Gabe Fraser defends Wehiwa Aloy for missing postgame press conference after CWS loss vs. LSU

A mental mistake from Arkansas‘ Wehiwa Aloy wound up costing the Razorbacks big time. Aloy could have turned a double play to end the game but instead got one out at third base. LSU remained alive and wound up coming back to win to clinch a spot in the College World Series championship series. No other way to put it — a heartbreaking moment for Aloy as he was visibly emotional in the dugout once the game ended.

Aloy did not make it to the postgame press conference after the moment, despite there being a nameplate on the table for him. When one social media account called Aloy out, Gabe Fraser quickly came to his defense.

“He did show up for our team day in and day out and not showing up for the press conference has nothing to do with him not showing up for the team he decided it was more important to be with his teammates instead of in media because that’s the type of guy he is,” Fraser said via X.

Aloy was one of the best players in college baseball this past season. His offensive numbers were incredible, hitting .350 with 21 home runs and 68 RBIs. An OPS of 1.107 is the most eye-popping stat Aloy produced throughout the year.

Soon enough, Aloy could actually be recognized as the sport’s top player. He is a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award and would be the third player from Arkansas to take home the honor.

From a fielding perspective, Aloy had only five errors while playing shortstop. He put together a fielding percentage of .978, a career-high. The play in question against LSU was not an error but one where the wrong throw was made considering the circumstances.

“In no other situation — probably during the regular season is Wehiwa Aloy going to throw that ball to third base,” ESPN analyst Kyle Peterson said about the play. “He’s gonna spin and throw to second. And to your point, there’s no guarantee they’re gonna turn two. Heck, he could throw it away. You have no idea. But ultimately, it’s just a rare play.”

For Fraser, seeing Aloy show up at a postgame press conference was the least of his worries. Teammates having each other’s backs, especially at somebody’s lowest, can show how close a team is. Arkansas ultimately fell short of winning a national championship but support for Aloy is going to be there.