Arkansas Baseball Edges Arkansas State in Opener

Maika Niu's solo home run in the 1st inning gives the Razorbacks a 1-0 win over the Red Wolves.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

The Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team defeated the Arkansas State Red Wolves 1-0 in their opening game at Baum-Walker Stadium. Maika Niu hit a solo home run in the bottom of the 1st inning to provide the only run of the game. Peyton Lee faced the minimum in the 1st inning, striking out one batter and picking off a runner on base.

Why it matters

This early-season matchup between in-state rivals Arkansas and Arkansas State provides an opportunity for both teams to test their mettle against quality competition as they prepare for their respective conference schedules. The Razorbacks are looking to build momentum after a strong 2025 campaign, while the Red Wolves aim to prove they can compete with one of the top programs in the region.

The details

In the bottom of the 1st inning, Arkansas leadoff hitter Maika Niu launched a 407-foot solo home run to left field on a 3-2 pitch from Arkansas State starter Andrew Allen to give the Razorbacks a 1-0 lead. On the mound for Arkansas, Peyton Lee retired the side in order in the top of the 1st, striking out one batter and picking off a runner at first base.

  • The game started at 3 p.m. at Baum-Walker Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
  • Maika Niu's home run came in the bottom of the 1st inning.

The players

Maika Niu

The Arkansas center fielder hit a solo home run in the 1st inning to give the Razorbacks the only run they would need to win the game.

Peyton Lee

The Arkansas starting pitcher faced the minimum in the 1st inning, striking out one batter and picking off a runner on base.

Andrew Allen

The Arkansas State starting pitcher gave up the solo home run to Maika Niu in the 1st inning.

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What’s next

The two teams will play the second game of their series on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Baum-Walker Stadium.

The takeaway

This low-scoring affair showcased the strong pitching staffs of both Arkansas and Arkansas State, with the Razorbacks' Maika Niu providing the decisive blow with his 1st inning home run. The in-state rivalry between these two programs always brings an added intensity, and this early-season matchup should help prepare both teams for the challenges that lie ahead in their respective conference schedules.