Arkansas Razorbacks Keep Championship Hopes Alive with 7-3 Victory Over UCLA in College World Series Elimination Round

OMAHA, Neb. — The Arkansas Razorbacks, affectionately known as the “OmaHogs,” managed to keep their hopes alive in the 2025 Men’s College World Series following a solid 7-3 victory over the No. 15 UCLA Bruins. This win comes in an elimination round, showcasing the tenacity and skill of the Hogs, who are currently ranked No. 3.

Key to the game was Arkansas’ standout player and SEC Player of the Year, Wehiwa Aloy, who recorded three RBIs. The action began when Razorbacks’ starting pitcher, Zach Root, got out of a tough situation with bases loaded in the first inning. Aloy quickly shifted the momentum for the Razorbacks by smashing a two-run homer to right field.

Root, who previously struggled against LSU in the opening round, redeemed himself by pitching a solid 5.0 innings. He managed to give up just three hits while striking out five batters, showing great improvement. Reliever Aidan Jimenez carried on the strong pitching display, striking out two batters while allowing only one hit.

The Hogs maintained a narrow lead until Aloy knocked in another run with an impressive **RBI triple** to deep center field in the fifth inning, scoring third baseman Brent Iredale. In a decisive seventh inning, Arkansas extended their lead when two Razorbacks were walked, including Aloy, who was intentionally walked. Right fielder Logan Maxwell stepped up to the plate and hit a two-RBI double to deep left-center, pushing the score to 5-0.

Further adding to UCLA’s woes, the Razorbacks didn’t stop there. In the eighth inning, second baseman Cam Kozeal walked, advanced on a passed ball, and stole home. Iredale later walked, allowing center fielder Justin Thomas Jr. to hit an RBI double to left. In total, Arkansas finished the game with 10 hits, while UCLA only managed six. Despite the Hogs nearly pitching a shutout, UCLA scored three runs in the ninth, attempting a late-game rally.

Next for the Razorbacks is a rematch against the No. 3 LSU Tigers on Wednesday at 6 p.m. on ESPN. If the Hogs win, they will face LSU one last time on Thursday, with the network and time still to be confirmed.