FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — For two consecutive years, Arkansas baseball has been haunted by a single-elimination game in their regional—a cloud that loomed over the program, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of players and fans alike. In past seasons, the Razorbacks’ biggest names faltered under pressure, including infielder Wehiwa Aloy, who managed only two singles during last year’s narrow 7-6 defeat to Kansas State.
Even elite pitcher Hagen Smith, who had put together a standout career, wasn’t immune to postseason struggles, giving up six costly runs in that loss.
But this year, everything changed.
Arkansas opened its regional play with a commanding 12-1 victory over Creighton, a game that felt like more than just a win—it was a long-awaited statement. The players seemed to exorcise the ghosts of past failures, not only for themselves but for their supporters who had endured years of postseason letdowns. For the first time in a while, the Razorbacks looked like the dominant force their roster suggested they could be.
Aloy, now firmly back in form and hitting second in the lineup, blasted two home runs, making history as one of only seven Razorbacks ever to hit 20 home runs in a single season. His resurgence came at just the right time, giving Arkansas the spark it had missed in recent years.
On the mound, left-hander Zach Root, one of the most sought-after pitchers in the transfer portal this year, delivered a gem. Over six innings, he didn’t allow a single Creighton baserunner to reach third base. His approach was strategic and deliberate.
“We saw last night that Creighton hitters did damage when pitchers got predictable,” Root said. “The key was to keep mixing pitches and locations, and to make sure they couldn’t settle in.”
The offensive fireworks didn’t stop with Aloy. Freshman catcher Ryder Helfrick, the highest-rated recruit to make it to campus from Arkansas’ loaded 2023 class, joined the slugfest by adding two homers of his own. Batting cleanup, Helfrick showcased both power and poise beyond his years.
Unlike other sports where star performances often determine the outcome, baseball allows for more variability. A team can win even if its top players don’t deliver. But in Friday’s contest, Arkansas had no such issue—its biggest names came up big.
Head coach Dave Van Horn noted the mindset shift among his players.
“There was a calm intensity today,” Van Horn said. “They were relaxed but focused. I didn’t need to say much—they knew what was at stake and took care of business.”
Aloy’s return to form couldn’t have been better timed. After going through a rough patch—just five hits in 28 at-bats over the last three weeks, largely due to Arkansas’ limited play in the SEC Tournament—he delivered exactly the kind of performance the team had long been hoping for.
“We just want to compete and do what we can to help the team win,” Aloy said postgame. “It’s not over yet. We’ve still got one more to go. But yeah, this was fun.”
Despite building a 4-0 lead early, some fans among the 10,115 in attendance remained cautious. The team had left eight runners stranded in the first four innings, and given recent history, skepticism was understandable.
And those fans had good reason to be wary. Just earlier, they had watched Creighton explode for seven runs to upset Kansas. The Bluejays clearly had the offensive firepower to swing a game quickly.
So when Aloy sent his second homer soaring over the fence, it wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a moment of collective release. The frustration and tension of the last two years seemed to lift, if only for a moment.
Helfrick added to the celebration in the very next inning, leading off with a solo shot that put the game out of reach and applied the finishing touch.
Aloy’s reemergence and strong performance at the top of the lineup come as the stakes continue to climb. While this win was cathartic, Arkansas still needs one more victory to advance out of the regional. Their next opponent—either Creighton again or North Dakota State—will face them in the final, and the Razorbacks will have two chances to secure their ticket to the Super Regionals.
There are many ways to navigate the unpredictable road to Omaha, but having your top three players—Aloy, Helfrick, and Root—carry the team is undoubtedly the most straightforward route. These are the moments when stars have to shine, and on Friday night, that’s exactly what happened.
As for Root, he emphasized the importance of maintaining perspective amid rising pressure.
“Just don’t let it get bigger than it is,” Root said. “Of course it means a lot, but at the end of the day, it’s just another game. You’ve got to treat it that way and stay mentally sharp.”
The regional tournament continues with a 2 p.m. matchup between North Dakota State and Creighton, with the winner advancing to face Arkansas later that evening at 8 p.m. Both games will be streamed live on ESPN+.
While Razorback fans are no strangers to heartbreak in recent years, Friday’s dominant performance offered something rare: a glimpse of everything coming together. From the mound to the plate, Arkansas finally looked like the contender it’s been built to be.
Now, with one more win between them and the Super Regionals, the Razorbacks are in control of their destiny. And this time, the stars have aligned.
