FAYETTEVILLE — The No. 3-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks (19-2, 2-1 SEC) continued their impressive season with a 4-1 victory over the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (12-7, 1-2 Summit League) in the first game of their two-game midweek series held at Baum-Walker Stadium on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. The Razorbacks are now off to a remarkable start, showcasing both their prowess in pitching and hitting.
In the opening game, Arkansas’ junior right-handed pitcher Ben Bybee delivered a standout performance. He pitched four innings with striking efficiency, retiring the final ten batters he faced and finishing the game with five strikeouts while allowing just one hit. Bybee's control improved significantly from his previous outing against Ole Miss, where he struggled in relief. "I’ve kind of been on the attack more and trying to throw more strikes," Bybee explained. His adjustment led to a much stronger performance, key to setting the tone for the game.
Arkansas entered this game on the heels of a successful series against No. 13-ranked Ole Miss, having bounced back from a 10-6 loss in the series opener to win the last two games 12-3 and 12-9. The Razorbacks had won 16 consecutive midweek games leading into this matchup, making their home-field advantage at Baum-Walker Stadium all the more potent. They boasted a perfect 15-0 record at home this season, further establishing their dominance.
The Golden Eagles, led by head coach Ryan Folmar, faced Arkansas following a less than stellar performance against North Dakota State, where they dropped the first two games of a weekend series before salvaging the third game. Despite their recent struggles, Oral Roberts remained undefeated in midweek matchups this season and looked to carry that momentum into the contest against the Razorbacks.
As the game unfolded, Arkansas scored first in the second inning when Charles Davalan singled to drive in Carson Boles, taking a 1-0 lead. The Golden Eagles tied the game at one run apiece in the fifth inning when Ethan Fender hit a single that allowed Jack Schark to cross home plate. However, the Razorbacks swiftly responded, regaining the lead. Kuhio Aloy’s single scored Davalan, and a sacrifice fly from Brent Iredale brought Wehiwa Aloy home, making it 3-1 in favor of Arkansas.
Despite Oral Roberts having base runners in every inning except the second, third, and fourth, they struggled to capitalize. They managed only three hits with runners in scoring position, sealing their fate against the strong pitching from the Razorbacks. Arkansas leveraged their pitching depth effectively with contributions from Cole Gibler, Parker Coil, and Christian Foutch, who earned his third save of the season during the final inning.
Arkansas’ dominance against Oral Roberts is reflected in their all-time series record of 72-35, with an impressive 41-14 tally in games played in Fayetteville. Under head coach Dave Van Horn, the Razorbacks boast a notable record of 18-6 against the Golden Eagles. Following their win on Tuesday, Arkansas continued to trend positively, boasting a 19-2 record, underlining their status as a formidable force in collegiate baseball.
Looking ahead, the teams were scheduled to play game two of the series on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 3 p.m. CDT. In this matchup, Arkansas would send sophomore left-hand pitcher Colin Fisher (2-0, 3.09 ERA) to the mound, while Oral Roberts would counter with right-hander Luke Puffinbarger, who had yet to allow a run this season.
The Razorbacks aim to extend their winning streak while Oral Roberts seeks to regain form against a strong adversary. The excitement continues as college baseball fans look forward to the next chapter in this two-game series, embodying the intense competition and rich history that defines this rivalry.
As the games unfold, the skies might have influenced play; Arkansas’ head coach noted how the windy conditions were a factor. With strong winds disrupting the flight of balls, it was imperative that pitchers remained accurate and hitters concentrated on producing runs. Both challenges only added to the stakes of the matchup, highlighting the unpredictable nature of baseball.
Players and fans alike are enthusiastically anticipating every pitch, every swing, and every moment as this midweek series carries the promise of thrilling action and competitive spirit typical of SEC baseball. Tuesday’s game not only showcased the Razorbacks’ past successes but also paved the way for an even brighter future as they gear up for the remainder of the season.
Overall, Arkansas’ victory over Oral Roberts was not just a win; it was a reflection of their consistently high performance, strategic pitching, and the unwavering support of their home crowd. As they look to maintain their home unbeaten streak and climb further up the rankings, the Razorbacks exemplify the heart and determination of collegiate athletics.
