Arkansas catcher Ryder Helfrick delivered a critical double in the seventh inning, leading his Black team to a 7-6 victory over the Cardinal during the Diamond Hogs Fall Classic held on October 27, 2023. The game showcased a competitive atmosphere, highlighted by striking performances from both teams.
The Cardinal initially took charge, establishing a 3-1 lead in the early innings. Reese Robinett was a standout for the Cardinal, going 3-for-3 and driving in four runs. Robinett’s powerful bat was evident when he hit a two-run homer in the first inning, giving the Cardinal an early edge. He later tied the game with a crucial double in the sixth inning, bringing the score to 6-6.
Despite the Cardinal’s early success, the Black team rallied back. After falling behind, they responded with a four-run fourth inning, culminating in Cam Kozeal hitting a two-run homer, followed by a double from Helfrick and an RBI single by Zack Stewart. This offensive surge put the Black team ahead at 5-3.
The game featured a total of fourteen pitchers, with both teams utilizing seven each, as twelve pitchers threw one inning each. Notably, Hunter Deitz, an oft-injured Arkansas pitcher, reached a remarkable 99 mph on the radar gun just before Robinett’s home run.
Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the competitive spirit instilled in the game. “Everything we do… there is a winner and a loser out here, whether we are doing drills or whatever just to make it a little more interesting, a little more fun,” Van Horn stated. He noted that the teams were evenly matched, with the game being solid for the first four innings before becoming a bit sloppy.
Newcomer Christian Tuner also shone for the Black team, finishing 3-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBIs. His contributions included a solo home run in the first inning, further bolstering his team’s momentum.
The decisive moment came in the seventh when Damon Ruiz reached base due to an error. Helfrick stepped up to the plate and delivered a clutch, two-out double, securing the winning run and sealing the Black team’s victory.
As the Fall Baseball Classic continues, both teams will take valuable lessons from this matchup, highlighting the competitive spirit and talent within Arkansas baseball.