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2025 Arkansas vs Rutgers

Arkansas Softball Uses Nine-Run Inning To Top Rutgers 10-0 At Mary Nutter

Arkansas Softball Uses Nine-Run Inning To Top Rutgers 10-0 At Mary Nutter

A nine-run fifth inning helped Arkansas past Rutgers at the 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in Cathedral City, California. The Razorbacks won 10-0.

Feb 20, 2025 by Matt Cannizzaro
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Through four innings in the Arkansas vs. Rutgers game Thursday at the 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in Cathedral City, California, it looked like the difference in the contest might be one third-inning swing from Arkansas.

Then, the Arkansas offense erupted for nine runs in the top of the fifth to secure a 10-0 win. 

It was the sixth consecutive run-rule victory for Razorbacks, who are 11-0 in 2025, marking the best start to a season in program history.

In the win over Rutgers, Arkansas tallied 10 runs on 12 hits, while leaving another six runners stranded on base. 

The go-ahead run for the Razorbacks was a third-inning home run from junior Kailey Wyckoff, a transfer from Texas Tech. She finished the day 1 for 3 with a run and two RBIs.

The offensive onslaught for Arkansas included two-hit performances from four players and a three-RBI effort from senior Courtney Day.

Freshman right-hander Payton Burnham (4-0) got the start and the win for the Razorbacks, making light work of the Rutgers lineup. She went all five innings, giving up just one hit, while striking out five.

The lone hit for the Scarlet Knights was a second-inning single by senior designated hitter Georgia Ingle. 

Rutgers sent three pitchers into the circle Thursday, with freshman right-hander Kelsey Hoekstra (1-2) taking the loss. She pitched 4 1/3 innings, giving up three runs on eight hits, while walking one and strike out one.

The young Rutgers team, which features 11 freshmen, falls to 5-6 on the season.

The game was the first of 17 scheduled for the opening day of this year’s Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, taking place at the Big League Dreams Complex from Feb. 20-23.

The park includes five fields modeled after some of the most historic venues in Major League Baseball. Among them, Boston’s Fenway Park, Chicago’s Wrigley Field and New York’s Yankee Stadium.

Next up for the Scarlet Knights will be a meeting with No. 22 Missouri on Thursday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.

Arkansas, ranked No. 10 in the latest ESPN.com/USA Softball Poll, will be back in action almost immediately to face Cal State Fullerton on Thursday at 3 p.m. EST.

The 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic includes 31 teams, headlined by Tennessee, Nebraska and Utah. 

Watch The Full Replay Of The Arkansas Vs. Rutgers Game

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Finals Stats From Arkansas' 10-0 Win Over Rutgers At 2025 Mary Nutter

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Arkansas00109
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Rutgers00000
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Arkansas Defeats Rutgers In Five Innings, 10-0

The Scarlet Knights get two baserunners in the bottom of the fifth inning, needing to score at least three runs to extend the game, but Arkansas and pitcher Burnham shut it down.

It's Burnham's first complete-game win with Arkansas and the sixth straight run-rule win for the Razorbacks. 

Run-Rule Reminder

When Is The NCAA Softball Run Rule Used?

The run-ahead rule, often referred to as a "mercy rule" or "run rule" states that if one team is up by eight or more runs after five or more equal innings, the home plate umpire can declare a run-ahead rule and end the game.

See The Razorbacks In Action

Razorbacks Add Two More Runs

A passed ball allows another Arkansas run.

Johnson then scores on a Wyckoff sac fly.

Razorbacks lead 10-0.

After another single, the inning finals ends.

Rutgers will need three runs to extend the game.

Arkansas Onslaught Continues, Razorbacks Lead Rutgers 8-0

Two more Razorbacks score on a fielder's choice and an error. Arkansas up 8-0.

Bases still loaded with one out.

The Razorbacks have scored seven runs in the fifth inning.

Rutgers Walks In A Run, Arkansas Leads 6-0

Junior Karlie Davison walks with the bases loaded. Rijo scores.

Arkansas leads 6-0.

