Arkansas
South Carolina
COLUMBIA, S.C. (03/20/2026) — The Arkansas Razorbacks snatched a dramatic 3-2 extra-inning victory from the South Carolina Gamecocks on Friday night, using a late-game rally and a decisive 10th-inning RBI to secure the opening win of a critical SEC series at Founders Park.
Cam Kozeal delivered the game-winning run on a groundout, capping a tense, back-and-forth affair defined by timely hitting and high-leverage moments. The win gives Arkansas a significant early advantage in a challenging road environment.
How It Happened
From the outset, the contest shaped up as a classic pitcher's duel, with both offenses struggling to string together hits. The Razorbacks broke the scoreless tie in the top of the third inning when Damian Ruiz launched a solo home run to center field, giving Arkansas a 1-0 lead.
The Gamecocks were held in check until the bottom of the fifth. South Carolina's offense came to life when Hollins delivered a sharp single up the middle, scoring Yuhasz to tie the game at 1-1.
South Carolina seized its first lead of the night in the seventh inning. With Hollins on base again, Bak sent a single into right field for an RBI, putting the Gamecocks ahead 2-1. With their pitching staff performing well, that slim margin looked as if it might be enough to secure the victory.
Arkansas, however, mounted a spirited comeback in the top of the ninth. Down to their final outs, the Razorbacks capitalized on a critical defensive miscue. Ryder Helfrick scored from third on a throwing error by the shortstop, knotting the game at 2-2 and forcing extra innings.
With newfound momentum, Arkansas wasted no time in the 10th. After getting Pompey on base, a subsequent advance put him in scoring position. Kozeal stepped to the plate and hit a productive ground ball to second base, providing the RBI that scored Pompey and gave the Razorbacks the decisive 3-2 lead.
Turning Point
The game's pivotal moment occurred in the top of the ninth inning. Trailing 2-1, Arkansas was on the brink of a tough road loss. The unearned run scored by Helfrick on the throwing error completely altered the contest's trajectory. It was a deflating play for South Carolina, which had been just a few outs from victory, and it breathed new life into the Arkansas dugout. That single defensive lapse nullified the Gamecocks' late-inning lead and directly led to the extra frame where the Razorbacks ultimately won the game.
Star of the Game
While several players had key contributions, Cam Kozeal earns the distinction for his performance in the game's most crucial at-bat. His 10th-inning RBI groundout was the difference-maker, showcasing his ability to execute in a high-pressure situation to drive in the winning run. Damian Ruiz also played a vital role, providing the Razorbacks' first run with his third-inning solo home run, while Ryder Helfrick’s aggressive baserunning in the ninth forced the game-tying error.
For South Carolina, Hollins was a central figure offensively, contributing an RBI single in the fifth and scoring the go-ahead run in the seventh.
What It Means
For the Arkansas Razorbacks, this is a massive victory that sets a positive tone for the entire series. Winning a tight, extra-inning game on the road against a formidable SEC opponent demonstrates resilience and late-game fortitude. By stealing the opener, Arkansas has put itself in an excellent position to win the series and build its resume for postseason seeding.
For the South Carolina Gamecocks, it's a difficult outcome in a game they were positioned to win. Letting a late lead slip away at home, particularly on a defensive error, is a tough pill to swallow. The Gamecocks proved they could compete pitch-for-pitch with a top-tier opponent but will need to show short-term memory and bounce back immediately to even the series on Saturday.