Arkansas, Mississippi State Face Off in Top 5 Baseball Matchup

No. 5 Arkansas hosts No. 3 Mississippi State in SEC opener

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:21pm

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The No. 5 Arkansas Razorbacks (12-5) take on the No. 3 Mississippi State Bulldogs (15-2) in a highly anticipated Top 5 baseball matchup at Baum-Walker Stadium on Friday. Arkansas will start right-hander Gabe Gaeckle (2-1, 2.61 ERA) while Mississippi State counters with righty Ryan McPherson (3-0, 1.96 ERA).

Why it matters

This early-season SEC series features two of the top teams in the country, with both squads looking to gain an advantage in the competitive conference race. Arkansas is hoping to bounce back from a two-game skid, while Mississippi State aims to continue its strong start to the season.

The details

The Razorbacks will send Gabe Gaeckle to the mound, who has a 2-1 record and 2.61 ERA so far this year. The Bulldogs will counter with Ryan McPherson, who is 3-0 with a 1.96 ERA. Both teams feature talented lineups, with Arkansas led by Damian Ruiz, Camden Kozeal, and Zack Stewart, while Mississippi State counters with Aidan Teel, Ace Reese, and Reed Stallman.

  • The series opener is scheduled for Friday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Gabe Gaeckle

The right-handed starting pitcher for the Arkansas Razorbacks, who has a 2-1 record and 2.61 ERA this season.

Ryan McPherson

The right-handed starting pitcher for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, who is 3-0 with a 1.96 ERA this year.

Damian Ruiz

The starting left fielder for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Camden Kozeal

The starting shortstop for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Zack Stewart

The starting designated hitter for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Aidan Teel

The starting center fielder for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Ace Reese

The starting third baseman for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Reed Stallman

The starting first baseman for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

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The takeaway

This series between two Top 5 teams in the country should provide an early-season litmus test for both Arkansas and Mississippi State as they look to establish themselves as contenders in the competitive SEC baseball landscape.