Razorbacks Topped in Game Two against Bulldogs

#16 Arkansas falls to #5 Georgia 5-3 in SEC matchup

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:54am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a college baseball game, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives.A cubist interpretation of the intense action and competition of a high-stakes college baseball matchup between two top-ranked SEC rivals.Fayetteville Today

The #16 Arkansas Razorbacks fell behind early and were unable to catch up to the #5 Georgia Bulldogs, losing 5-3 in the second game of their SEC series at Baum-Walker Stadium on Friday night.

Why it matters

This loss drops Arkansas to 26-14 overall and 9-8 in SEC play, while Georgia improves to 31-9 and 12-5 in conference. The Razorbacks and Bulldogs will play the rubber match of the series on Sunday, with Arkansas looking to win its fifth consecutive weekend series against Georgia at home.

The details

Georgia jumped out to a 4-0 lead, scoring a solo home run in the second inning and two two-out runs in the third before adding another run in the sixth. Arkansas responded with a two-run home run by Damian Ruiz in the sixth to make it 4-2, but Georgia tacked on another run in the seventh to go up 5-2. The Razorbacks scored one more run in the seventh on a wild pitch, but could not complete the comeback.

  • The game was played on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • The series finale is scheduled for Sunday, April 20, 2026 at 1 p.m. on SEC Network+.

The players

Cole Gibler

The Arkansas starting pitcher, who went five innings and allowed four runs.

Damian Ruiz

The Arkansas hitter who hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning to cut the deficit to 4-2.

Zack Stewart

The lone Arkansas player with multiple hits, going 2-for-3 with a walk.

Caden Aoki

The Georgia relief pitcher who went five innings and allowed three runs (two earned) with five walks and four strikeouts.

Dylan Vigue

The Georgia starting pitcher who left the game after 2.0 innings with four strikeouts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Razorbacks and Bulldogs will play the rubber match of the series on Sunday, April 20, 2026 at 1 p.m. on SEC Network+.

The takeaway

This loss drops Arkansas to 9-8 in SEC play, but they will have a chance to win their fifth consecutive weekend series against Georgia at home on Sunday. The Razorbacks' offense will need to find a way to overcome Georgia's strong pitching to take the series.