FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Even with the ups and downs of a season, Arkansas capped the 2025 regular season in style, clinching a crucial series win over No. 17 Tennessee with an 8-4 victory at Baum-Walker Stadium.
The win not only marked the Razorbacks’ sixth 20-win SEC season in program history but also secured the Razorbacks the No. 2 seed for the upcoming SEC Tournament in Hoover, Ala.
Helfrick’s grand slam ignites offense
Freshman catcher Ryder Helfrick emerged as the star of the afternoon, delivering a career-high five RBIs, highlighted by a grand slam in the third inning-his 10th home run of the season.
“It felt great to come through for my teammates in a big moment,” Helfrick said after the game. “We’ve worked all year for games like this, and I just wanted to do my part.”
Helfrick’s performance made him the sixth Razorback to reach double-digit home runs this season, a testament to the team’s deep lineup.
Aloy’s power and Arkansas’ home run record
Wehiwa Aloy continued his standout season with his team-leading 18th home run, a solo shot in the fourth inning that tied Arkansas’ single-season home run record at 109, matching the mark set in 2021.
Aloy’s two-hit effort raised his slash line to .358/.440/.677 with 18 homers and 58 RBIs, solidifying his status as one of the SEC’s top hitters.
Pitching depth shines in finale
Starter Gage Wood set the tone with three innings and seven strikeouts, while Landon Beidelschies bridged the middle innings.
But it was veteran right-hander Will McEntire who slammed the door, retiring all 11 batters he faced over 3.2 scoreless innings.
“We have a good mix of returners who know the culture and knows what is expected of them,” McEntire said earlier this season. “And then we got all these new guys who immediately bought into that culture. So I think we’re gonna be really good.”
McEntire’s four strikeouts brought his career total to 232, tying him with former Razorback Kevin Kopps for seventh all-time in program history.
Dave Van Horn’s legacy, tournament outlook
Under coach Dave Van Horn, Arkansas has become a perennial SEC and national contender. Van Horn, now in his 23rd season, has led the Razorbacks to seven College World Series appearances and continues to develop elite-level talent.
With the series win, Arkansas earned a bye to the SEC Tournament quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of Florida/South Carolina vs. Ole Miss on May 23.
The Razorbacks’ blend of power hitting, pitching depth, and veteran leadership positions them as a formidable threat heading into postseason play.
As McEntire put it, “The rotation this year is probably the strongest rotation I think is going to come out of this university”.
