Arkansas Razorbacks Use Early Burst, Strong Pitching in Arlington Final

No. 8 Arkansas holds off Tarleton State 3-1 to close out annual North Texas trip

Feb. 17, 2026 at 5:23pm

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The Arkansas Razorbacks scored three quick runs in the first inning and then relied on strong pitching to hold off Tarleton State 3-1 in the final game of their annual North Texas trip at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Freshman Peyton Lee and Vanderbilt transfer Ethan McElvain combined for 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball, with McElvain striking out five to stabilize the middle portion of the game.

Why it matters

The win improves Arkansas' record to 3-1 on their North Texas trip, providing a strong finish to their early-season tournament play. The Razorbacks' pitching staff showed its ability to protect a slim lead, while the defense made key plays to strand Tarleton State runners in scoring position throughout the game.

The details

Arkansas jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning, with four straight hitters reaching base and Damian Ruiz, Maika Niu, Reese Robinett, and Nolan Souza all driving in runs. Tarleton State scored its lone run in the fifth inning on an RBI double, but the Razorbacks' pitching and defense held firm the rest of the way. Peyton Lee struck out five over 4 1/3 innings in his collegiate debut, and Ethan McElvain added 2 2/3 scoreless frames with five strikeouts of his own to preserve the lead. Freshman Mark Brissey closed out the game with two innings of one-hit ball to earn the save.

  • The Razorbacks scored three runs in the first inning.
  • Tarleton State scored its only run in the fifth inning.

The players

Peyton Lee

A freshman pitcher who made his collegiate debut, striking out five over 4 1/3 innings and allowing just one run.

Ethan McElvain

A Vanderbilt transfer pitcher who stabilized the middle portion of the game, throwing 2 2/3 scoreless innings with five strikeouts.

Mark Brissey

A freshman pitcher who earned the save, throwing two innings of one-hit ball to close out the game.

Damian Ruiz

An Arkansas hitter who started the three-run first inning with a single and scored the first run.

Maika Niu

An Arkansas hitter who drove in a run with an infield single in the first inning.

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The takeaway

Arkansas' early offensive burst and strong pitching performance, led by newcomers Peyton Lee and Ethan McElvain, allowed the Razorbacks to hold off Tarleton State and close out their North Texas trip with a 3-1 record. The Hogs' ability to strand runners in scoring position and make key defensive plays proved crucial in preserving the slim lead.