Oklahoma State faced a challenging start to the season, succumbing to a 12-2 defeat against the fifth-ranked Arkansas team on Friday evening at the Shriners Children’s College Showdown, held at Globe Life Field. The Cowboys struggled offensively, mustering only four hits throughout the game.
In his OSU debut, the left-handed pitcher took the loss after working 4 2/3 innings. Despite striking out six batters, he surrendered six runs—three of which were earned—on four hits. Arkansas established an early lead, with Ryder Helfrick hitting a two-run homer in the first inning, followed by a solo home run in the third that pushed the score to 3-0.
The Cowboys responded in the fifth inning, narrowing the gap to 3-2 with a two-run homer by Shull after a teammate reached base on an error. However, the Razorbacks struck back immediately, loading the bases and adding three more runs in the bottom of the fifth, which ultimately led to Barrett’s exit from the mound.
Arkansas continued to build on their advantage, scoring three runs in the seventh inning, highlighted by another two-run homer. A decisive three-run shot in the eighth inning concluded the game under run-rule conditions.
Looking ahead, Oklahoma State will have a chance to regroup as they prepare to face their Bedlam-rival Oklahoma on Saturday, with the first pitch scheduled for 3 p.m. This upcoming game presents an opportunity for the Cowboys to bounce back after a tough opener and demonstrate their potential in this highly competitive environment.