No. 7 Arkansas Tops Tarleton State in Season-Opening Trip

Razorbacks finish 3-1 at Globe Life Field with dominant pitching performance

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The No. 7 ranked Arkansas Razorbacks closed out their season-opening trip to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas with a 3-1 victory over Tarleton State on Monday. The Razorbacks' pitching staff combined for 13 strikeouts, led by freshman Peyton Lee's strong debut, and the offense jumped out to an early 3-0 lead that they would not relinquish.

Why it matters

The win improves Arkansas' record to 3-1 on the young season and extends their all-time record at Globe Life Field to 12-4. The Razorbacks are one of the top-ranked teams in the country and this victory over a scrappy Tarleton State squad provides momentum heading into their 18-game homestand at Baum-Walker Stadium.

The details

Arkansas' pitching staff was dominant, with Peyton Lee, Ethan McElvain and Mark Brissey combining to allow just one run on four hits. Lee, making his collegiate debut, struck out five over 4 1/3 innings. McElvain earned the win with 2 2/3 scoreless innings and five strikeouts, while Brissey recorded the save with three strikeouts in the final two innings. Offensively, Maika Niu, Reese Robinett and Nolan Souza each drove in a run in the first inning to give the Razorbacks an early 3-0 lead that they would not relinquish.

  • The game was played on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • Arkansas is now 3-1 on the season.

The players

Peyton Lee

A true freshman pitcher from Maumelle, Arkansas who made his collegiate debut and struck out five batters over 4 1/3 innings.

Ethan McElvain

The left-handed pitcher earned the win with 2 2/3 scoreless innings and five strikeouts.

Mark Brissey

The pitcher recorded the save with three strikeouts in the final two innings of the game.

Maika Niu

The Arkansas hitter drove in a run in the first inning and finished with two hits.

Reese Robinett

The Arkansas hitter drove in a run in the first inning and had a double among his two hits.

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What’s next

Arkansas now returns home to Baum-Walker Stadium for an 18-game homestand, beginning with a three-game nonconference series against Xavier from Feb. 20-22.

The takeaway

The Razorbacks' strong pitching and early offensive production allowed them to close out their season-opening road trip with a solid 3-1 record, providing a positive momentum boost as they return home for an extended homestand against non-conference opponents.