In an amazing display of talent, Arkansas pitcher Gage Wood threw a no-hitter against Murray State in the Men’s College World Series, marking only the third time this has happened in the event’s history and the first time in 65 years. He struck out a record 19 batters, leading his team to a 3-0 victory.
Wood’s achievement puts him in elite company, joining Jim Ehrler of Texas and Jim Wixson of Oklahoma State, who also threw no-hitters in this tournament. He dominated the game, and Murray State, making its first appearance in Omaha, never posed a real threat to break up the no-hitter.
After the game, Wood remained grounded. “The only special thing was I didn’t want to go home,” he said, emphasizing his desire to keep playing. His focus shifted to the next game against the winner of the LSU-UCLA match.
During the game, Wood had a near-perfect outing. The only runner to reach base against him hit by a pitch in the eighth inning. He ended the game strong, striking out the last two batters. Wood’s pitch count showed remarkable control, with 83 of his 119 pitches being strikes. “Gage was executing pitch after pitch,” said coach Dave Van Horn, praising Wood’s performance.
His road to this moment hasn’t been easy. Wood transitioned from a closer to a weekend starter, dealing with a shoulder injury earlier this season. In previous games, he had already demonstrated his potential, striking out 13 batters in a regional game against Creighton just weeks before this historic performance.
This no-hitter only deepens the excitement surrounding the Men’s College World Series, a tournament steeped in rich tradition. Previously, Ehrler’s and Wixson’s achievements in 1950 and 1960, respectively, set high standards, making Wood’s feat even more remarkable.
Beyond the records, the game sparked social media buzz. Fans celebrated the achievement online, sharing clips and highlights, and marking it with hashtags like #NoHitter and #CWS2025. This shows how sports can unite people, even through screens.
As for the Razorbacks, they face more challenges ahead. With a strong team and a determined pitcher like Wood, their journey in the tournament is far from over.
For more insights into the College World Series, check out ESPN’s in-depth reporting on major games and player performances.