Diamond Hogs' Wehiwa Aloy captivates fans against UCLA in College World Series

The No. 3 Arkansas Razorbacks (50-14, 20-10 SEC) proved to the No. 15 UCLA Bruins (48-18, 22-8 Big 10) that they are the far superior team, winning 7-3. If the players and coaches are honest, they will admit they let their foot off the gas in the ninth inning, which allowed the Bruins to score three runs off Will McEntire, who didn't have his best stuff on the mound. However, Dave Van Horn knew he had a seven-run cushion and could trust McEntire not to surrender it.  

However, don't allow those three runs scored to take the focus off how well Arkansas performed against the Bruins. Zach Root pitched five scoreless innings, only experiencing trouble in one inning, but he worked his way out of it. Also, Root punched out five, allowed only three hits, and had only two walks. Aiden Jimenez entered in relief for Root. Jimenez pitched three scoreless innings and only allowed one hit. As previously mentioned, McEntire closed the game in the ninth inning, surrendering three runs (one earned run) and two hits.

The Razorback offense showed flashes of why it is the best lineup in the nation. Wehiwa Aloy shined the brightest. Aloy further demonstrated why he should be named the 2025 Golden Spikes Award winner. In the bottom of the first inning, he got the scoring party started with a two-run opposite-field homer. After his homer, the Hogs never looked back. His home run gave the team the confidence to take control of the game. Aloy later almost hit another homer but had to settle for a triple.

Also, Justin Thomas Jr. had another excellent game at the plate. If he, Brent Iredale, and Reese Robinett can make significant contributions in the bottom of the order in the next two games, the Razorbacks will accomplish what many don't believe they will: defeat the LSU Tigers in two consecutive games to be one of two final teams standing in the College World Series.

Although it's a mighty arduous task to beat the Tigers in two consecutive games, Arkansas is the most complete team in the country; therefore, it is the best equipped to pull off what seems, in many people's estimation, nearly impossible.

Even though many don't believe the No. 3 Arkansas Razorbacks will rise to the challenge of knocking off the LSU Tigers in two consecutive games, the fact is they gave themselves a chance to prove the doubters wrong.

Arkansas baseball vs. UCLA: College World Series social media reactions

Wehiwa Aloy praise

Arkansas Baseball believes Wehiwa Aloy deserves to be the 2025 Golden Spikes Award winner.

Josh Teeter, an Arkansas Razorbacks fan, contended that Aloy's triple was the play of the game.

Golden Spikes Award was impressed with Aloy.

Eric Mateos, the offensive line coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, celebrated Aloy's two-run homer.

SEC Baseball featured Aloy's "blast."

General praise for the Arkansas Razorbacks

SEC Network captured the moment when the Hogs eliminated the Bruins.

NCAA Baseball noted that Arkansas is headed to the semifinal round.

SEC Unfiltered praised Aiden Jimenez's pitching performance.

Baseball America wrote, "HOGS WIN."

Otis Kirk, Arkansas beat writer at Pig Trail Nation, said, "Zach Root deserves a standing ovation when he leaves the game tonight. He has given them 5 innings and every pitcher on the team not named Gabe Gaeckle or Gage Wood is available. What a job by Zach."

Hogs Plus recognized Zach Root for how he recovered from his previous start against the LSU Tigers.