OMAHA, Neb. — Arkansas took a major step toward its title hopes Tuesday night, beating UCLA 7-3 at Charles Schwab Field to reach the College World Series semifinals.
The Razorbacks’ win sets up a must-see matchup against SEC rival LSU, with a championship berth on the line.
Wehiwa Aloy was the game’s clear standout, delivering a two-run home run in the first inning and an RBI triple in the fifth. “You see a pitch you can drive, you don’t let it go. That’s what we’ve been taught all year,” Aloy said after the game. His home run was his 21st this season, putting him fourth on Arkansas’ all-time single-season list.
Arkansas starter Zach Root bounced back from a tough outing against LSU to throw five shutout innings. He allowed just three hits and struck out five.
“You have to flush the bad days and get ready for the next one. I really wanted to give my team a chance tonight,” Root said.
UCLA, coming off a 9-5 loss to LSU earlier in the day, looked sluggish. The Bruins’ starter Cody Delvecchio, returning from a long layoff, lasted four innings and gave up three runs.
UCLA’s offense didn’t get going until the ninth, when they scored three runs thanks to Arkansas errors and a wild pitch, but it was too late.
Brent Iredale gave Arkansas a spark from the No. 8 spot, finishing 2-for-2 with two walks and three runs scored.
Logan Maxwell had a key two-run double in the seventh, and Justin Thomas added another RBI double in the eighth.
“I just tried to do my part and get on base. With our lineup, anyone can contribute,” Iredale said.
Arkansas’ bullpen did its job after Root exited. Aiden Jimenez worked three solid innings, getting out of a tough spot in the eighth with a double play ball.
“Our bullpen has been nails. That’s what wins in Omaha,” coach Dave Van Horn said.
Arkansas must now beat LSU twice to reach the championship series, while LSU needs just one win. LSU already beat Arkansas 4-1 Saturday and leads the season series 3-1, but Arkansas is playing its best baseball when it matters.
“We respect them, but we’re not afraid. We know what we can do when we play our game,” Root said.
For Van Horn, the win over UCLA was Arkansas’ first ever against the Bruins.
“Tonight was about our guys executing in big moments and playing clean baseball at least until that last inning,” Van Horn said.
Aloy now stands as one of Arkansas’ top power hitters, but his focus is on the team goal.
“Records are cool, but I want a ring,” Aloy said. “We came here for one thing.”
The next challenge is clear. LSU is one of the favorites for the national title, led by lefty Kade Anderson.
Arkansas will have to beat them twice, but confidence is growing.
“We’ve been talking about this since the fall,” Van Horn said. “One pitch at a time. One game at a time.”
Arkansas fans are still believing this could finally be the year. The Razorbacks’ pitching, timely hitting, and focus have them within reach of something special.
