FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — No. 17 Tennessee unleashed some power at Baum-Walker Stadium, riding two home runs from left fielder Dalton Bargo to a 10-7 victory over No. 8 Arkansas in the opening game of a pivotal SEC series.
The win not only snapped the Hogs’ five-game streak over Tennessee but also kept the Volunteers’ NCAA Regional hosting hopes alive.
Tennessee’s Home Run Barrage
Coming into the game, the Volunteers were one of only four teams nationwide with more home runs than the Razorbacks, and that power was on display from the start.
Bargo opened the scoring in the second inning with a solo shot to left field off Arkansas starter Zach Root, marking his 13th home run of the season.
Bargo later added a second homer, finishing the night with two long balls that proved decisive in the Volunteers’ offensive outburst.
Bargo’s approach at the plate has been a focus all season.
“The biggest thing that’s going to help me this year is if I just stay free and easy… just letting my hands work and putting barrel on the baseball more consistently,” Bargo said in a recent interview, emphasizing a relaxed mindset as key to his success.
Arkansas Misses Opportunities
Despite consistently getting runners on base against Vols’ starter Marcus Phillips, Arkansas struggled to capitalize.
The Razorbacks left at least one runner stranded in every inning and finished the night with 11 men left on base.
A pivotal moment came in the second inning when Charles Davalan doubled with the bases loaded, scoring two, but Reese Robinett was thrown out at the plate on a sharp relay, stifling what could have been a bigger rally.
Arkansas chipped away, with Kuhio Aloy delivering an RBI double in the fifth and Wehiwa Aloy breaking out of an 0-for-11 slump with a two-run single in the eighth.
The Hogs could not overcome Tennessee’s relentless offense, despite bringing the go-ahead run to the plate in the eighth and again threatening in the ninth.
Pitching Decisions and Series Stakes
Both teams made notable pitching choices.
Tennessee’s Marcus Phillips started despite recent struggles controlling the running game, while the Razorbacks went with Zach Root, who was chased after just 3 2/3 innings.
The loss was costly for Arkansas, which is vying for a top spot in the SEC and a potential NCAA Regional host bid.
The Razorbacks have not lost a home series to Tennessee since 1996, but their streak is now could be in trouble.
Looking Ahead
The series continues Friday at 6:30 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN+ and fans can listen on the Razorback Sports Network on ESPN Arkansas 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.
