Winning clean and easy is nice. Winning ugly still counts the same in the standings though.
Seventh-ranked Arkansas didn’t need style points Saturday. The Razorbacks needed some determination, a break and a few timely swings. They got all three.
Down to their final out, Arkansas tied the game on a two-out throwing error in the ninth inning and then pushed across the go-ahead run in the 10th to beat South Carolina 3-2 at Founders Park.
It wasn’t smooth. It wasn’t pretty. But it was enough.
The Hogs improved to 18-6 overall and 4-1 in SEC play, setting up a chance to finish off a series sweep Sunday.
For most of the night, the Razorbacks were chasing.
South Carolina grabbed a 2-1 lead in the seventh inning after Beau Hollins doubled with two outs and later scored on a first-pitch single from Tyler Bak. That hit came against reliever Cole Gibler and gave the Gamecocks a jolt in a tense, low-scoring game.
Arkansas had chances earlier but couldn’t string together much offense against starter Amp Phillips, who worked deep into the game and kept hitters off balance.
That left the Hogs staring at a one-run deficit heading into the ninth.
Then things turned.
Late mistake flips the script
Ryder Helfrick drew a one-out walk and moved into scoring position on a wild pitch. A groundout pushed him to third, leaving Arkansas down to its last chance.
With two outs, Maika Niu hit a ground ball to shortstop. It looked routine. It wasn’t.
The throw pulled the first baseman off the bag, allowing the tying run to score and extending the game. Just like that, Arkansas had life again.
Once the Razorbacks forced extra innings, they didn’t waste time.
TJ Pompey opened the 10th with a double, putting immediate pressure on South Carolina’s defense. Nolan Souza followed with a bunt single, moving Pompey to third and setting the table.
Camden Kozeal then did the simple job—put the ball in play. His groundout to the right side brought Pompey home and gave Arkansas a 3-2 lead.
It wasn’t a blast and it wasn’t flashy but it was effective.
Bottom of the order delivers
And on a night like this, effective was everything.
After the offense scratched across the go-ahead run, the Razorbacks handed the game to Gibler.
He handled it without drama.
Facing the top of South Carolina’s order in the bottom of the 10th, Gibler retired Patrick Evans, Will Craddock and Talmadge LeCroy in order to close it out.
The right-hander earned the win with 3 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. He allowed just two hits and one walk while striking out four.
Before that, Arkansas starter Hunter Dietz set the tone.
Dietz matched a career high with 12 strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings. He gave up two runs on five hits and two walks, keeping the Razorbacks within reach even when the offense stalled.
Pitching sets up the finish
Arkansas didn’t start fast, but it did strike first.
Damian Ruiz gave the Razorbacks a 1-0 lead in the third inning with a towering 417-foot home run off the batter’s eye. It was a loud swing in an otherwise quiet night at the plate.
Still, that was one of the few mistakes Phillips made. The South Carolina starter went seven innings, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out six.
The Gamecocks tied the game in the fifth when Hollins singled home Luke Yuhasz after a leadoff walk. From there, both teams leaned heavily on pitching and defense.
Until the ninth inning changed everything.
South Carolina entered the game under unusual circumstances.
Hours earlier, coach Paul Mainieri announced his immediate resignation following Friday’s 22-6 loss to Arkansas. The decision came amid mounting pressure and marked a sudden shift for the program.
Interim coach Monte Lee guided the Gamecocks into Saturday’s matchup, and for much of the night, it looked like they might respond with a win.
Instead, a late mistake and missed opportunity kept them searching for their first SEC victory. South Carolina dropped to 12-12 overall and 0-5 in conference play.
The Razorbacks now head into Sunday with momentum and a chance to finish the job.
First pitch is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. as Arkansas looks to complete the series sweep. The game will be televised on SEC Network+ and fans can listen on the Razorback Sports Network on ESPN Arkansas 99.5 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.
Saturday’s win won’t go down as a masterpiece. But in SEC play, finding a way matters more than how it looks.
Arkansas found a way.
