Razorbacks Rally for Thrilling 6-5 Victory Over Oklahoma State

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Senior Courtney Day’s eighth-inning walk-off RBI single led the No. 3/4 Arkansas Razorbacks to a thrilling 6-5 comeback victory over Oklahoma State on Saturday at Bogle Park. With this win, Arkansas secured a spot in the NCAA Fayetteville Regional Final.

The Razorbacks faced a daunting 5-1 deficit entering the bottom of the sixth inning, but sparked a rally that showcased their resilience. Atalyia Rijo delivered a two-out solo home run, narrowing the gap to 5-2. Following this momentum shift, Arkansas pushed three runs across in the seventh to tie the game.

Day struck with a crucial RBI double that prompted a throwing error, allowing another run to score. Ella McDowell then tied the game, delivering an RBI double into the right-center field gap, sending the contest into extra innings.

In the eighth inning, Rijo reached first base with a single, and after a sacrifice bunt and two walks, Day came to the plate. Facing a 2-2 count, she connected with the ball, driving a single up the middle, which brought home Rijo and sealed the walk-off victory.

Rijo shone at the plate with a perfect 4-for-4 performance, including a home run, two runs scored, and an RBI, marking a new Arkansas NCAA Tournament single-game record. Day also contributed significantly with two hits and two RBI.

Pitcher Payton Burnham played a key role, pitching four scoreless innings in relief. She improved her season record to 15-2. Oklahoma State’s Ruby Meylan suffered the loss after allowing three runs in 5.1 innings.

Arkansas head coach Courtney Deifel praised her team’s grit, stating, “I am just so incredibly proud of this group. It is one of the most resilient and grittiest performances that we have had in my time here.” She emphasized the importance of believing in themselves during challenging moments.

The Razorbacks (42-12) look ahead to the NCAA Fayetteville Regional Final, set for 3 p.m. on Sunday. They will face the winner of the Oklahoma State and Indiana/Saint Louis matchup.