Arkansas eliminated by LSU in CWS semifinals

OMAHA, Neb. – The Arkansas Razorbacks dropped a heartbreaker on Wednesday night inside Charles Schwab Field, losing to LSU, 6-5, to be eliminated in the semifinals of the College World Series.

A dramatic, back-and-forth affair unfolded as the Hogs and Tigers battled with five lead changes throughout the game, including three in the final two innings. However, it was LSU that secured the final lead change with three runs in the bottom of the ninth after Arkansas had reclaimed the lead in the top of the frame.

A Jared Jones solo home run tied the game 3-3 in the bottom of the eighth after the Razorbacks had clawed the lead back in the top of the eighth to take a 3-2 advantage. Arkansas again answered in the top of the ninth to reclaim the lead. Reese Robinett’s one-out single started the rally and was immediately followed by a Brent Iredale double into the left-center field gap to put two runners in scoring position for Justin Thomas Jr. The Hogs’ hottest hitter in Omaha delivered again, ripping a two-run single through the left side on the first pitch for a two-run Arkansas lead.

Freshman Cole Gibler struck out pinch hitter John Pearson to open the bottom of the ninth but trouble quickly found the Hogs when leadoff hitter Derek Curiel sent a ground ball to the right side of the infield. First baseman Reese Robinett ranged to his right to field the ball but his throw to Gibler covering first sailed wide to allow Curiel to advance to second. A walk to Ethan Frey put two Tigers aboard but a ground ball to Wehiwa Aloy produced the second out of the inning when he threw out Curiel advancing to third base. LSU tied the game on a two-run double from Luis Hernandez when left fielder Charles Davalan slipped in the outfield. Jones then ended the game with a single into center field off the outstretched glove of Cam Kozeal.

Thomas Jr. and Logan Maxwell led the Razorbacks with two hits each as seven Hogs recorded hits on the night. Ryder Helfrick drove in two runs, including a solo home run in the fourth inning.

Landon Beidelschies was impressive over five-plus innings, striking out nine and allowing two runs on three hits with just one walk. Gabe Gaeckle was once again impressive in relief over three innings. The sophomore scattered four hits and gave up one run with four punch outs.

Arkansas ends the season 50-15 after the program’s 12th trip to the College World Series.