Arkansas rallies late, walks off Texas Tech in 11 innings

Razorbacks overcome 5-run deficit to win in extra frames

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Fifth-ranked Arkansas rebounded from its first loss of the season with a dramatic extra-inning victory Sunday, defeating Texas Tech 6-5 on a walk-off sacrifice fly in the 11th inning. The Razorbacks carried a 4-0 lead into the eighth inning before the Red Raiders scored five runs over the final two frames, including four in the ninth, to take the lead. Camden Kozeal tied the game with a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings, and Maika Niu's sacrifice fly in the 11th gave Arkansas the win.

Why it matters

This comeback victory shows the resilience of the Arkansas baseball team, which is ranked fifth in the nation and looking to bounce back from an early-season loss. The Razorbacks' ability to rally late and win in extra innings could be a sign of their potential to make a deep postseason run.

The details

Arkansas jumped out to a 4-0 lead through the first seven innings, with Niu driving in the first run and a Texas Tech throwing error plating two more. TJ Pompey added an RBI double in the fifth. But the Red Raiders stormed back, scoring five runs in the eighth and ninth innings to take a 5-4 lead. Kozeal's solo homer in the bottom of the ninth sent the game to extras, and Ruiz scored the winning run on Niu's sacrifice fly in the 11th.

  • The game was played on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
  • Arkansas carried a 4-0 lead into the eighth inning.
  • Texas Tech scored five runs in the eighth and ninth innings to take a 5-4 lead.
  • Camden Kozeal hit a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game and force extra innings.
  • Maika Niu hit the game-winning sacrifice fly in the 11th inning.

The players

Arkansas Razorbacks

The fifth-ranked college baseball team that rallied to defeat Texas Tech in 11 innings.

Texas Tech Red Raiders

The opposing team that scored five runs late to take a lead, but ultimately lost to Arkansas in extra innings.

Camden Kozeal

The Arkansas player who hit a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to tie the game and force extra innings.

Maika Niu

The Arkansas player who hit the game-winning sacrifice fly in the 11th inning.

Damian Ruiz

The Arkansas player who scored the winning run in the 11th inning.

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What they’re saying

“This was a huge win for our team after a tough loss. The guys showed a lot of fight to come back and win it in extra innings.”

— Dave Van Horn, Arkansas Head Coach (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)

What’s next

Arkansas will face Tarleton State on Monday as they continue their early-season schedule.

The takeaway

Arkansas' come-from-behind victory in extra innings showcases the team's resilience and potential to make a deep postseason run, despite an early-season loss. The Razorbacks' ability to rally late and win close games could be a sign of good things to come for the highly-ranked program.