Razorbacks Hoping to Capture Magic As SEC Kicks Into Full Swing

Arkansas has new unheralded heroes every game, fueling stellar start of conference play

Daniel Shi | Mar 29, 2024

Arkansas Razorbacks pitcher Stone Hewlett throws a pitch against LSU on Thursday night at Baum-Walker Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark. | Craven Whitlow-allHOGS Images /

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas took down No. 8 LSU 7-4 and the headliners took center stage. Like clockwork, Hagen Smith struck out 10. Kendall Diggs hit a massive three-run homer. Will McEntire provided eight key outs, all by strikeout.

In order to be No.1 in the nation, you need more. The Razorbacks' seemingly unbreakable spirit and endless list of contributors was on full display Friday night. Hudson White went 1-for-3 and was once again solid behind the plate.

In a 3-2 game in the seventh, White, pinch-hitter Ross Lovich and Ty Wilmsmeyer drew three straight walks to force home a key insurance run. Despite having the lowest batting average amongst the starting nine coming into the game, Wilmsmeyer went 2-for-3 to go along with his golden glove in centerfield. He was visibly fired up after drawing the eight pitch walk that included two 3-2 foul balls that doubled the Hog lead.

"That’s what we want him [Wilmsmeyer] to do down there is be like a second leadoff man," coach Dave Van Horn said. "Flip that lineup over and let those guys drive him in. He’s a threat to run, he can score on a double from first. He brings a lot of speed."

Jack Wagner homered for the second straight game. Stone Hewlett struck out the final batter of the game after falling behind 3-0 to prevent the tying run from coming to the plate. Hewlett has now spun seven straight scoreless appearances as a lefty specialist to bring his season ERA down to 1.59.

"I liked the way he didn’t get all uptight about it and just basically did what we wanted him to do," Van Horn said. "That was throw the ball over the plate. If they hit it, they hit it. But you don’t want to walk him with [Tommy] White on deck [as the tying run], who seems to be swinging the bat extremely well right now."

Then there's the off-the field stuff, the now infamous gorilla being given out to the player of the game. Winning and being tops in the country helps, but the Razorbacks can certainly feel some magic in the air.

"It’s about just the team and the comradery and having some fun more than anything," Van Horn said. "Showing a little personality, I’m all good with it. If we’re fortunate enough to hit a home run, anything that we do to celebrate is about our team."