With Darius Acuff Jr. one of top players for Hogs this year, it’s not something anybody should be taking for granted looking at future.
Gaeckle’s strong start carries Hogs past Stetson 7-1 Friday
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas used a quick offensive start and steady pitching to take control early Friday afternoon and never really had to look back.
Gabe Gaeckle delivered six scoreless innings as the Razorbacks defeated Stetson 7-1 at Baum-Walker Stadium in the opening game of the weekend series.
The Hogs improved to 11-3 on the season while the Hatters dropped to 5-9.
Arkansas jumped ahead quickly thanks to an early burst at the plate. The Razorbacks scored four runs in the first inning to build immediate momentum.
That early advantage allowed Gaeckle to work comfortably from the mound as he kept Stetson hitters from building any rhythm.
The right-hander attacked the strike zone and limited damage throughout his outing while the Hogs offense continued to add pressure.
Arkansas also received contributions from several hitters throughout the lineup during the victory.
The Razorbacks finished the day with multiple players recording hits as they maintained control of the game.
Early offense gives Arkansas control
Arkansas created a big lead in the opening inning.
The Razorbacks sent several hitters to the plate and scored four runs to begin the game. Camden Kozeal, Kuhio Aloy, Maika Niu and TJ Pompey each drove in runs with base hits during the rally.
That early scoring burst gave the Hogs a comfortable lead and allowed Gaeckle to focus on attacking hitters.
The Arkansas starter turned in one of his strongest performances of the season.
Gaeckle worked six shutout innings while striking out six Stetson batters. The outing marked the first quality start of his career and matched the longest appearance he’s had on the mound.
The right-hander earned his second victory of the year with the effort.
Through three starts this season, the Razorbacks pitcher holds a 2-1 record with a 2.61 earned run average.
Gaeckle has recorded 27 strikeouts in 20.2 innings pitched while allowing seven total runs, including six earned runs.
Razorbacks add insurance late
Arkansas added more breathing room in the fifth inning.
The Razorbacks pushed across three runs during the frame to extend the lead to 7-0.
Carson Brumbaugh began the scoring with a sacrifice fly. Ryder Helfrick followed with an RBI single before Kozeal added another run-scoring hit.
Several Hogs hitters contributed strong performances at the plate.
Damian Ruiz finished 2-for-5 with a double during the victory.
Helfrick went 2-for-4 and added a walk along with his RBI.
Kozeal recorded two hits, including a double, and drove in two runs while raising his team-leading RBI total to 19.
Aloy also collected two hits, including a double, while drawing a walk and recording an RBI.
Bullpen secures series-opening win
Arkansas turned the game over to its bullpen after Gaeckle completed six innings.
Parker Coil worked one inning and allowed one run while striking out three hitters.
Mark Brissey followed with a scoreless inning before Jackson Kircher closed the game with an inning that included two strikeouts.
Brissey has been strong early in the season for the Hogs.
The freshman right-hander has thrown six innings across four appearances without allowing a run while surrendering only one hit and striking out nine.
The Razorbacks will continue the weekend series against Stetson on Saturday at Baum-Walker Stadium.
Hunter Dietz is expected to start on the mound for Arkansas in the second game of the series.
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 3-6-26
Tommy’s back! He fills us in on his trip to DC, we fill him on the news since his absence. Full slate of sports in Fayetteville and more!
Guests: The Fence Man and Paige Riley!
Razorbacks vs. Stetson opener requires radio as no TV broadcast set
Fans hoping to watch No. 6 Arkansas start its weekend series against Stetson will have to take a different route.
The opener won’t be on television, meaning supporters must follow the action the old-fashioned way through radio, streaming audio, or live updates.
The matchup at Baum-Walker Stadium still carries plenty of intrigue. Arkansas enters the weekend with momentum after recent wins and looks to keep building consistency as the season continues.
But unlike many games during the college baseball season, the Friday contest between the Razorbacks and Hatters won’t appear on SEC Network, SEC Network+, or any streaming television platform.
Instead, the primary way to follow the action will be through radio coverage and digital updates.
For longtime fans of the Hogs, that means a return to the classic experience of listening to the game unfold pitch by pitch.
No television broadcast for series opener
The biggest detail surrounding the opener is simple: there’s no television option.
That means fans who can’t attend in person will rely on audio broadcasts and online updates to track what happens between Arkansas and Stetson.
The Razorbacks Radio Network will carry the game, giving listeners a chance to hear every inning as Arkansas begins the series. Radio coverage remains one of the most consistent ways fans follow the program throughout the season.
Because there’s no TV broadcast, many followers will likely monitor the game through play-by-play updates online while listening to the radio call.
It’s a different experience from the modern norm, but it’s one college baseball fans have known for decades.
For some supporters, the format even adds a nostalgic touch.
Listening to the announcers describe each pitch, swing, and defensive play can make the game feel more personal for fans who can’t be at the ballpark.
Razorbacks aim to keep momentum
Even without a television audience, the matchup still matters as Arkansas continues its non-conference schedule.
The Razorbacks have built a strong early record and are trying to keep their rhythm going before conference play begins later in the season.
A solid weekend would help the Hogs continue building confidence and depth across the roster.
Stetson enters the series looking to challenge one of the top programs in college baseball. The Hatters arrive in Fayetteville hoping to compete against a ranked opponent on the road.
For Arkansas, the focus remains on execution and steady progress as the schedule moves forward.
The Razorbacks have shown offensive production early in the year while also working to refine pitching roles and defensive consistency.
Each weekend series provides another opportunity for the Hogs to sharpen those areas.
How to listen, follow Arkansas vs. Stetson
Even though the game isn’t on television, fans still have several ways to follow the action.
Game information
- Matchup: Arkansas vs. Stetson
- Location: Baum-Walker Stadium, Fayetteville
- Radio: Razorbacks Sports Network on ESPN Arkansas 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home. Fans can also listen online at HitThatLine.com.
- Online updates: Live stats and in-game coverage
Because there’s no video broadcast, many supporters will combine radio listening with online box scores or play-by-play updates to track the game.
That approach mirrors how college baseball was followed for many years before widespread streaming coverage.
The Razorbacks’ radio broadcast remains one of the most reliable ways to experience the game if fans aren’t in the stadium.
Old-school baseball experience
The lack of television coverage doesn’t change the stakes of the series opener.
Arkansas still has an opportunity to continue its strong start and build momentum heading deeper into the schedule.
For fans, it simply shifts how they’ll follow the game.
Instead of flipping on a television broadcast, fans will rely on radio calls, online updates, and postgame highlights.
It’s a reminder of how the sport was followed long before streaming became common.
And for one game at least, Razorbacks baseball will be experienced much the same way it once was through the voice of the radio broadcast and the imagination of listeners.
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