Razorbacks' Offense Explodes for Six Homers in Rout of Gamecocks

Niu leads long-ball barrage while four other Hogs also go deep in series opener

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:25am

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The No. 4-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks scored early and often to defeat the South Carolina Gamecocks 22-6 in the series opener on Friday night. Maika Niu led the Hogs' offensive onslaught with two home runs, a double, and six RBIs. Damian Ruiz, Camden Kozeal, TJ Pompey, and Kuhio Aloy also homered for Arkansas, which scored four runs in the first, three in the second, and two in the third to take a 9-0 lead. The Razorbacks added eight more runs in the fourth inning to put the game out of reach.

Why it matters

This victory showcases the Razorbacks' powerful offense, which has now scored 22 runs against a South Carolina team that is struggling in SEC play. Arkansas is looking to build momentum after winning two of three games against then-No. 3 Mississippi State last weekend.

The details

Arkansas starter Gabe Gaeckle (3-1) went five innings and held South Carolina scoreless for the first three innings to earn the win. The Razorbacks roughed up Gamecocks ace Josh Gunther, who had thrown a no-hitter just last week, for nine earned runs in 2.1 innings. Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn said he liked the way his team was swinging the bat in batting practice, and they carried that over to the game.

  • The game was played on Friday, March 21, 2026.
  • Arkansas scored four runs in the first inning, three in the second, and two in the third to take a 9-0 lead.
  • The Razorbacks added eight more runs in the fourth inning to make the score 17-0.

The players

Maika Niu

A senior transfer outfielder from Marshall who led the Razorbacks' offensive onslaught with two home runs, a double, and six RBIs.

Damian Ruiz

An Arkansas player who went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs.

Camden Kozeal

An Arkansas player who went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs.

Gabe Gaeckle

The Arkansas starting pitcher who earned the win, going five innings and holding South Carolina scoreless for the first three innings.

Josh Gunther

The South Carolina ace pitcher who was roughed up for nine earned runs in 2.1 innings, just a week after throwing a no-hitter.

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What they’re saying

“We know we have guys who can hit the ball out of the park. We can score quick.”

— Dave Van Horn, Arkansas Head Coach

“The first three innings, he was really good. Velocity-wise, he kind of had it going. And then in the top of the fourth, we score eight runs. They make a couple of pitching changes. I don't know how long it was, maybe a 40-minute inning. It seemed like it.”

— Dave Van Horn, Arkansas Head Coach

What’s next

The Razorbacks will look to clinch the series against South Carolina on Saturday, with Arkansas pitcher Hunter Dietz (2-2) scheduled to face the Gamecocks' Amp Phillips (3-1).

The takeaway

Arkansas' powerful offense was on full display, as the Razorbacks hit six home runs and scored 22 runs to rout South Carolina. This performance showcases the Hogs' ability to score quickly and their potential to be one of the best hitting teams in college baseball this season.