Arkansas’ Gage Wood made history on Monday by pitching the third no-hitter in the College World Series (CWS) history, a remarkable feat that hadn’t been achieved in 65 years. In a dominant performance, Wood struck out a record-setting 19 batters, leading the Razorbacks to a decisive 3-0 victory over Murray State. Throughout the game, Wood showcased his exceptional skills, ensuring that the Racers never came close to connecting with his pitches.
With this outstanding performance, Gage Wood joins an elite group of pitchers, becoming only the third player to throw a no-hitter in the history of the College World Series. He follows in the footsteps of Jim Ehrler of Texas, who achieved this milestone in 1950, and Jim Wixson of Oklahoma State in 1960. Wood’s dominance on the mound was complemented by solid defensive support, as his teammates ensured the Racers faced minimal challenges throughout the game. This victory was particularly significant for Murray State, which was making its inaugural appearance in Omaha.
The junior right-hander not only clinched the no-hitter but also set the CWS record for the most strikeouts in a nine-inning game. Despite the magnitude of his achievement, Wood remained humble and subdued in the aftermath of the game. “The only special thing was I didn’t want to go home. That’s it,” he reflected. “We’re not going home. We get to play tomorrow night. But it’s pretty cool.” His focus on the upcoming challenges underscores his competitive spirit and determination.
With this victory, the Arkansas Razorbacks improved their season record to 49-14 and are set to face another elimination game on Tuesday night. They will compete against the loser of the Monday night game between LSU and UCLA. Meanwhile, Murray State, which had an impressive season with a record of 44-17, became only the fourth No. 4 regional seed since 1999 to reach Omaha, although they fell short, finishing with a 0-2 record in their first appearance at the CWS.
Wood's pursuit of a perfect game was thwarted in the eighth inning when his 2-2 breaking ball inadvertently struck Dom Decker on the back foot. This moment, although disappointing for Wood, did not overshadow the brilliance of his overall performance. As fans and analysts alike celebrate this historic no-hitter, Gage Wood’s name will undoubtedly be remembered in the annals of college baseball history.
