Arkansas Holds Off Missouri State in Thrilling 10-Inning Showdown

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — In a nail-biting encounter at Baum-Walker Stadium, the Arkansas Razorbacks edged out the Missouri State Bears 14-13 in a dramatic 10-inning thriller on March 25, 2025. The game showcased a powerful performance from both offenses, culminating in a home run that sparked the final inning.

Missouri State entered the 10th inning trailing by one run but quickly turned the tables. Nick Rodriguez opened the inning with a stunning 375-foot home run to left field off Arkansas pitcher Tate McGuire, marking their third leadoff homer of the night. This crucial play shifted the momentum in favor of the Bears, who regained the lead with a score of 14-13.

“It felt great to hit that homer when the team really needed it,” Rodriguez said post-game. “We fought hard all night, and I’m just glad I could contribute to the win.”

McGuire, however, managed to escape further trouble by striking out Jackson Holmes and working around a two-out walk to Max Knight, wrapping up the inning and keeping the Razorbacks in the hunt with a slim margin.

For the Razorbacks, the game started strong, with Justin Thomas, Kuhio Aloy, and Cam Kozeal all making key contributions at the plate. The home crowd of 9,367 was lively throughout the evening, rallying behind the potent offensive display of their team, which is known for a high-scoring style under head coach Dave Van Horn.

Arkansas had previously swept a weekend series against South Carolina, culminating in their recent win against Missouri State. The victory marks a significant point in the Razorbacks’ season as they aim for a strong postseason showing. Van Horn reflected on his team’s capabilities: “We have one of the best offensive units in the country, and it’s showing in our gameplay. We can keep fighting back, and tonight was proof of that.”

The high-scoring game had fans on the edge of their seats from the first pitch. After six total home runs were hit throughout the game, both teams demonstrated fierce competition and resilience. The final tally included a combined 27 hits with the Razorbacks scoring 14 runs and the Bears posting 13, both teams connecting for three home runs each during the contest.

The Bears made their mark early, with several offensive highlights, including a double by J. McCutcheon that resulted in two RBIs and helped build momentum in the third inning. Notably, Max Knight’s pitching helped solidify the Bears’ late lead despite the fierce comeback from Arkansas.

As the game concluded, the victory furthers Arkansas’ aim for a strong season, as they showcase both their offensive prowess and defensive resilience. Next up, the Razorbacks will look to maintain their winning streak as they prepare for upcoming matchups.