Hogs Make a Statement: Arkansas Takes Game 3 Over LSU to Boost Top-8 National Seed Hopes — Parker Coil Shines in Clutch Return
Fayetteville, AR — In a matchup that could shape the postseason landscape, the No. 7 Arkansas Razorbacks secured a gritty Game 3 win over No. 3 LSU on Sunday afternoon, capping the weekend with a crucial 6-4 victory at Baum-Walker Stadium. While the Tigers may have taken the series, this win was anything but minor for the Razorbacks — it likely locked in their place among the projected top eight national seeds ahead of next month’s NCAA Tournament.
The win not only provided a momentum boost heading into the final regular-season series but also bolstered Arkansas’s postseason résumé. According to most projections, one more win next weekend against No. 1 Tennessee could all but guarantee the Razorbacks a national seed and home-field advantage through the Super Regionals.
Bouncing Back with Purpose
After dropping the first two games of the series in tight contests, Arkansas needed to avoid a sweep — and they responded with urgency. The Hogs came out aggressive on both sides of the ball, with timely hitting and lockdown pitching when it mattered most.
Arkansas jumped to an early 3-0 lead in the second inning thanks to RBI singles by Jared Sprague-Lott and Peyton Stovall, combined with aggressive base running that kept the LSU defense on edge.
LSU clawed back with two runs in the fifth inning, but Arkansas pitcher Hagen Smith held firm, limiting further damage. Smith went six strong innings, striking out nine while scattering five hits — continuing his season-long dominance and making another case for SEC Pitcher of the Year honors.
Clutch Relief — Parker Coil Returns in Big Moment
One of the day’s most emotional highlights came in the ninth inning when left-hander Parker Coil made his long-awaited return to the mound. In a high-pressure situation with one out and runners on first and second, Coil entered to a loud ovation.
He responded like a veteran, calmly striking out the first batter he faced and inducing a game-ending groundout to seal the win. It was his first appearance in weeks after dealing with arm soreness, and his poise in the moment underscored how valuable his return could be for Arkansas down the stretch.
“Parker’s worked so hard to get back,” Head Coach Dave Van Horn said postgame. “To see him come in, trust his stuff, and deliver — that was a big-time moment for him and for our team.”
What’s at Stake
The Razorbacks’ win brings them to 37–14 overall and 17–10 in the SEC. More importantly, it keeps them in prime position for one of the eight coveted national seeds. A top-8 designation ensures the Razorbacks could host both a regional and super regional in Fayetteville, where they’ve been dominant all season.
Next weekend, Arkansas will head to Knoxville for a high-stakes series against top-ranked Tennessee. Winning just one of those games could all but cement their national seed, but the Hogs aren’t settling.
“We know what’s on the line,” said outfielder Kendall Diggs. “But we’re not just trying to sneak in — we want to make a statement and keep climbing.”
Final Box Score:
-
Arkansas: 6 runs, 9 hits, 1 error
-
LSU: 4 runs, 8 hits, 0 errors
Up Next:
Arkansas travels to Tennessee for a three-game series beginning Friday, May 16. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on SEC Network+.
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