In a dominant performance on Friday afternoon at Baum-Walker Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the Razorbacks relied on strong pitching and timely hitting to defeat North Dakota State 6-2 in the opening game of the NCAA Fayetteville Regional. Arkansas, now boasting a 44-13 record, was propelled by a standout relief outing from Parker Coil and a four-RBI performance by second baseman Cam Kozeal. With this victory, the Razorbacks, the No. 3 national seed, secured their 10th consecutive win in a regional opener and earned a spot in the winners bracket.
The Razorbacks are scheduled to play again on Saturday, May 31, at 7 p.m. against Creighton, the No. 3 seed in the Fayetteville Regional. Creighton, which entered the game with a 42-14 record, advanced by defeating Kansas 11-4 in the second game on Friday. Kansas fell to 43-16 on the season after the loss.
The game between Arkansas and North Dakota State began with a spark from the underdog Bison. North Dakota State, holding a 20-33 record entering the contest, struck first in the top of the first inning. They managed to push a run across with a two-out RBI against Arkansas starting pitcher Aiden Jimenez. Jimenez, a freshman right-hander, pitched 3.2 innings, giving up two runs while striking out three in a solid regional debut.
Arkansas, however, responded quickly in the bottom half of the first inning. Logan Maxwell drove in the tying run with a sacrifice fly to left field. Then, with two outs, Kozeal came through with a go-ahead single through the right side, giving the Razorbacks a 2-1 lead. North Dakota State answered right back in the top of the second inning with a solo home run, evening the score at 2-2.
But the Razorbacks would not let the game stay tied for long. In the bottom of the second inning, shortstop Wehiwa Aloy lifted a sacrifice fly to left field, bringing in another run and reclaiming the lead for Arkansas, 3-2. That RBI was Aloy’s 59th of the season, further cementing his status as a key contributor to the team’s offensive success.
After retaking the lead, Arkansas’s pitching staff held North Dakota State scoreless for the remainder of the game. The bullpen played a vital role in maintaining control. Parker Coil entered the game in relief of Jimenez with two outs in the fourth inning and proceeded to dominate. The left-hander threw 3.1 scoreless innings, striking out four batters and earning the win, which brought his record to 3-0 on the season.
To close the game, Arkansas turned to another left-handed pitcher, Landon Beidelschies. He was equally effective, pitching the final two innings and striking out four batters without allowing a run. The Razorback bullpen combined for 5.1 shutout innings, playing a crucial role in securing the win and preserving Arkansas’s momentum heading into the next round of regional play.
While the pitching was excellent, Arkansas’s offense continued to capitalize on opportunities. In the third inning, Kozeal delivered again with an RBI double, extending the Razorbacks’ lead to 4-2. Then, in the fifth inning, he launched a two-run home run with two outs, effectively putting the game out of reach and bringing the score to 6-2. Kozeal ended the day with a game-high three hits and four RBIs, showcasing his importance to the Razorback offense.
His performance also boosted his season statistics. After Friday’s game, Kozeal’s batting average rose to .343, with a slugging percentage of .632 and an on-base percentage of .391. His 14 home runs and 60 RBIs both rank second on the team, highlighting his ability to produce in key moments.
Kozeal wasn’t the only Razorback to have a strong day at the plate. Charles Davalan and Ryder Helfrick each collected two hits in the win, helping Arkansas rack up 10 hits in total. Helfrick and Davalan both went 2-for-4, contributing to Arkansas’s offensive depth and helping apply pressure on the Bison pitching staff throughout the game.
Wehiwa Aloy also continued his impressive season. His sacrifice fly in the second inning gave him 59 RBIs on the year, and he added his team-leading 18th double later in the game. Aloy’s season slash line now stands at an impressive .353 batting average, .434 on-base percentage, and .668 slugging percentage. His power, consistency, and ability to drive in runs have made him one of the Razorbacks’ most valuable players in 2024.
The victory over North Dakota State extends Arkansas’s streak of dominance in regional openers and reaffirms their status as a top contender in the NCAA tournament. As the No. 3 national seed, the Razorbacks are aiming to advance beyond the Fayetteville Regional and make a deep postseason run. With a combination of stellar pitching, power hitting, and consistent run production, Arkansas appears well-positioned to do just that.
Looking ahead, Arkansas’s next test will come against Creighton, a team that looked strong in its win over Kansas. The matchup between the Razorbacks and the Bluejays promises to be a competitive battle, as both teams aim to move one step closer to advancing in the NCAA tournament. Arkansas will likely rely again on its deep pitching staff and power bats, including Kozeal and Aloy, to maintain their winning form.
In summary, Arkansas’s 6-2 win over North Dakota State in the NCAA Regional opener was a complete team effort. The Razorbacks overcame an early deficit, used strong pitching performances from Coil and Beidelschies, and relied on timely hits from Kozeal, who drove in four of the team’s six runs. The Razorbacks are now focused on their next challenge, hoping to keep their postseason momentum alive and continue their journey toward Omaha and the College World Series.
