Arkansas fan, mentioned that Kozeal only needed a triple to complete the cycle.
How about 4 RBI’s today from Cam Kozeal. He’s a triple shy of the cycle!
— razorbackHobbs (@razorbackHobbs) May 30, 2025
🐗⚾️
pic.twitter.com/ysmjbhSDU0
General praise for the Arkansas Razorbacks
John Nabors, the Owner of Inside Arkansas, was happy with the win.
Win. Is a win. Is a win. On to tomorrow
— John Nabors (@JohnNaborsShow) May 30, 2025
Steve Sullivan, an Arkansas KATV sportscaster, celebrated Parker Coil's performance.
Parker Coil was great. 3.1 innings of shutout relief. He allowed 3 hits and struck out four.
— Steve Sullivan (@sully7777) May 30, 2025
Arkansas Razorbacks on Sports Report was excited about the Hogs defeating the North Dakota State Bisons.
HOGS WIN!!! Arkansas beats North Dakota State to open the Regional!! pic.twitter.com/rNfmJAYg7d
— Arkansas Razorbacks on SR (@SRArkansas) May 30, 2025
MaryEllen Brown, a Hog fan, loved the double play Brent Iredale turned.
Beauty of a double play by Brent Iredale! Aussie Aussie Aussie!
— MaryEllen Brown (@mellen723) May 30, 2025