OMAHA, Neb. — On June 16, Arkansas right-hander Gage Wood made history by completing the third no-hitter in Men's College World Series (MCWS) history, a remarkable feat that hadn’t been achieved since 1960. Wood’s impressive performance not only kept the Razorbacks' season alive but also eliminated Murray State with a score of 3-0. Throughout the game, Wood demonstrated exceptional skill, striking out a record-breaking 19 batters, solidifying his place in both MCWS and Arkansas baseball history.
As the game progressed, Gage Wood gained momentum with each strikeout, showcasing his incredible energy and determination. The Batesville, Arkansas native marched to the dugout with increasing enthusiasm after each inning, reflecting a spirit that never wavered. This junior pitcher not only checked off personal milestones but also set new records, displaying his high-powered fastball to great effect.
During the match, Wood astounded onlookers by striking out seven consecutive batters between the third and fifth innings, with four of those strikeouts coming from swings and three from looking. By the end of the fifth inning, he had racked up 11 strikeouts, becoming the sixth pitcher in MCWS history since 1999 to achieve this feat, tying for the most in a single game. Gage Wood also became the first Arkansas pitcher to record more than 10 strikeouts in an MCWS game, further solidifying his legacy.
Wood's pursuit of a perfect game was a thrilling spectacle, as he entered the sixth inning without allowing any hits. However, this bid came to an unexpected end when he hit Murray State’s second baseman, Dom Decker, on a 2-2 count. Despite this minor setback, Wood remained unfazed, shutting down the next three Racers batters, two of whom fell victim to his striking fastball. His 16th strikeout, delivered with a low-80s curveball, saw him exclaim with joy as he bounced off the mound, celebrating yet another accomplishment.
As the ninth inning approached, Wood hit his second batter of the game, pinch hitter Nico Bermeo, with an 0-2 count. However, the call was overturned, ruling Bermeo out for leaning into the pitch, marking Wood's 17th strikeout. The following two at-bats exemplified Wood's historic performance; he struck out shortstop Conner Cunningham on five pitches, and sealed his impressive outing with his 19th strikeout against center fielder Jonathan Hogart, using a powerful 97-mile-per-hour fastball.
Following this final strikeout, Wood erupted in celebration, turning toward the Arkansas dugout to display the red letters of ‘Arkansas’ threaded across his chest. His teammates quickly joined him on the mound, showering him with bear hugs and high-fives, while proud parents cheered from the stands, surrounded by fervent Razorbacks fans. This remarkable outing not only marked the most strikeouts in a nine-inning game in MCWS history but also represented the 11th no-hitter thrown in Division I baseball this season. Just 15 days prior, Wood had struck out 13 batters in the regionals against Creighton, showcasing his exceptional talent and consistency.
As the Razorbacks look forward to their next challenge, they are set to face the winner of the UCLA versus LSU matchup on Tuesday, aiming for a coveted spot in the MCWS semifinals. Gage Wood’s historic performance has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the tournament and the Arkansas baseball program.
