In a performance for the ages, Arkansas’ junior right-hander Gage Wood etched his name into College World Series lore on Monday, throwing the event’s third no-hitter in history and the first in a staggering 65 years. His dominant outing against the Murray State Racers culminated in a 3-0 victory, highlighted by a record-setting 19 strikeouts, leaving the opposition with virtually no chance at a hit.
Arkansas Razorbacks starting pitcher Gage Wood (14) celebrates completing a no-hitter \against the Murray State Racers at Charles Schwab Field.
Wood now stands alongside CWS legends Jim Ehrler (1950) and Jim Wixson (1960) as the only pitchers to achieve this rare feat. His exceptional command meant his defense was rarely tested, as he consistently overpowered a Murray State team making its inaugural Omaha appearance.
Despite the monumental achievement, Wood remained notably subdued in the immediate aftermath. “The only special thing was I didn’t want to go home. That’s it,” he admitted. “We’re not going home. We get to play tomorrow night. But it’s pretty cool.”
Wood’s bid for a perfect game extended into the eighth inning before his 2-2 breaking ball hit Dom Decker on the foot. “When I hit the guy in the foot, I knew I screwed up,” said Wood, who then roared into the dugout after striking out the side to end the inning. The drama continued in the ninth when a hit-by-pitch call was overturned after a challenge, ultimately giving Wood an out. He then sealed history with two more strikeouts, ending the game on his 119th pitch.
Arkansas Razorbacks starting pitcher Gage Wood (14) and catcher Ryder Helfrick (27) embrace as the dugout empties after Wood pitches a no hitter to defeat the Murray State Racers at Charles Schwab Field.
“The dude was electric tonight,” acknowledged Murray State’s Jonathan Hogart.
Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn lauded Wood’s execution. “Gage was just executing pitch after pitch, getting ahead in the count and elevating his fastball in and out. What a great job,” Van Horn praised, also commending his defense. Racers coach Dan Skirka put it succinctly: “I think Gage Wood made himself some money today. Holy cow.”
This historic performance marked a significant moment in Wood’s season, having battled back from a right shoulder injury in February that sidelined him for 54 days. He had thrown only 28 2/3 innings prior to Monday’s start.
Arkansas Razorbacks starting pitcher Gage Wood (14) celebrates with infielder Gabe Fraser (6) after throwing a no hitter against the Murray State Racers at Charles Schwab Field.
After the final out, Wood was mobbed by his ecstatic teammates. Catcher Ryder Helfrick, who immediately handed Wood the no-hitter ball, summed up the collective elation: “I think for him to do that and just be able to catch the last ball, give him a big hug, it was awesome. I think everybody was really fired up for him. The main thing is we’re still here and we’re still playing.” Wood, ever thoughtful, revealed his personal touch: “I gave it to my dad and said happy late Father’s Day.”
Arkansas (49-14) will look to carry this momentum into another elimination game on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, Murray State (44-17), only the fourth No. 4 regional seed since 1999 to reach Omaha, concluded their first CWS appearance at 0-2.