This Rutgers team has 11 freshmen. 

Rutgers Brings In New Pitcher During Arkansas Threat In Fifth Inning

Freshman right-hander Dezaria Johnson makes collegiate debut for Rutgers.

It's the top of the fifth inning. Arkansas has runners on first and second with one out.

Razorbacks lead 5-0.

The runners advance to second and third due to a wild pitch.

Senior Raigan Kramer walks to load the bases.

Arkansas Softball Breaks Open Game Against Rutgers At Mary Nutter Tournament

Day comes up big again for Arkansas, blasting a three-run home run to center field. Day is a transfer from Texas.

McDowell scores. Ellis scores.

Arkansas leads 5-0.

There's still only one out in the top of the fifth inning.

Rutgers Softball Makes Pitching Change Against Arkansas

Arkansas is making its third run through the lineup.

Senior left-hander Laurelai DePew comes on to pitch to Ellis.

Ellis delivers an infield single. McDowell advances to second base.

Arkansas Adds To Lead Against Rutgers At Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, Razorbacks Lead 2-0

The top of the fifth inning begins with a double from Johnson.

Johnson advances to third in a line out by Wyckoff.

Johnson scores on a single to center field by McDowell.

Arkansas leads 2-0.

The Razorbacks have a runner on first base with one out.

Rutgers Vs. Arkansas Pitchers' Duel At 2025 Mary Nutter Speeding Along

The difference in this one is a third-inning home run by Arkansas.

The Razorbacks have one run on five hits and have left five on base.

Rutgers has no runs on one hit, and two Scarlet Knights have been stranded.

After four innings, Arkansas leads 1-0.

Arkansas Threat Ends, Razorbacks Leave Two On Base

A double from recent D1 Softball National Player of the Week Bri Ellis advances McDowell to third base.

Arkansas has runners on second and third with two outs.

But......

A fly ball ends the inning, leaving two more Arkansas runners on base.

Arkansas 1, Rutgers 0

Check Out The Kailey Wyckoff Home Run Now!

Arkansas Gets On The Board Against Rutgers, Razorbacks Lead 1-0

As her mother is being interviewed in the stands, junior Kailey Wyckoff, a transfer from Texas Tech, homers to right field to put the Razorbacks up 1-0.

Freshman Ella McDowell follows with a single. 

Arkansas has a runner on first with one out.

No Score Through Two Innings In Arkansas-Rutgers Softball Showdown

The teams have stranded a combined five runners through two innings.

The score remains 0-0.

Arkansas Razorbacks Unable To Score In Second Inning Against Rutgers

Hoekstra pitched her way out of the jam. Arkansas now has stranded three runners in two innings.

Arkansas 0, Rutgers 0 after one and a half innings.

First Hits Of Contest Belongs To Arkansas Softball

Senior Courtney Day singles to left for the first hit of the game. She's on base for the sixth consecutive game.

Day advances to third on a double by junior Atalyia Rijo.

The Razorbacks have runners on second and third with no outs.

Quiet First Inning For Scarlet Knights Softball Against Arkansas

Rutgers gets one on base via error, but nothing transpires. The runner is stranded.

After one inning, there is no score.

Rutgers Starting Lineup For First Game Of 2025 Mary Nutter 

Rutgers Softball Navigates Threat, Arkansas Can't Cash In

The inning ends with Johnson stranded on third base.

Scarlet Knights coming up.

Freshman right-hander Payton Burnham will be pitching for Arkansas.

Arkansas Softball Gets First Baserunner

Junior Reagan Johnson, a thread on the basepaths, draws a leadoff walk for Arkansas. 

She advances to second base on a ground out.

Johnson advances to third on a fly ball.

Rutgers And Arkansas Underway At 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic

Arkansas is batting first in this one.

Freshman right-hander Kelsey Hoekstra is in the circle for Rutgers. Her sister is the team's DH.

Starting Lineup For Arkansas Softball Against The Scarlet Knights

Arkansas is 10-0. Can the Razorbacks make it 11?

