Zach Root Blanks Texas Longhorns in Arkansas Razorbacks Win

Root was dominant from the first pitch, retiring the first six batters he faced and striking out the side in both the first and third innings. The junior southpaw worked a career-high eight innings, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out a personal-best 11. It was a performance that not only set the tone for the game but also highlighted Root’s ability to rise to the occasion on a national stage.

Reliever Will McEntire finished off the combined two-hit shutout with a scoreless ninth, adding three strikeouts of his own. The Razorbacks’ pitching staff held Texas to its lowest offensive output of the season. It was the first time all year that the Longhorns had been shut out and only the sixth loss overall for a team that entered the night riding a 10-game winning streak.

Offense Fires Early and Often

Arkansas jumped ahead in the second inning with a two-run homer from Carson Boles, his second of the season. The momentum carried into the third when Cam Kozeal launched a three-run shot to right-center field, extending the lead to 5-0. The Razorbacks added four more in the fourth, sparked by Justin Thomas Jr.’s RBI single and capped by Wehiwa Aloy’s two-run double and an RBI single from his brother, Kuhio Aloy.

In total, Arkansas scored nine runs over three innings, forcing Texas starter Ruger Riojas out of the game after just 3 2/3 innings. The loss was Riojas’ first since March 18 and ended his 8-0 run to start the season.

Eight of Arkansas’ nine starters recorded hits, showcasing the team’s offensive depth. Kozeal led the way with three RBIs, boosting his season slash line to .362/.409/.656. Wehiwa Aloy added two RBIs and improved his team-leading average to .369.

Another Milestone at Baum-Walker

With the win, Arkansas improved to 38-9 overall and 15-7 in SEC play. The Razorbacks are now 28-3 at home in 2025, marking their eighth consecutive season with at least 28 victories at Baum-Walker Stadium—an ongoing mark of dominance in Fayetteville.

Arkansas will look to clinch the series against Texas on Friday night. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. CT, with national coverage on SEC Network.