FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas used a quick offensive start and steady pitching to take control early Friday afternoon and never really had to look back.
Gabe Gaeckle delivered six scoreless innings as the Razorbacks defeated Stetson 7-1 at Baum-Walker Stadium in the opening game of the weekend series.
The Hogs improved to 11-3 on the season while the Hatters dropped to 5-9.
Arkansas jumped ahead quickly thanks to an early burst at the plate. The Razorbacks scored four runs in the first inning to build immediate momentum.
That early advantage allowed Gaeckle to work comfortably from the mound as he kept Stetson hitters from building any rhythm.
The right-hander attacked the strike zone and limited damage throughout his outing while the Hogs offense continued to add pressure.
Arkansas also received contributions from several hitters throughout the lineup during the victory.
The Razorbacks finished the day with multiple players recording hits as they maintained control of the game.
Early offense gives Arkansas control
Arkansas created a big lead in the opening inning.
The Razorbacks sent several hitters to the plate and scored four runs to begin the game. Camden Kozeal, Kuhio Aloy, Maika Niu and TJ Pompey each drove in runs with base hits during the rally.
That early scoring burst gave the Hogs a comfortable lead and allowed Gaeckle to focus on attacking hitters.
The Arkansas starter turned in one of his strongest performances of the season.
Gaeckle worked six shutout innings while striking out six Stetson batters. The outing marked the first quality start of his career and matched the longest appearance he’s had on the mound.
The right-hander earned his second victory of the year with the effort.
Through three starts this season, the Razorbacks pitcher holds a 2-1 record with a 2.61 earned run average.
Gaeckle has recorded 27 strikeouts in 20.2 innings pitched while allowing seven total runs, including six earned runs.
Razorbacks add insurance late
Arkansas added more breathing room in the fifth inning.
The Razorbacks pushed across three runs during the frame to extend the lead to 7-0.
Carson Brumbaugh began the scoring with a sacrifice fly. Ryder Helfrick followed with an RBI single before Kozeal added another run-scoring hit.
Several Hogs hitters contributed strong performances at the plate.
Damian Ruiz finished 2-for-5 with a double during the victory.
Helfrick went 2-for-4 and added a walk along with his RBI.
Kozeal recorded two hits, including a double, and drove in two runs while raising his team-leading RBI total to 19.
Aloy also collected two hits, including a double, while drawing a walk and recording an RBI.
Bullpen secures series-opening win
Arkansas turned the game over to its bullpen after Gaeckle completed six innings.
Parker Coil worked one inning and allowed one run while striking out three hitters.
Mark Brissey followed with a scoreless inning before Jackson Kircher closed the game with an inning that included two strikeouts.
Brissey has been strong early in the season for the Hogs.
The freshman right-hander has thrown six innings across four appearances without allowing a run while surrendering only one hit and striking out nine.
The Razorbacks will continue the weekend series against Stetson on Saturday at Baum-Walker Stadium.
Hunter Dietz is expected to start on the mound for Arkansas in the second game of the series.
