Gage Wood Achieves Historic No-Hitter for Arkansas in College World Series

The University of Arkansas baseball standout Gage Wood made history on Monday by pitching the third no-hitter in the College World Series history. This remarkable achievement came during a match against Murray State, where Wood struck out a record-breaking 19 batters, leading his team to a decisive 3-0 victory.

Wood’s incredible performance places him alongside baseball legends Jim Ehrler of Texas, who pitched a no-hitter in 1950, and Jim Wixson of Oklahoma State, who accomplished the same feat in 1960. This historic no-hitter has not been seen in the series for 65 years.

Masterful Pitching Performance

Throughout the game, Wood showcased his exceptional pitching skills, only running into two three-ball counts during the entire match. An impressive 83 out of his 119 pitches were strikes, reflecting his command on the mound.

In an extraordinary bid for a perfect game, Wood came within inches in the eighth inning until a breaking ball accidentally caught the foot of batter Dom Decker. After the game, Wood reflected on the moment, saying, “When I hit the guy in the foot, I knew I screwed up.” Despite the near-perfect game, Wood maintained his composure and pride in his overall performance.

Setting New Records

Gage Wood, a junior right-hander, not only celebrated his no-hitter but also set a new CWS record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game. His journey in baseball has been one of transformation; from being a freshman closer to becoming a middle reliever in his sophomore year, and now taking the role of a weekend starter as a junior.

Unfortunately, Wood faced a setback earlier in the season when he injured his right shoulder while warming up for a start against Michigan on February 23. After a long rehabilitation process, he returned to the mound on April 18 against Texas A&M, marking a significant comeback after 54 days of recovery.

Celebrating with Family

After the game, Wood showed his appreciation for his family’s support by gifting the game ball to his father. He shared, “I gave it to my dad and said happy late Father’s Day.” Such personal moments highlight the emotional connections athletes maintain with their loved ones, especially during significant career milestones.

The Road Ahead

The Arkansas baseball team, now standing at 49-14, faces further challenges in the postseason. They are set to play an elimination game on Tuesday night against the winner of the Monday night contest between LSU and UCLA. This pivotal matchup underscores the intensity and stakes of the College World Series, where every game counts.

In summary, Gage Wood’s no-hitter not only etched his name in the record books but also marked a significant moment for the Arkansas baseball program. As the team moves forward in the tournament, fans are optimistic about what lies ahead and the possibility of more thrilling performances from this talented young pitcher.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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