No. 4 Arkansas baseball kicked off its 2025 midweek slate emphatically, securing a dominant 14-3 mercy-rule victory over Grambling on Tuesday. The Razorbacks (7-1) flexed their offensive power, scoring in five of their six innings at the plate and putting the game out of reach with a six-run fifth inning.
First midweek game, first midweek DUB pic.twitter.com/OOlLXob0HY
— Arkansas Baseball (@RazorbackBSB) February 26, 2025
Arkansas’ bats came alive early and often, racking up runs throughout the game. The team’s biggest offensive explosion came in the bottom of the fifth inning when they sent 10 men to the plate and pushed across six runs. The highlight of the inning was back-to-back home runs from catcher Ryder Helfrick and center fielder Justin Thomas Jr., delivering a knockout blow to Grambling’s pitching staff.
Kuhio Aloy continued his scorching start to the season, delivering a perfect 4-for-4 performance at the plate. He recorded a double and drove in two runs, with all four of his hits exceeding 107 mph in exit velocity. Meanwhile, Rocco Peppi, who had just one hit entering the game, found his rhythm by going 2-for-3 and driving in four runs.
On the mound, right-hander Ben Bybee set the tone, earning his first win of the season. Bybee threw three solid innings, allowing just one run while striking out two. From there, the Razorbacks turned to their bullpen, with four different relievers—Colin Fisher, Aiden Jimenez, Steele Eaves, and Carson Wiggins—each pitching one inning to close out the game.
Eaves made his collegiate debut in the contest, collecting his first career strikeout in the process. The relief corps combined to allow two runs over four innings, striking out five while effectively shutting down any hopes of a Grambling comeback.
Let it Ryde pic.twitter.com/LfPcEFrNtJ
— Arkansas Baseball (@RazorbackBSB) February 25, 2025
Helfrick’s home run was his first of the season, capping a three-RBI night that raised his season slash line to .250/.400/.550 over eight games. Thomas Jr. also made an impact, improving his slash line to .300/.533/.550 with his strong offensive showing.
With the victory, Arkansas extends its early-season success and maintains momentum heading into a key weekend series. The Razorbacks’ 10-game homestand continues with a three-game set against Charlotte at Baum-Walker Stadium. First pitch for the series opener is scheduled for 3 p.m. on SEC Network+.
Arkansas will look to build on its offensive dominance and strong pitching performances as it prepares for a tough slate ahead. If Tuesday’s game was any indication, the Razorbacks are poised for another stellar season.
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