FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Freshman Carter Rutenbar delivered the best game of his young career Monday afternoon, but Arkansas couldn’t overcome an early deficit in a 6-4 loss to Stetson in the series finale at Baum-Walker Stadium.
Rutenbar finished 4-for-5 with a run scored, leading the Razorbacks offensively in his third start of the season. Despite the strong performance, Arkansas struggled to bring runners home and couldn’t complete a comeback.
The loss left Arkansas with a split in the four-game weekend series against the Hatters. It also marked the first time since 2014 that the Hogs failed to win a non-conference weekend series at Baum-Walker Stadium.
Stetson grabbed control of the game in the opening inning against Razorbacks starter James DeCremer.
The Hatters scored four runs on four hits and a walk in the first frame, including a three-run home run that quickly put Arkansas behind.
DeCremer was lifted before recording an out as Arkansas turned to its bullpen early in the game.
Despite the rough start, the Razorbacks responded quickly in the bottom of the second inning.
Reese Robinett launched a two-run home run to right field, his first of the season, helping Arkansas cut the deficit in half.
Later in the inning, Nolan Souza added an RBI double that pulled the Hogs within one run.
Arkansas rallies but leaves runners stranded
Arkansas nearly erased the early deficit in the second inning, trimming Stetson’s lead to 4-3.
The Razorbacks appeared to build momentum after Robinett’s homer and Souza’s extra-base hit brought the home crowd back into the game.
However, the Hogs struggled to finish scoring opportunities throughout the afternoon.
Stetson answered the Arkansas rally by adding two more runs in the fourth inning.
The Hatters pushed the lead to 6-3, forcing the Razorbacks to chase the game again.
Arkansas picked up another run in the fifth inning when a defensive error by Stetson allowed a runner to score.
That cut the deficit to 6-4, but it would be the final run of the game for the Razorbacks.
Arkansas had chances late but couldn’t deliver a timely hit.
The Hogs finished the game 5-for-24 with runners on base and went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position.
Those missed opportunities left 10 runners stranded and prevented Arkansas from tying the game.
Reese Rob’s first blast of the year 🤟 pic.twitter.com/t0BnZlGqfe
— Arkansas Baseball (@RazorbackBSB) March 9, 2026
Rutenbar’s big day highlights Arkansas lineup
Even in defeat, Rutenbar’s performance stood out for the Razorbacks.
The freshman recorded four hits in five at-bats, marking his first four-hit game at the college level.
Through his first 10 games this season, Rutenbar is hitting .438 with seven hits, including a double, while also drawing five walks.
Robinett also had a productive afternoon for Arkansas.
He finished 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs, providing the biggest offensive spark for the Razorbacks.
Maika Niu added another multi-hit game, going 2-for-4 with a double.
The performance marked Niu’s ninth multi-hit effort of the season.
On the mound, Arkansas received strong relief pitching after the difficult first inning.
Tate McGuire worked three innings and allowed two runs while striking out two batters.
Steele Eaves followed with four scoreless innings, extending his streak to 12 consecutive scoreless innings this season.
Parker Coil closed the game with two scoreless frames and struck out two hitters.
The Razorbacks dropped to 12-5 on the season with the loss, while Stetson improved to 7-10.
Arkansas now turns its attention to the always-tough Southeastern Conference schedule.
The Hogs will open SEC competition this weekend with a home series against Mississippi State at Baum-Walker Stadium.
