Hogs’ Pitching Falters in Series-Opening Loss against Gators
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – No. 4 Arkansas (19-8, 4-3 SEC) could not overcome its struggles on the mound in its 9-4 series-opening loss against Florida (21-6, 4-3 SEC) Friday at Baum-Walker Stadium on Norm DeBriyn Legends Weekend.
The Hogs, who wore throwback uniforms and caps Friday night in recognition of the legendary former Razorback head coach’s induction into the College Baseball Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class, will look to even the weekend series against the Gators at a game apiece tomorrow. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28, on SEC Network+.
Florida tagged Arkansas starter Gabe Gaeckle for three runs on one hit and four walks in 1.1 innings of work to take an early lead. In relief of Gaeckle, Cole Gibler emerged from the bullpen in the top of the second inning and fired a career-long 4.2 frames of two-run ball with three walks and five strikeouts to keep the Razorbacks in the ballgame.
The Razorbacks had Gator starter Liam Peterson, who worked four scoreless innings with six walks and seven strikeouts, on the ropes multiple times but were unable to capitalize until his night was done. Trailing 4-0 in the bottom of the fifth, Ryder Helfrick launched a two-run home run against relief pitcher Ernesto Lugo-Canchola to bring Arkansas within two.
A two-run home run in the top of the seventh re-extended Florida’s advantage to four, but consecutive two-out RBI doubles by Carter Rutenbar and Reese Robinett in the bottom of the eighth brought Arkansas back within two runs.
The Gators, however, put the game away for good in the top of the ninth inning with a three-spot to open a 9-4 lead. Ultimately, Florida capitalized on two hit batsmen and a season-high 10 free passes issued the Arkansas pitching staff.
Offensively, Maika Niu (2-for-3, 2B, BB) was the lone Razorback with multiple hits, carding his team-leading 13th such game of the season. Helfrick, who went 1-for-3 with a home run, two RBI and two walks, extended his team-leading reached base streak to 26 games and raised his season slash line to .310/.488/.598 with seven home runs and 21 RBI.
Left-hander Hunter Dietz (2-2, 3.86 ERA) will take the mound for Arkansas tomorrow and go up against Florida right-hander Aidan King (3-2, 1.27 ERA). The Razorbacks, who have won two consecutive series against Florida at Baum-Walker Stadium (2021 and 2024), have not lost a home weekend series to the Gators since the 2016 campaign.
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