FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Powered by Ben McLaughlin’s four hit-day and Ross Lovich’s four-RBI game, No. 2 Arkansas (13-2) completed its weekend sweep of McNeese (8-8) with an 18-5 run-rule on Sunday afternoon at Baum-Walker Stadium.
The Razorbacks, winners of 30 consecutive non-conference home weekend series, picked up their second series sweep in as many weekends after taking all three games against Murray State at Baum-Walker Stadium one week ago.
Arkansas posted crooked numbers in the third, fifth and sixth innings to power its way to its fifth run-rule win of the season. Two-out RBI singles from Peyton Stovall (2-for-5, 2 RBI), Wehiwa Aloy (1-for-4, 1 RBI) and McLaughlin (4-for-5, 2B, 3 RBI) in the bottom half of the third helped the Hogs jump out to an early four-run lead.
Starter Mason Molina worked three scoreless innings before McNeese broke through with a run in the fourth and four more in the fifth to take a 5-4 lead, their first of the weekend series. Molina, the junior left-hander, departed the game in the fifth, finishing his afternoon with four strikeouts but four runs allowed on three hits and three walks.
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The Cowboys’ one-run lead would not last long, however, as the Razorbacks answered with six runs of their own in the bottom of the fifth to retake control of the game. Ty Wilmsmeyer (2-for-3, 2 RBI) put Arkansas back in front with his two-RBI single before Lovich (1-for-4, 4 RBI) blasted a three-run homer, his first as a Hog, to extend the lead to 10-5.
Arkansas added eight more runs in the bottom of the sixth, capitalizing on five walks, four hits and one hit-by-pitch to put the game away for good. With the 10-run rule in effect, right-handers Gage Wood and Dylan Carter combined to work a scoreless top half of the seventh and secure the Razorbacks’ series-sweeping 18-5 win.
Wood, who was credited with the win to improve to 2-0 on the year, struck out three over 2.1 innings of one-run ball in relief. Carter, meanwhile, made his season debut in his return from Tommy John surgery, retiring both batters he faced.
The Razorbacks, now riding a nine-game winning streak, return to action Tuesday, March 12, for their final tune-up before SEC plays begins this weekend. Arkansas will host longtime adversary Oral Roberts in the first night game this season at Baum-Walker Stadium, with first pitch between the Hogs and Golden Eagles set for 6 p.m. on SEC Network+.
For complete coverage of Arkansas baseball, follow the Hogs on Twitter (@RazorbackBSB), Instagram (@RazorbackBSB) and Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Baseball).
The Arkansas Court of Appeals released opinions Wednesday. The court’s ruling and the names of the cases are reprinted here. The full opinions and other court proceedings, including per curiam decisions, orders and submissions, can be found on the internet at arcourts.gov.
PROCEEDINGS OF Jan. 7, 2026
CHIEF JUDGE N. MARK KLAPPENBACH
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CR-23-821. Kenneth Steward v. State of Arkansas, from Benton County Circuit Court. Affirmed. Gladwin and Brown, JJ., agree.
JUDGE ROBERT J. GLADWIN
CR-25-24. Bryce Anderson v. State of Arkansas, from Benton County Circuit Court. Affirmed. Virden and Harrison, JJ., agree.
JUDGE CASEY R. TUCKER
CV-24-537. Flywheel Energy Production, LLC v. Van Buren County, Arkansas; and Van Buren County Judge Dale James, in His Official Capacity as Van Buren County Judge, from Van Buren County Circuit Court. Reversed and dismissed. Abramson and Harrison, JJ., agree.
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JUDGE WENDY SCHOLTENS WOOD
CV-24-209. LRS South, LLC v. Benton County Solid Waste Management District and the Benton County Solid Waste Management District Board, from Benton County Circuit Court. Reversed and remanded. Hixson and Murphy, JJ., agree.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas continued its offseason roster work by adding a transfer defensive back and securing a future offensive line piece from Texas, addressing both immediate depth and long-term development.
The Razorbacks announced the signing of Georgia State defensive back Tyler Scott, a transfer with multiple years of eligibility remaining, while also landing Carey Clayton, an offensive lineman from Southlake Carroll High School, as part of the 2026 recruiting class.
Scott joins the Hogs after spending the 2025 season at Georgia State, where he appeared in two games and recorded four tackles. He arrives in Fayetteville with three years of eligibility remaining, giving Arkansas flexibility in how he’s developed and used in the secondary.
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Before his time at Georgia State, Scott spent two seasons at Auburn. One of those seasons was cut short due to an ACL injury, limiting his opportunity to contribute on the field.
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The Razorbacks now provide him with a chance to reset and compete in a defensive back room that continues to evolve.
At 6 feet tall, Scott adds experience to a secondary that has seen significant turnover through the transfer portal. His addition gives the Hogs another option at defensive back as the staff works through spring and fall evaluations.
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Clayton strengthens 2026 offensive line class
Arkansas also added a future piece up front with the commitment of Carey Clayton, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound offensive lineman from Southlake Carroll, one of Texas’ most consistent high school programs.
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Clayton helped Southlake Carroll complete an undefeated regular season last fall and reach the state semifinals. He enters college football as a consensus three-star prospect, ranked among the top offensive line recruits in Texas.
In addition to Arkansas, Clayton held offers from Air Force, Arkansas State, Florida Atlantic, UAB and UTEP. He ultimately chose the Razorbacks, becoming the 16th commitment in the Hogs’ 2026 recruiting class.
Clayton is ranked around No. 251 nationally and No. 141 in Texas. While not among the highest-rated prospects in the class, his high school experience and physical development make him a long-term project for Arkansas’ offensive line.
Hogs continue roster building
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The additions of Scott and Clayton reflect the Hogs’ continued focus on roster balance. Scott becomes the 23rd transfer portal addition this offseason, reinforcing a secondary that has emphasized competition and depth.
Clayton’s commitment adds to a growing 2026 class that prioritizes size and developmental upside, particularly along the offensive line.
Arkansas has steadily worked to build future depth in the trenches while supplementing current needs through the portal.
While neither move is designed to generate immediate headlines, both fit into a broader plan aimed at improving roster stability.
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Scott offers experience and flexibility in the defensive backfield, while Clayton provides a long-term option at a position that often requires patience.
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As the Razorbacks move through the offseason, these additions help establish depth at key positions and give the coaching staff more options heading into the coming seasons.
Key takeaways
Arkansas added Georgia State transfer defensive back Tyler Scott, who brings experience and remaining eligibility to the secondary.
The Razorbacks signed 2026 Texas offensive lineman Carey Clayton, adding size and long-term depth up front.
The Hogs continue balancing immediate roster needs with long-term development through recruiting and the portal.
John Brummett’s career in news began when he was in high school, as a part-time reporter for the Arkansas Democrat. He moved to the Arkansas Gazette in 1977.
He wrote a political column for the Gazette from 1986 to 1990. He was an editor for the Arkansas Times from 1990 to 1992.
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In 1994, his book, “High Wire: From the Back Roads to the Beltway, the Education of Bill Clinton,” was published by Hyperion of New York City. He became a columnist with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in 1994. In 2000, he signed a deal with Donrey Media Group, now known as Stephens Media, and wrote for them for 11 years.
He rejoined Democrat-Gazette as a columnist on Oct. 24, 2011.
