OMAHA, Neb. — History was made under the bright lights of Charles Schwab Field, as Arkansas right-hander Gage Wood delivered a performance for the ages, throwing the first no-hitter in the Men’s College World Series since 1960 to lead the Razorbacks to a 3-0 elimination game win over Murray State.
Wood’s dominance on the mound silenced the Racers’ offense and etched his name into the record books. The sophomore struck out a career-high 16 batters, walking none, and allowing just one baserunner—a hit-by-pitch in the eighth—to complete the nine-inning masterpiece.
A Pitching Clinic From the Start
Wood opened the game with purpose, striking out two in the first and quickly establishing his fastball command. He retired Murray State in order in the second, and by the end of the third, he had already punched out six.
After Arkansas took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third on a Charles Davalan RBI single, Wood responded by striking out the side in the bottom half. His presence on the mound only grew stronger as the innings passed.
Razorbacks Provide Just Enough Offense
Despite facing Murray State ace Isaac Silva, who held his own early with four strikeouts through three innings, the Razorbacks were able to tack on runs late. In the seventh, Wehiwa Aloy sparked a rally with an RBI double, and Will Maxwell followed with a run-scoring play, aided by a defensive miscue from the Racers. That two-run burst gave Arkansas a 3-0 cushion, which proved more than enough with Wood cruising.
Wood Stays Locked In
Wood continued to mow through the lineup, fanning two more in the eighth after losing his perfect game bid on a hit batter. Still, the no-hitter remained intact, and with the Razorbacks going down in order in the top of the ninth, all eyes turned back to Wood.
In the ninth, the right-hander calmly handled his final three outs, sealing the no-hitter—the first in Men’s College World Series play in 64 years—and sending Arkansas into the next round.
What’s Next
With the win, Arkansas advances to face the loser of UCLA and LSU on Tuesday. More importantly, the Razorbacks ride into that game with momentum and a newfound edge, thanks to Wood’s brilliant, historic outing.
Gage Wood now stands in rarefied air—his gem will be remembered not just for ending a decades-long drought in Omaha, but for keeping Arkansas’ championship hopes alive in spectacular fashion.
