Arkansas Baseball Wins Opener 12-2 Over Oklahoma State at Shriners Showdown

Razorbacks Dominate Oklahoma State in Season Opener

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Arkansas Razorbacks began their 2026 baseball season with a decisive 12-2 victory over Oklahoma State Friday night at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers. The game, part of the Shriners Children’s College Showdown, saw a dominant offensive performance from the Razorbacks, highlighted by a stellar night from junior catcher Ryder Helfrick.

Helfrick wasted no time making an impact, launching a two-run home run on the very first pitch he saw, sending the ball 428 feet into the left-field stands. This gave Arkansas an early 2-0 lead. He wasn’t finished there, adding another home run in the third inning, a 432-foot line drive to center field, extending the Razorbacks’ advantage to 3-0.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys attempted to rally, cutting the Arkansas lead to 3-2 with a two-run home run in the fifth inning. However, the Razorbacks quickly responded, scoring three runs in the same inning to regain control. The inning included a walk for Camden Kozeal, an infield single from Maika Niu, and a single to right field from Kuhio Aloy.

Arkansas continued to build their lead in the seventh inning, adding three more runs thanks to a two-run home run from Kozeal and a sacrifice fly from TJ Pompey, scoring Aloy. The scoring was capped off in the eighth inning when Niu hit a three-run home run to right field, triggering the mercy rule and ending the game.

On the mound, Arkansas right-handed pitcher Gabe Gaeckle impressed in his season debut, striking out nine batters across 4⅓ innings. He allowed two runs, one of which was earned. Cole Gibler relieved Gaeckle and completed the game, pitching 3⅔ scoreless innings and adding six strikeouts of his own. Gibler stranded a runner at second base when he entered the game in the fifth.

The Razorbacks’ offense was potent throughout the night, with eight players recording hits. Nolan Souza and Helfrick each had two hits, while Niu, Aloy, and Pompey also contributed with multiple hits. Arkansas finished the game with 13 hits overall.

Oklahoma State struggled to contain the Arkansas offense, and their pitching staff faced constant pressure. The Razorbacks’ ability to capitalize on opportunities and string together hits proved to be the difference in the game.

Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly the contributions of veteran players like Helfrick, Aloy, and Kozeal. He had previously stated his desire for these players to lead the team early in the season, and they delivered on Friday night.

The Razorbacks will continue their participation in the Shriners Children’s College Showdown on Saturday, February 14, facing TCU. Oklahoma State will look to bounce back against Oklahoma in a Bedlam matchup also taking place at Globe Life Field.