Arkansas Takes Game 2 in NCAA Super Regional Against Tennessee

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas baseball defeated Tennessee 4-3 in Game 2 of the NCAA Super Regional on Sunday afternoon, securing a spot in the College World Series.

The No. 3 Razorbacks, boasting a record of 46-13, opened the scoring early at Baum-Walker Stadium. Arkansas took the lead in the second inning when Cam Kozeal scored after a wild pitch, and Charles Davalan later hit a solo home run in the third, driving Justin Thomas Jr. home as well.

Tennessee struggled to get on the board until the fifth inning when Dean Curley connected on a two-run home run, giving the Vols their first hits of the day.

Arkansas answered back in the same inning when Ryder Helfrick launched a two-run shot to extend the lead to 4-2. The Vols managed to add one more run in the ninth inning when Andrew Fischer hit a solo home run, but it was not enough.

After the game, Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello expressed disappointment. “We battled hard and showed resilience, but we came up just short,” he said. “We need to learn from this and keep fighting.”

Marcus Phillips started on the mound for Tennessee, allowing eight hits and two walks while striking out five batters in 5.1 innings of work.

The Razorbacks’ Zach Root, who pitched six innings and struck out three batters, earned the win. With this victory, Arkansas heads to the College World Series, aiming for their first championship title.

Follow along with updates from The Daily Beacon as the baseball season continues to unfold.