The Arkansas Razorbacks were swept at home for the first time since 2016 after a 7-6 loss to Florida on March 29 at Baum-Walker Stadium. The No. 4 Razorbacks, now with a record of 19-10 overall and 4-5 in the Southeastern Conference, could not overcome the Gators’ offensive output.
Florida scored seven runs on seventeen hits, including two home runs. The Gators took control in the third inning by breaking a tie and did not relinquish their lead despite late efforts from Arkansas. Ryder Helfrick hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning to narrow Florida’s lead to one run, but Florida responded with another run in the eighth.
Kuhio Aloy added a solo home run for Arkansas in the bottom of the eighth, again bringing his team within one run. In the ninth inning, Carter Rutenbar singled with two outs and reached third base as the potential tying run but was left stranded when Arkansas could not bring him home.
Rutenbar made his debut as leadoff hitter and finished with two hits, a walk, and scored twice. Aloy also had two hits including his home run and an RBI, while Zack Stewart contributed two hits and an RBI as well.
Colin Fisher started on the mound for Arkansas but lasted only just over two innings before being relieved by Tate McGuire. The bullpen trio of Ethan McElvain, Mark Brissey, and Parker Coil combined for four-and-a-third innings while allowing only one run between them; McElvain lowered his season earned run average to 0.68 across seven appearances.
Looking ahead, Arkansas will play four straight road games beginning against Missouri State on Tuesday before traveling to Auburn for an SEC series starting Thursday.
