'Twas a valiant comeback attempt, alas, Arkansas falls to Georgia 7-6, evening the series.
The Diamond Hogs fell in a hole early, giving up six runs in the first three innings. Gabe Gaeckle continues to struggle from the mound, as he was responsible for five of those runs while facing only 13 batters. Despite the rough start, relief pitching came to the rescue. Ben Bybee gave up two additional runs over three and a third innings, while Christian Foutch and Cole Gibler finished the game combining for two and two-thirds innings, one hit, and eight strikeouts.
Unfortunately, the damage was done. Like Friday's game, the Razorbacks were slow off the blocks offensively, but this time, they fell short of the finish line. Down four runs in the eighth, Arkansas finally strung together a multiple-run inning. The reigning SEC player of the week, Cam Kozeal, knocked in a double for his second hit of the day. Then, Kuhio Aloy put one over the fence to move Arkansas within two going into the ninth.
Here come the Hogs y'all pic.twitter.com/4jY1lLI3i9
— Arkansas Baseball (@RazorbackBSB) April 12, 2025
Georgia's pitchers began to waver, with Dylan Goldstein walking Wehiwa Aloy and giving up a single to Logan Maxwell. Matthew Hoskins came in and wasn't any better initially. Aloy scored on a wild pitch, and Kendal Diggs, who pinch-ran for Maxwell, advanced to second. The Bulldogs fought back, grounding out Brent Iredale and Kozeal, though Diggs advanced to third in the process. With two outs, Hoskins walked Kuhio before facing Ryder Helfrick.
The Razorbacks were down to their last out. And with a full count, Helfrick bit on a slider in the dirty, barely crossing home plate on the swing. But it was enough for a strike three, according to the first base umpire.
The rubber match between the top 10 competitors starts Sunday, April 13, at noon central time.