Gage Wood achieves historic no-hitter in College World Series
- Gage Wood achieved a no-hitter, striking out a record 19 batters during the game.
- This was only the third no-hitter recorded in College World Series history, with previous ones occurring in 1950 and 1960.
- Wood's performance is celebrated as one of the best pitching displays in the history of the College World Series.
In the United States, on June 16, 2025, Gage Wood, a pitcher for the University of Arkansas, made history by throwing a no-hitter during a College World Series game against Murray State. This remarkable feat marks only the third no-hitter ever recorded in the history of the College World Series, with the previous occurrences taking place in 1950 and 1960. Wood's performance not only secured a 3-0 victory for Arkansas but also showcased his extraordinary skill on one of the biggest stages in college baseball. During the game, Gage Wood struck out an impressive 19 batters, breaking the record for the most strikeouts by a pitcher in a nine-inning process in the College World Series. He delivered an astounding 119 pitches, with 83 being strikes, demonstrating his control and effectiveness. His ability to maintain such high performance throughout the game, which included reaching speeds of 98 mph, captivated audiences and his teammates alike. Wood had a notable strategy, showcasing a mix of fastballs and breaking pitches that kept opposing batters off-balance. Despite putting together a perfect game through most of the contest, his bid for perfection ended in the eighth inning when he unintentionally hit a batter in the foot while throwing a breaking ball. Reflecting on the moment, Wood acknowledged his mistake, stating, 'I shouldn’t have hit that guy, that’s all I got to say.' Nonetheless, this minor setback did not overshadow his overall achievement. The no-hitter not only marked a historic moment for Wood but also revitalized the University of Arkansas team's hopes of continuing their run in the College World Series. Following this game, Wood expressed his joy and relief at the success, particularly after a challenging recovery from a shoulder injury earlier in the season that had sidelined him for 54 days. He attributed his success to the team's determination and commitment to staying in the tournament. Wood concluded his post-game comments by indicating his intention to make further contributions in the ongoing championship run, reflecting the spirit of perseverance and competitiveness that defines college athletics.