In Fayetteville, Arkansas, Logan Maxwell showcased a stellar performance with two home runs, driving in three runs, while Justin Thomas Jr. hit a crucial three-run homer to support a dominating 13-strikeout display by pitcher Gage Wood. Their efforts led No. 3 seed Arkansas to an 8-3 victory over Creighton on Sunday, securing their place in the super regionals.
Gage Wood, who improved to a 3-1 record, was in top form, conceding just three hits over six innings. Two of those hits occurred in the fourth inning after Wood had impressively struck out the first two batters. Teddy Deters managed a single before Wood, unfortunately, hit Will MacLean with a pitch, subsequently allowing Ben North to capitalize with a home run that brought the Bluejays within three runs, making it 6-3.
Maxwell’s first homer, a two-run shot to left field, came off Garrett Langrell in the first inning, setting the pace for a 2-0 lead. Thomas Jr.’s home run to center in the second inning advanced the Razorbacks to a 5-0 lead, with further momentum added by Ryder Helfrick’s solo blast in the third inning.
Maxwell, continuing his remarkable performance, opened the fifth inning with another home run, and Charles Davalan’s RBI triple in the sixth inning wrapped up the scoring. Gabe Gaeckle stepped in to close with three shutout innings, allowing just two hits and securing his first save for the Razorbacks.
Arkansas, with a record of 46-13, has made 36 appearances in the NCAA Tournament and has aimed to clinch the elusive College World Series title, having been the runners-up twice, in 1979 and 2018. Meanwhile, Creighton (43-16), which eliminated North Dakota State earlier on Sunday with a close 11-10 win, has participated in 12 tournaments. Their proudest achievement being a College World Series appearance back in 1991.