The Arkansas Razorbacks saw their five‑game streak of opening‑game victories in SEC play snapped on Saturday, as the Kentucky Wildcats edged them 5‑4 in the series opener at Cliff Hagan Stadium.
Kentucky struck first, plating two runs in the opening inning before Arkansas could answer. The breakthrough came when sophomore slugger Ethan Hindle launched a two‑run homer that put the Wildcats ahead early.
A costly error
A critical turning point arrived in the fourth when a throwing error by Camden Kozeal allowed Braxton Van Cleave to cross the plate with the game‑winning run, extending Kentucky’s lead to 3‑2.
Arkansas rallied in the seventh, with Ryder Helfrick delivering an RBI single that scored Reese Robinett, narrowing the gap to a single run. TJ Pompey also crossed home on a wild pitch in the third, adding to Arkansas’s push.
Kentucky’s ace reliever Jaxon Jelkin closed out the ninth inning to secure the save, but the Wildcats still needed a final push. Arkansas now faces the prospect of winning the last two games to claim its fourth straight victorious weekend in the SEC.