When Is The Rutgers Vs. Arkansas Softball Game?

Rutgers will face Arkansas at the Big League Dreams Complex in Cathedral City, California, on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 12:30 p.m. Eastern.

How To Watch The 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic

Watch the 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic on FloCollege and the FloSports App.

Replays of the games, highlights and more breaking news will be on both platforms.

FloSoftball will be streaming several other NCAA Division I College Softball tournaments, including the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge, Rocket City Softball Showcase, FAU Paradise Classic and the FAU Joan Joyce Classic.

Feb 20, 5:30 PM UTC

2025 Arkansas vs Rutgers


Here's All You Need Know About The Mary Nutter

About Rutgers Softball

Rutgers started the 2025 season at The Spring Games in Leesburg, Florida, and the team’s opener went well. It was a 6-2 victory against Cleveland State. But that’s where the momentum ended.

The Scarlet Knights ended up leaving the event at 1-4, following losses to Middle Tennessee, Louisville and Liberty (twice).

Rutgers, which plays in the Big Ten, is coming off a strong 33-22 season, and proved the first event was nothing more than a slow start. The Scarlet Knights rebounded well at the Lion Invitational in Commerce, Texas, where they went 4-1 to improve to 5-5 on the season.

The Scarlet Knights last participated in the Mary Nutter in 2024, turning in a 4-2 record.

Rutgers Softball Player Recognized By Big Ten

Rutgers’ freshman Ella Harrison pitched 21 innings last week on the way to three wins and was named the Big Ten Co-Putcher of the Week. 

About Arkansas Softball

The Arkansas softball team is off to a perfect start this season, going 10-0 across the Texas State Tournament in San Marcos, Texas, and LA Tech Tournament in Ruston, Louisiana. 

The Razorbacks also were able to surge into the No. 10 spot on the latest ESPN.com/USA Softball Poll, moving up from No. 13. 

Arkansas is coming off a 37-18 season that ended with a win and two losses in the regional portion of the NCAA Division I Softball Championship.

This year’s appearance at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic is the team’s first since a 5-0 run at the event in 2018.

Arkansas Senior Bri Ellis Receives National Recognition

A four-home run week helped Arkansas senior Bri Ellis earn D1 Softball National Player of the Week honors. 

Rutgers Softball’s Matchups For The 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic

All Times Eastern

Thursday, Feb. 20

  • 12:30 p.m. – Rutgers vs. Arkansas
  • 3:30 p.m. – Rutgers vs. Missouri

Friday, Feb. 21

  • 1:30 p.m. – Rutgers vs. Tennessee
  • 3:30 p.m. – Rutgers vs. Bethune-Cookman

Saturday, Feb. 22

  • 5:30 p.m. – Rutgers vs. Oregon State
  • 8 p.m. – Rutgers vs. UC Riverside

Arkansas Softball’s Matchups For The 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic

All Times Eastern

Thursday, Feb. 20

  • 12:30 p.m. – Arkansas vs. Rutgers
  • 3 p.m. – Arkansas vs. Cal State Fullerton

Friday, Feb. 21

  • 9 p.m. – Arkansas vs. Loyola Marymount

Saturday, Feb. 22

  • 1 p.m. – Arkansas vs. Baylor
  • 6 p.m. – Arkansas vs. UCLA

ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 Poll - Feb. 18

  1. Texas (25) – Previous Rank: 1
  2. Oklahoma – Previous Rank: 3
  3. Florida – Previous Rank: 2
  4. UCLA – Previous Rank: 4
  5. LSU – Previous Rank: 7
  6. Texas A&M – Previous Rank: 5
  7. Tennessee – Previous Rank: 6
  8. Florida State – Previous Rank: 9
  9. Georgia – Previous Rank: 11
  10. Arkansas – Previous Rank: 13
  11. Arizona – Previous Rank: 15
  12. Texas Tech – Previous Rank: 8
  13. Oklahoma State – Previous Rank: 10
  14. Duke – Previous Rank: 14
  15. Nebraska – Previous Rank: 17
  16. Mississippi State – Previous Rank: 19
  17. Virginia Tech – Previous Rank: 18 
  18. Auburn – Previous Rank: NR
  19. Oregon – Previous Rank: 20
  20. Stanford – Previous Rank: 22
  21. Alabama – Previous Rank: 12
  22. Missouri – Previous Rank: 16
  23. San Diego State – Previous Rank: NR
  24. South Carolina – Previous Rank: NR
  25. Liberty – Previous Rank: NR

