The White Sox surprised many by selecting left-handed pitcher Hagen Smith with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, despite limited pre-draft interactions. Scouting director Mike Shirley emphasized the strategic and financial considerations behind the pick, comparing Smith to elite pitchers like Chris Sale. The draft also saw the White Sox focusing on midwestern talent and addressing the challenges posed by NIL money and the transfer portal in college baseball.
The Chicago White Sox selected Arkansas left-handed pitcher Hagen Smith with the No. 5 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. Smith, the SEC Pitcher of the Year, boasts a powerful fastball/slider combo and was highly ranked across various draft boards. Despite a late-season hiccup, his strong performance and potential make him a valuable addition to the White Sox's pitching depth.
Arkansas and Kansas State will face off in the Fayetteville Regional on Saturday night. Arkansas, the No. 5 national seed, boasts a strong home record and standout pitcher Hagen Smith. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ and broadcast on the Razorback Sports Network. The winner will advance to play on Sunday.
The winners bracket game at the NCAA Fayetteville Regional between Arkansas and Kansas State will be televised by ESPNU on Saturday night at 8 p.m. Arkansas, led by SEC pitcher of the year Hagen Smith, advanced after defeating Southeast Missouri State, while Kansas State moved forward by beating Louisiana Tech.
Hagen Smith's historic pitching performance for #2 Arkansas, Ben North's impressive hitting for Creighton, and several upset victories in college baseball, including Stony Brook defeating #3 LSU, Kennesaw State beating #10 Clemson, and Penn State's win over Stanford. TCU also secured a 4-3 victory over #20 UCLA.
The highly anticipated college baseball game between No. 2 Arkansas and No. 7 Oregon State at Globe Life Field featured a remarkable performance by Arkansas ace Hagen Smith, delivering compelling theater and showcasing the talents of both teams' starting pitchers and premier hitters.
Hagen Smith's 17-strikeout performance led No. 2 Arkansas to a 5-4 win over No. 7 Oregon State at Globe Life Field. Smith tied the program's single-game strikeout record, pitching six scoreless innings and recording 15 consecutive outs via strikeout. Arkansas broke the program's total strikeout record with 23 strikeouts in the game. The Razorbacks secured the win with a late go-ahead run and hard-throwing reliever Jake Faherty's two strikeouts to lock down his first career save.
Hagen Smith's historic 17-strikeout performance led No. 4 Arkansas to a 5-4 victory over No. 7 Oregon State, with Peyton Holt's late triple providing the winning run. Despite surrendering a four-run lead, Arkansas secured the win. Smith's dominant outing in front of scouts may boost his MLB Draft prospects, tying a program record with 17 strikeouts. The game took place at Globe Life Field, where Smith has excelled in previous outings. Arkansas will face Oklahoma State next.
Arkansas baseball rallied to beat Oregon State 5-4 in a College World Series-like matchup at the Kubota College Baseball Series Weekend 2, with Hagen Smith striking out 17 batters in six innings. Smith's historic performance tied an Arkansas program record and came after Oregon State tied the game in the eighth inning. Arkansas ultimately secured the win with a go-ahead triple in the bottom of the eighth, and a strikeout in the ninth sealed the victory.
Arkansas pitcher Hagen Smith tied a team record with 17 strikeouts in just six innings against No. 7 Oregon State, showcasing his dominant pitching and boosting his MLB Draft stock. Despite concerns about consistency and health, Smith's performance demonstrated his ability to dominate, impressing against a strong Oregon State lineup and potentially elevating his draft position.
The Arkansas Razorbacks defeated the LSU Tigers 5-4 in the SEC Tournament, advancing to the semifinals. Left-handers Hagen Smith and Hunter Hollan combined for 17 strikeouts, while Arkansas plated five runs against SEC Pitcher of the Year Paul Skenes in the fourth inning. Arkansas will now face the winner of Texas A&M and LSU in the semifinals.
Hagen Smith, Arkansas baseball's best pitcher, started the game against Mississippi State and was dominant for two innings before his command started slipping. He still fought through five innings, though, and helped the Razorbacks win 6-2. Brady Slavens hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning, and Gage Wood closed out the game with five strikeouts in three innings. Caleb Cali had three hits, and Peyton Holt and Mason Neville made their first SEC starts due to injuries. Arkansas will try to clinch the series on Saturday night.
