Inside Gage Wood’s historic day in Omaha

OMAHA, Nebr. (KNWA/KFTA) – Gage Wood didn’t know today would be a day that lives in Men’s College World Series infamy when he woke up, but he wanted to make sure it was one he would always remember.

“The only special thing,” Wood told the media in his postgame press conference. “I didn’t want to go home.”

The good news for the Razorbacks, they live to see another day. But soaking it all in today is the most important thing to the man of the hour. Gage Wood first took the mound around 1:15p.m., Monday afternoon. About three hours and 19 strikeouts later, history was made.

The first no-hitter at the Men’s College World Series since 1960 thrown by Wood as Arkansas defeated Murray State 3-0. 64 years and 364 days since the last one.

“I had all the confidence in the world and Gage just seeing him compete and, you know, knowing the type of person he was,” Parker Coil told the Pig Trail Nation team in the locker room postgame. “, I just know that that that was something he wanted more than ever. And with his determination and just the type of person he is, I know that he was going to get it done.”

For the Batesville native, this is extra special. He told PTN earlier this week that he’s worked his entire life to be in Omaha. Then to accomplish this feat today, to keep his team alive in the postseason, was something extra special.

“You know, he loves Arkansas. He loves the state,” redshirt sophomore first baseman Reese Robinett said. “And, you know, the fans are supportive. You know, they couldn’t ask for much more really.”

The Arkansas kid has now etched his name into not only Razorback lore, but also college baseball lore joining an exclusive list of pitchers. Despite his quiet and short-worded answers, he’s adored by all those that are lucky enough to call him a teammate.

“I would say he’s probably the most competitive guy on the team,” longtime Hog Will McEntire added. “he’s a great teammate, standup guy, and something like that couldn’t happen to a better person.”

As for the celebration, it was as awesome on the field as it was on ESPN.

“We’re so happy for him, man. I mean, we all sprinted straight from the bullpen just to get to him,” Dylan Carter said. “Give him a big old hug because he knows what this program means. He knows what it’s missing. And I mean, I’m just so incredibly happy for him.”

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