Others Receiving Votes: Baylor, Kentucky, Northwestern, Florida Atlantic, Indiana, Virginia, Ole Miss, UCF

When Is The 2025 Mary Nutter Softball Tournament?

The 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic will take place Feb. 20-23.

Games begin Thursday and culminate with the final games on Sunday. 

Where Is The 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic?  

The Mary Nutter Classic returns to the Big League Dreams Complex in Cathedral City, California. The complex has five fields available. 

2025 Mary Nutter Team List

As of Sept. 4, 2024

  • Arkansas
  • Baylor
  • Bethune-Cookman
  • BYU
  • Cal-Berkeley
  • Cal State Fullerton
  • CSUN
  • Duke
  • Fresno State
  • Hawai’i
  • Howard University
  • Long Beach State
  • Loyola Marymount University
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • Northwestern
  • Oregon
  • Oregon State
  • Rutgers
  • Saint Mary’s College
  • San Diego State
  • San Jose State
  • Seattle
  • Tennessee
  • UC Santa Barbara
  • UCLA
  • UC Riverside
  • Utah
  • Washington

Complete 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic Schedule

All Times Eastern

Thursday, Feb. 20

Wrigley Field

  • 12:30 p.m. – Rutgers vs. Arkansas
  • 3 p.m. – Cal State Fullerton vs. Arkansas
  • 5:30 p.m. – Nebraska vs. Baylor
  • 8 p.m. – Missouri vs. UCLA
  • 10:30 p.m. – Nebraska vs. UCLA

Yankee Stadium

  • 1 p.m. – California vs. Oregon
  • 3:30 p.m. – Tennessee vs. Oregon 
  • 6 p.m. – Tennessee vs. Oregon State
  • 8:30 p.m. – Washington vs. BYU
  • 11 p.m. – Washington vs. UC Riverside

Fenway Park

  • 1 p.m. – Nevada vs. Baylor
  • 3:30 p.m. – Rutgers vs. Missouri
  • 6 p.m. – Bethune-Cookman vs. Nevada
  • 8:30 p.m. – Bethune-Cookman vs. UC Riverside
  • 11 p.m. – CSUN vs. BYU

Des Moines Field

  • 6 p.m. – California vs. Cal State Fullerton
  • 8:30 p.m. – CSUN vs. Oregon State

Friday, Feb. 21

Wrigley Field

  • 1:30 p.m. – Rutgers vs. Tennessee
  • 4 p.m. – Duke vs. Nebraska
  • 6:30 p.m. – Tennessee vs. UCLA
  • 9 p.m. – Arkansas vs. Loyola Marymount
  • 11:30 p.m. – California vs. Washington

Yankee Stadium

  • 1 p.m. – Missouri vs. Baylor
  • 3:30 p.m. – Missouri vs. Minnesota
  • 6 p.m. – BYU vs. Hawai'i
  • 8:30 p.m. – BYU vs. UC Santa Barbara
  • 11 p.m. – Oregon State vs. UC Santa Barbara

Fenway Park

  • 1:30 p.m. – Oregon vs. Utah
  • 4 p.m. – Oregon vs. San Diego State
  • 6:30 p.m. – Howard vs. Duke
  • 9 p.m. – Northwestern vs. Seattle
  • 11:30 p.m. – Howard vs. San Jose State

Des Moines Field

  • 1 p.m. – Fresno State vs. Minnesota
  • 3:30 p.m. – Fresno State vs. Seattle
  • 6 p.m. – Long Beach State vs. Utah
  • 8:30 p.m. – Nevada vs. UC Riverside
  • 11 p.m. – Nevada vs. Hawai'i

