FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas delivered a crucial 8-6 victory over the Tennessee Volunteers on Friday night at Baum-Walker Stadium.
It evened a high-stakes SEC baseball series and secured a top-four seed in the upcoming conference tournament. This was a big win in a season of ups and downs.
With the win, No. 8 Arkansas (42-12, 19-10 SEC) not only bounced back from a series-opening loss but also ensured a bye into the SEC Tournament quarterfinals, setting the stage for a dramatic regular-season finale.
Razorbacks’ offense gets hot against Vols’ top pitcher
Facing Tennessee’s ace Liam Doyle — considered a frontrunner for SEC Pitcher of the Year — the Razorbacks unleashed a relentless attack, scoring eight runs on 11 hits and three home runs.
Doyle, who entered the game with a 2.17 ERA and a .145 opponent batting average, was tagged for a season-high in both hits and runs, lasting just 4.2 innings despite recording 10 strikeouts.
The Hogs struck early, with Brent Iredale launching his 13th home run of the season in the second inning to put the Razorbacks ahead.
“We knew we had to be aggressive early against Doyle, and our guys delivered,” Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said later.
Ryder Helfrick and Logan Maxwell added solo shots in the third and fourth innings, respectively, helping Arkansas build a cushion.
Bullpen delivers under pressure
After starter Aiden Jimenez allowed four runs in 2.1 innings, the Razorbacks’ bullpen took over.
Cole Gibler was especially effective, tossing 3.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts to stabilize the game and earn his second win of the year.
Christian Foutch closed out the final two innings for his fourth save, locking down the victory despite a late Tennessee rally.
Tennessee’s missed opportunities
Tennessee (41-14, 16-13 SEC) continued to show offensive firepower, tallying 14 hits, but left 10 runners on base-a factor that proved costly.
“We had chances, but couldn’t get the big hit when we needed it,” said Tennessee coach Tony Vitello.
Cannon Peebles led the Vols with three RBIs, while Levi Clark’s two-run homer in the seventh cut the deficit to two. Tennessee brought the tying run to the plate in both the eighth and ninth innings, but Arkansas’ defense and bullpen held firm.
Postseason implications and series finale
With the series now tied 1-1, both teams have much at stake in Saturday’s finale. The Hogs can clinch their sixth 20-win SEC season in program history with a victory.
Tennessee needs a win to bolster its NCAA Regional hosting hopes. The series wraps up Saturday at 2 p.m. at Baum-Walker Stadium, broadcast on SEC Network.
Key Performances
Charles Davalan: 3 hits, 1 RBI (Arkansas)
Brent Iredale: 2 hits, 2 RBIs, home run (Arkansas)
Cannon Peebles: 2 hits, 3 RBIs (Tennessee)
Levi Clark: 2-run home run (Tennessee)
Cole Gibler: 3.1 scoreless innings in relief (Arkansas)
