Omaha, Nebraska – In a truly unforgettable spectacle at Charles Schwab Field, the Arkansas Razorbacks refused to let their College World Series hopes flicker, extinguishing the remarkable Cinderella run of the Murray State Racers with a commanding 3-0 victory. This elimination game, played under the intense Omaha sun on Monday, June 16, 2025, wasn’t just another win for the Hogs; it was a monumental moment etched forever into the annals of college baseball history, thanks to the heroic arm of junior right-hander Gage Wood.
From the first pitch, it was clear that something special was brewing. Wood, a highly-touted MLB Draft prospect for 2025, was in a zone rarely seen on college baseball’s grandest stage. With pinpoint control and a blazing fastball consistently hitting 97-98 mph, the Batesville, Arkansas native systematically dismantled the high-flying Murray State offense, delivering a College World Series no-hitter – only the third in the event’s illustrious 79-year history, and the first since 1960.
The sheer dominance displayed by Wood was staggering. He wasn’t just unhittable; he was nearly perfect. For seven electrifying innings, the Racers’ bats found no answer, as Wood retired the first 21 batters he faced. The perfect game bid, which had fans on the edge of their seats, was finally broken in the bottom of the eighth when Wood hit Dom Decker with a breaking ball. Yet, the no-hitter remained intact, a testament to his unwavering composure and mastery on the mound.
The statistical marvels continued to pile up for Wood. He obliterated the existing College World Series record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game, fanning an astonishing 19 Murray State batters. This incredible feat also set a new program record for Arkansas, surpassing the previous mark. Every swing and miss, every punchout, added to the growing legend of his performance, silencing the vibrant Murray State faithful who had traveled far to support their underdog heroes.
While Wood was busy authoring history, the Razorbacks’ offense provided just enough support to secure the crucial victory. After a couple of quiet innings, Arkansas broke the deadlock in the third. A leadoff double by Reese Robinett set the table, and Charles Davalan capitalized with an RBI single, driving home the game’s first run. The Hogs added a pair of crucial insurance runs in the seventh. Leadoff singles from Justin Thomas Jr. and Davalan put runners on the corners, and SEC Player of the Year Wehiwa Aloy delivered a clutch double down the left-field line to extend the lead. An error by the Murray State outfielder further padded the score, giving Arkansas a comfortable 3-0 cushion – more than enough for a pitcher in Wood’s form.
For Murray State, this loss marked the end of an extraordinary journey. As a No. 4 regional seed, the Racers had defied all expectations, showcasing remarkable resilience and talent to reach their first-ever College World Series. Their 2025 season will be remembered as a program-defining year, boasting a record 44 wins and an unforgettable run to Omaha. While the no-hitter was a bitter pill to swallow, the Racers’ performance throughout the tournament captivated fans and put Murray State baseball firmly on the national map.
Arkansas, a perennial College World Series contender with 12 appearances and two runner-up finishes (1979, 2018), now breathes new life into their Omaha campaign. With Gage Wood’s historic performance as a catalyst, the Hogs will carry immense momentum into their next elimination game. The path to the national championship is still arduous, but with pitching like this, anything is possible for the proud Razorback program. The 2025 College World Series continues to deliver unforgettable moments, and Gage Wood’s no-hitter against the valiant Murray State Racers will undoubtedly be among its most cherished memories.
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