No. 6 Arkansas Tops UT Arlington in Series Opener

Razorbacks win 5-2 behind strong pitching performance

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The No. 6 Arkansas Razorbacks defeated the UT Arlington Mavericks 5-2 in the opening game of their weekend series at Baum-Walker Stadium. Arkansas starting pitcher Gabe Gaeckle had a solid outing, going 6 innings and allowing just 1 run on 3 hits while striking out 7 batters. The Razorbacks offense was led by Damian Ruiz, who went 2-for-4 with a double and 2 RBIs.

Why it matters

This win keeps the Razorbacks in the hunt for a top-10 national ranking as they continue their 18-game homestand. Arkansas is looking to bounce back after splitting a midweek series with in-state rival Arkansas State earlier in the week.

The details

The Razorbacks jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the 2nd inning on a 2-run double by Damian Ruiz. UT Arlington cut the deficit in half in the 4th inning, but Arkansas responded with 3 runs in the 6th to pull away. Steele Eaves and Parker Coil combined for 3 scoreless innings of relief to seal the victory for the Hogs.

  • The game started at 3 p.m. CT on February 27, 2026.
  • Arkansas scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning.
  • UT Arlington scored 1 run in the top of the 4th inning.
  • Arkansas scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 6th inning.
  • The final score was Arkansas 5, UT Arlington 2.

The players

Gabe Gaeckle

The Arkansas starting pitcher who went 6 innings, allowing 1 run on 3 hits with 7 strikeouts.

Damian Ruiz

The Arkansas left fielder who went 2-for-4 with a double and 2 RBIs.

Caylon Dygert

The UT Arlington starting pitcher who took the loss, going 5.2 innings and allowing 5 runs.

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What they’re saying

“Our pitchers did a great job of keeping us in the game and our offense came through with some timely hits when we needed them.”

— Dave Van Horn, Arkansas Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

The two teams will play the second game of their three-game series on Saturday at 2 p.m. CT.

The takeaway

Arkansas continues to show its depth and resilience, bouncing back from a midweek split to pick up an important home win over a quality opponent in UT Arlington. The Razorbacks' pitching staff and timely hitting proved to be the difference in this series opener.