Pawtucket Field

  • 1 p.m. – Cal State Fullerton vs. Bethune-Cookman
  • 3:30 p.m. – Rutgers vs. Bethune-Cookman
  • 6 p.m. – Cal State Fullerton vs. Saint Mary’s
  • 8:30 p.m. – San Jose State vs. CSUN
  • 11 p.m. – Saint Mary’s vs. CSUN

Saturday, Feb. 22

Wrigley Field

  • 1 p.m. – Baylor vs. Arkansas
  • 3:30 p.m. – Baylor vs. UCLA
  • 6 p.m. – Arkansas vs. UCLA
  • 8:30 p.m. – San Jose State vs. Nebraska
  • 11 p.m. – Howard vs. Nebraska

Yankee Stadium

  • 12:30 p.m. – Oregon vs. Missouri
  • 3 p.m. – Utah vs. Cal State Fullerton
  • 5:30 p.m. – Utah vs. Northwestern 
  • 8 p.m. – Saint Mary’s vs. Northwestern
  • 10:30 p.m. – Saint Mary’s vs. Hawai'i

Fenway Park

  • 12:30 p.m. – BYU vs. Duke
  • 3 p.m. – Minnesota vs. Duke
  • 5:30 p.m. – Minnesota vs. Tennessee
  • 8 p.m. – UC Riverside vs. Rutgers
  • 10:30 p.m. – UC Santa Barbara vs. Washington

Des Moines Field

  • 12:30 p.m. – Seattle vs. Long Beach State
  • 3 p.m. – Oregon State vs. Long Beach State
  • 5:30 p.m. – Oregon State vs. Rutgers
  • 8 p.m. – UC Santa Barbara vs. San Diego State
  • 10:30 p.m. – UC Riverside vs. San Diego State

Pawtucket Field

  • 12:30 p.m. – Bethune-Cookman vs. Fresno State
  • 3 p.m. – CSU vs. Nevada
  • 5:30 p.m. – Seattle vs. California
  • 8 p.m. – Loyola Marymount vs. California
  • 10:30 p.m. – Loyola Marymount vs. San Jose State

Sunday, Feb. 23

Wrigley Field

  • Noon – Duke vs. UCLA
  • 2 p.m. – Nebraska vs. Utah
  • 4 p.m. – San Diego State vs. Hawai'i

Yankee Stadium

  • 12:30 p.m. – Washington vs. Fresno State
  • 2:30 p.m. – Hawai'i vs. Loyola Marymount
  • 4:30 p.m. – Howard vs. Loyola Marymount

Fenway Park

  • Noon – Northwestern vs. California
  • 2 p.m. – San Diego State vs. Saint Mary’s

Des Moines Field

  • 12:30 p.m. – Long Beach State vs. Minnesota
  • 2:30 p.m. – Long Beach State vs. Howard

Pawtucket Field

  • Noon – Seattle vs. Oregon State
  • 2 p.m. – San Jose State vs. UC Santa Barbara

About Big League Dreams Cathedral City

The Big League Dreams Sports Parks are scattered throughout the United States and provide recreational and tournament players of all ages the chance to compete on world-class fields, often built as replicas of famous stadiums from the storied history of Major League Baseball.

Along with the nostalgic fields, the Big League Dreams venues include a restaurant and bar, batting cages, play area for children, stadium seating and space for other sports (hockey, soccer, sand volleyball), events and competitions. 

Big League Dreams Cathedral City was the first of the eight BLD properties to open, doing so in 1998. The park includes five fields. Among them, Boston’s Fenway Park, Chicago’s Wrigley Field and New York’s Yankee Stadium.

Louisiana Tech Earns Historic Top-5 Win Over OSU Softball | Postgame Interview


Who Was Mary Nutter?

Mary Nutter was an All-American softball player and a pioneer in the sport. 

She was a coach at Pittsburgh State and was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1988 and the National Fast Pitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1997.

Nutter died in 2012. 

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