FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas closed out their regular season in emphatic fashion, securing an 8-4 victory over the No. 17 Tennessee Volunteers at Baum-Walker Stadium on Saturday.
The win not only clinched the series for No. 8 Arkansas but also matched the program’s single-season home run record, setting the stage for a promising postseason run.
Ryder Helfrick’s Grand Slam Breaks Game Open
The turning point came in the third inning, when freshman catcher Ryder Helfrick delivered a towering grand slam-his 10th home run of the year-capping a five-run outburst that flipped a 2-1 deficit into a commanding 6-2 lead for the Razorbacks.
Helfrick’s performance was pivotal, as he drove in a career-high five runs and became the sixth Razorback to reach double-digit home runs this season, a first in the Dave Van Horn era.
“I just wanted to put a good swing on it and help the team. It’s awesome to be part of a group making history,” Helfrick said later.
Historic Power Surge for Arkansas
With two home runs in the finale-including Wehiwa Aloy’s team-leading 18th blast-the Razorbacks matched their single-season home run record of 109, previously set in 2021.
Aloy’s solo shot in the fourth inning extended Arkansas’s lead and highlighted his impressive season, raising his slash line to .358/.440/.677 with 58 RBI.
Pitching Shuts the Door
On the mound, Gage Wood started and struck out seven over three innings, while Landon Beidelschies and Will McEntire combined to keep Tennessee in check.
McEntire was especially dominant, retiring all 11 batters he faced in 3.2 innings of relief and earning his second save of the season.
His four strikeouts brought his career total to 232, tying him for seventh in program history.
“This group has shown heart all year,” Dave Van Horn said after the game. “To finish strong and set a home run record speaks to their work ethic and chemistry.”
Looking Ahead: SEC Tournament
With the win, Arkansas improved to 43-12 overall and 20-10 in SEC play, marking their third consecutive 20-win SEC season and earning the No. 2 seed in the upcoming SEC Tournament in Hoover, Ala.
The Razorbacks will have a double bye and play their first game on Friday.
As the postseason looms, Arkansas’s combination of power hitting and reliable pitching makes them a formidable contender.
The Razorbacks’ ability to perform in high-pressure moments, as demonstrated against Tennessee, will be crucial as they chase a deep run in the tournament.
