FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas continued its postseason dominance at Baum-Walker Stadium, defeating the Creighton Bluejays 8-3 in the NCAA Fayetteville Regional final.
Arkansas (46-13, 20-10 SEC) secured a spot in the Super Regionals, showcasing both explosive offense and shutdown pitching that have defined their 2025 campaign.
The Razorbacks’ offense delivered another standout performance, launching four home runs against Creighton and bringing their weekend total to 10.
Logan Maxwell led the charge with two home runs in the game, marking the second time this season he’s achieved a multi-homer effort.
Freshman Ryder Helfrick continued his hot streak, homering for the third time in two games, while Justin Thomas Jr. added a three-run blast in the second inning.
Hogs coach Dave Van Horn’s message to his team before the game was simple — “Be patient.”
The Razorbacks followed through, showing discipline at the plate and ensuring every starter reached base for the second consecutive game.
Brent Iredale, despite not recording a hit, reached base twice after being hit by pitches.
This offensive outburst is part of a season-long power surge for Arkansas.
Earlier in the postseason, the Razorbacks set a new program record for home runs in a single season, surpassing the previous mark with their 110th homer in just 56 games.
The lineup’s consistent power has made Arkansas one of the most feared offenses in college baseball.
On the pitching side, junior Gage Wood delivered a career-defining performance.
Making his eighth start of the season, Wood struck out 13 Creighton batters over six innings, allowing just three runs on three hits and not issuing a single walk.
His fastball sat at 95-97 mph, but it was his overhand curveball that left Bluejay hitters off balance all night.
Wood’s 13 strikeouts were the most by an Arkansas pitcher in a regional since 2017, and his outing marked the longest of his career.
“The training wheels and restrictions were off,” noted the Arkansas staff, and Wood responded with a dominant effort.
He was relieved by Gabe Gaeckle, who combined with Wood for 20 strikeouts, the most for Arkansas in a postseason game since 2003.
Wood’s development this season has been notable. After two years as a reliable reliever, he transitioned into a starting role and has shown improved command.
His 56/8 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 2024 highlighted his growth, and scouts have taken notice of his mid-90s fastball and sharp breaking pitches.
The Razorbacks’ success is a testament to the balanced contributions throughout the lineup and pitching staff.
Over the regional weekend, four different players hit at least two home runs, and the team outscored opponents 26-7.
Arkansas also tied its single-season program record for home wins, notching its 34th victory at Baum-Walker Stadium this year.
Van Horn, now in his 23rd season, continues to build on his legacy as one of college baseball’s elite leaders.
Under his guidance, Arkansas has made 20 NCAA Tournament appearances, seven College World Series trips, and developed dozens of MLB draft picks.
Van Horn’s ability to keep his teams competitive year after year is a hallmark of the program’s sustained excellence.
The Razorbacks will host the Super Regionals at Baum-Walker Stadium for the sixth time in program history.
Maybe the best news of all for Hog fans came straight from Van Horn after getting to a Super Regional for the first time since 2022.
“We’re playing our best baseball when it matters most,” he said later. “The guys are locked in, and we’re excited for what’s next.”
