SHOCKING WAVES: HISTORY MADE AS GAGE WOOD THROWS FIRST COLLEGE WORLD SERIES NO-HITTER SINCE 1960 — 19 STRIKEOUT MASTERCLASS PROPELS ARKANSAS PAST MURRAY STATE 3–0 IN ELIMINATION GAME
OMAHA, NE — In a performance that will be etched into College World Series lore forever, Arkansas Razorbacks pitcher Gage Wood delivered a once-in-a-lifetime masterpiece, hurling the first no-hitter at the College World Series since 1960, and only the third in the tournament’s storied history. With a jaw-dropping 19 strikeouts, Wood didn’t just make history—he redefined it.
Under the scorching lights of Charles Schwab Field and with their season on the line, the Razorbacks turned to the 6-foot-3 sophomore right-hander—and he answered the call in the most spectacular fashion. Arkansas defeated Murray State 3–0 in a high-stakes elimination game, but the scoreline barely scratches the surface of what unfolded on the mound.
A Performance for the Ages
Wood’s outing was nothing short of pitching perfection. Over nine innings, he faced just 27 batters, issued no walks, and struck out 19, breaking the previous program record for strikeouts in a single game. His fastball routinely clocked in at 96–98 mph, while his slider and changeup kept Murray State’s hitters completely off balance.
“I didn’t think about the no-hitter until the ninth,” Wood said postgame, clutching the game ball with tears in his eyes. “I just wanted to give us a chance to keep playing. This is what you dream about as a kid.”
As each inning passed, the crowd’s energy swelled. By the time Wood struck out the side in the seventh, the buzz around the ballpark had turned electric. Coaches, scouts, and fans alike knew they were witnessing something historically rare and emotionally unforgettable.
Breaking a 64-Year Drought
The last no-hitter in the College World Series came in 1960, when Arizona’s Steve Arlin turned the trick. Before him, it was Ohio State’s John Franklin in 1954. For 64 years, despite generations of college baseball talent, no one had managed to replicate the feat—until now.
Wood’s no-hitter joins a microscopic club, making him only the third pitcher ever to toss a no-no in Omaha. But he didn’t just scrape by—he dominated. His 19 strikeouts shattered the Arkansas single-game record, previously held by Razorback legend Blaine Knight.
“That was the most dominant performance I’ve seen at any level,” Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn said. “The kid has ice in his veins. He didn’t just save our season—he wrote himself into college baseball history.”
Arkansas Stays Alive
While Wood’s heroics carried the spotlight, Arkansas got just enough offense to support his brilliance. Jace Bohrofen opened the scoring with a solo homer in the third inning. A two-run double by Peyton Stovall in the sixth gave the Hogs the breathing room they needed.
Defensively, Arkansas was flawless, with third baseman Caleb Cali making a diving snag in the eighth to preserve the no-hitter and ignite a standing ovation that roared through the stadium.
With the victory, the Razorbacks survive to play another day in the double-elimination format. But for Wood, the job is done—and his name is now carved into baseball immortality.
The Aftermath: National Buzz and MLB Eyes
By the final out, the baseball world was on notice. Social media exploded with reactions, Hall of Famers and current MLB stars chimed in, and draft analysts began reassessing Wood’s ceiling. Already on the radar for the upcoming MLB Draft, his stock is now soaring, with some insiders suggesting he could sneak into the top-15.
“This wasn’t just dominant,” one MLB scout said. “It was generational. I’ve never seen a college arm command the zone and break hitters down like that under this kind of pressure.”
A Night Omaha Will Never Forget
As Wood tipped his cap to the standing crowd and embraced his teammates in the dugout, one thing became clear: this night will live forever in Razorbacks and College World Series history.
From Fayetteville to Omaha, from past legends to future stars, Gage Wood’s no-hitter will be remembered not just as a game—but as a moment when time stood still, the impossible happened, and the spirit of college baseball was elevated to new heights.
Final Score:
Arkansas 3, Murray State 0
Winning Pitcher: Gage Wood (9.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 19 K)
