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Razorback Fans Will Struggle Managing Whopping Loss to Arkansas State

Red Wolves stunned the Razorbacks in a decisive midweek win, marking the first loss ever to the in-state foe.
Andy Hodges|
Razorbacks' Zack Stewart against Arkansas State.
Razorbacks' Zack Stewart against Arkansas State. | Arkansas Communications

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Arkansas RazorbacksArkansas State Red Wolves

The streak is over, and it didn’t end quietly.

Arkansas walked into its midweek matchup expecting business as usual. Instead, the Razorbacks walked off with a result that will stick around for a while.

It probably got the fans' attention, too. They start every season expecting to go undefeated. Nobody expects to lose to the school over in Jonesboro.

Arkansas State got its first-ever victory in the series, beating the Hogs in decisive fashion at Baum-Walker Stadium. Losing to the Red Wolves is one thing, but getting slapped around there by ASU won't make folks happy

It wasn’t just a loss. It was a history-making night for the Red Wolves and a reminder that midweek games can get uncomfortable fast.

For years, the Razorbacks had handled Arkansas State without much drama. That changed in a hurry.

Arkansas State jumped on pitching early and didn’t let up. The Red Wolves built a lead that kept growing, putting pressure on the Hogs from the first innings on.

By the time the final out was recorded, they did something no Arkansas State team had done before — leave Fayetteville with a win.

The Razorbacks tried to settle things down, but the early damage set the tone.

Midweek games often test depth, and this one showed that clearly. Arkansas State looked sharp from the start, while the Hogs searched for answers.

The crowd at Baum-Walker Stadium saw momentum swing quickly. Once Arkansas State grabbed control, it rarely loosened its grip.

The Razorbacks were left trying to reset inning by inning, but the early deficit proved stubborn.

Early Trouble Indicator of Problems

The Hogs went to the mound looking to piece together innings in the midweek contest, but Arkansas State’s lineup came ready.

The Red Wolves strung together hits and took advantage of chances with runners on base.

Arkansas couldn’t slow the momentum. Walks and timely hits turned into runs, and the gap widened before the Razorbacks found any rhythm.

It’s the kind of script that can sneak up on a ranked team. Midweek games often bring different lineups and pitchers, and Arkansas State made the most of its opportunity.

Meanwhile, the Razorbacks struggled to match that energy at the plate.

Arkansas had moments where it looked ready to respond. A base hit here. A runner in scoring position there. But the big swing never came.

The Hogs couldn’t stack together the kind of rally that changes the feel of a game.

The Red Wolves’ pitching staff kept Arkansas off balance. Hitters put balls in play, but not enough found open grass. When the Razorbacks did reach base, Arkansas State found ways to escape.

Innings that could’ve shifted momentum instead ended with stranded runners. That pattern repeated itself.

As the game moved into the middle innings, the score told a clear story. Arkansas State was in control.

Historic Result for Red Wolves

For Arkansas, the frustration showed. A team that’s used to dictating tempo found itself reacting instead.

The Razorbacks continued to cycle arms on the mound, trying to stop the bleeding. But the Red Wolves didn’t ease up. They added insurance and kept pressure on every inning.

When the final outs were recorded, Arkansas State had secured its first victory ever against Arkansas in baseball.

For the Red Wolves, it was a milestone moment. For the Hogs, it was a reminder that past results don’t carry into the next game.

The Razorbacks had owned the series historically. That long stretch of dominance is now marked by this result.

Arkansas will look at missed chances — both on the mound and at the plate. The Razorbacks didn’t execute in key spots, and against a motivated in-state opponent, that margin matters.

There’s still plenty of season left. One midweek loss won’t define Arkansas baseball. But it will be remembered because of what it represents.

Arkansas State came in hungry. The Hogs didn’t have enough answers.

The Razorbacks now turn their focus forward, knowing conference play and weekend series carry heavier weight. Still, this result adds a layer of urgency.

Midweek games are often about depth, development and finding rhythm. On this night, Arkansas State found more of it.

The Hogs will regroup. That’s what veteran programs do. But the record book now includes a first.

Arkansas State, one win over Arkansas. And it came in Fayetteville.

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Andy Hodges
ANDY HODGES

Sports columnist, writer, former radio host and television host who has been expressing an opinion on sports in the media for over four decades. He has been at numerous media stops in Arkansas, Texas and Mississippi.

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