Arkansas opened the season Friday night with a 12-2 victory over Oklahoma State at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, during the Shriners Children’s College Baseball Showdown.
The Hogs ended the game early on the run-rule.
The Razorbacks’ lineup jumped on the Cowboys’ pitching early, collecting 13 hits and applying steady pressure from the opening inning.
Junior catcher Ryder Helfrick delivered the first spark. He homered in each of his first two at-bats, giving the Razorbacks a fast start.
His first home run traveled 423 feet to left field on the first pitch he saw, putting the Hogs ahead immediately.
In the second inning, Helfrick fouled off several pitches before sending a 432-foot drive to center field to extend the lead.
Oklahoma State later chose to intentionally walk him, preventing a chance at a third home run.
The early offensive burst gave Arkansas a 3-0 advantage before the Cowboys responded.
Oklahoma State trimmed the margin to 3-2 in the fifth inning with a two-run homer.
The Razorbacks didn’t allow that momentum to linger.
Hogs respond in middle innings
Arkansas answered in the seventh inning when Cam Kozeal launched a two-run home run that widened the gap and reestablished control.
The Hogs’ offense showed balance throughout the lineup.
Eight different Razorbacks recorded hits in the game.
Nolan Souza, Maika Niu, Kuhio Aloy and TJ Pompey each turned in multi-hit performances.
The consistent production kept Oklahoma State’s pitching staff working deep into counts.
Meanwhile, Arkansas starter Gabe Gaeckle delivered a steady outing in his first appearance of the season.
Gaeckle worked into the fifth inning, reaching his 75-pitch limit. He allowed four hits and two earned runs while striking out nine and walking one.
After Gaeckle exited, sophomore reliever Cole Gibler took over.
Pitching closes the door
Gibler provided dominant relief, throwing 3.2 hitless innings. He struck out six batters and allowed only one walk.
Combined, Razorback pitchers recorded 15 strikeouts and issued just two walks.
The control and swing-and-miss ability limited Oklahoma State’s chances after the fifth inning.
With the lead secure, the Hogs added insurance in the eighth.
With two outs, Maika Niu hit a three-run home run that pushed the score to 12-2.
The blast ended the game under the run-rule format used in the event.
The strong finish showed the Hogs’ depth at the plate and the ability to capitalize late.
After the strong start, Arkansas will face TCU in its second Shriners Children’s College Showdown game Saturday at 7 p.m. at Globe Life Field.
