FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The #1 ranked Razorbacks began their quest for their 7th SEC championship since 2021 with an 8-0 win over rival Missouri Friday at Baum-Walker Stadium.
The Diamond Hogs entered the latest chapter in the Battle Line Rivalry with a 14-2 record and history on their side as they have won the last six SEC opening weekend series at Baum-Walker and are 11-4 against Mizzou when playing in Fayetteville.
Ace Hagen Smith took the mound for Arkansas and save for his first outing of the season, continued to put together the All-American campaign that was promised by the media in the offseason. With his 6 scoreless inning, 10 strikeout performance he moved into fifth all-time in program history with 249, passing Blaine Knight's 244.
Across his 23 innings pitched this season, Smith now holds a 1.57 ERA has allowed just four runs and has struck out 50 batters.
The offense also came alive in the SEC opener led by a two homerun performance by Nolan Souza.
Game two against the Tigers will get under way Saturday, March 16 at 2:00 P.M. with game three starting Sunday, March 17 at 2:00 P.M.