FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — TJ Pompey hit a walk-off solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give Arkansas a dramatic 5-4 victory over Mississippi State on Friday evening at Baum-Walker Stadium.
The scoring started early for the Razorbacks. In the bottom of the first inning, Zack Stewart brought home Damian Ruiz with an RBI groundout to give Arkansas a 1-0 lead. The Razorbacks extended their lead to 2-0 in the third inning when Camden Kozeal hit an RBI groundout to score Nolan Souza.
Mississippi State answered back to tie the game in the top of the fifth inning. Ace Reese delivered an RBI single to center field to score Jacob Parker, followed by a sacrifice fly from Reed Stallman that brought home Bryce Chance.
Arkansas quickly reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the fifth when Kuhio Aloy scored an unearned run on a fielder’s choice by Souza. Stewart then expanded the Razorbacks’ lead to 4-2 in the sixth inning with a solo home run to right field.
Down to their final outs in the top of the ninth, Mississippi State tied the game 4-4 when Ryder Woodson launched a clutch two-run home run to left-center, scoring pinch-hitter Drew Wyers. However, the momentum was short-lived. Pompey led off the bottom of the ninth for Arkansas and homered to right-center field off Mississippi State reliever Miller to end the game.
On the mound, Arkansas starter Gabe Gaeckle pitched 5.2 innings, allowing two runs on eight hits with four strikeouts. Reliever Gibler earned the win (2-0) after pitching the final 3.1 innings, allowing two runs on three hits with three strikeouts. For Mississippi State, starter McPherson took a no-decision despite a strong outing, striking out eight batters over 6.0 innings while allowing three earned runs on five hits. Miller was charged with the loss (1-2) after giving up the walk-off home run to the only batter he faced.
The game was played under beautiful weather conditions, featuring high 60s, sunny skies, and a 3 mph southeast wind. First pitch was at 6:03 p.m., the game lasted two hours and 50 minutes. Attendance was 10,464.
Due to potential inclement weather Sunday, the two teams will play a doubleheader Saturday beginning at 1 PM with the final game of the three game series to be played one hour after the conclusion of the first game.
Team Records:
- Mississippi State: 15-3 Overall, 0-1 SEC
- Arkansas: 13-5 Overall, 1-0 SEC
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