Offensive Onslaught Helps Razorbacks Remain Perfect In Midweek Games
Nine-run inning takes care of in-state rival Arkansas State
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas defeated Arkansas State 13-0 in seven innings to improve to 5-0 in midweek games and 24-3 on the season.
"They just come out and play," coach Dave Van Horn said. "They show up and they play hard. It doesn’t matter if it’s conference, non-conference. We took advantage of a few things. But I thought our pitching staff did a tremendous job."
Arkansas showcased its depth in another stress-free non-conference win. Peyton Holt, getting his second straight midweek start, opened the scoring with an infield single to short with the bases loaded. Two would score thanks to a throwing error.
Will Edmunson helped his cause for the left field job with a 2-for-3 day with a double, walk and a two-run single.
It wasn't just the less seen Razorbacks that pitched in. All nine Hog starters got on base by the third inning. Ben McLaughlin hit a 396-foot homer as part of a 3-for-4 night to double Arkansas' lead to 4-0 in the second.
The Razorbacks offensive onslaught showed no signs of stopping, sending 12 men to the plate and scoring nine runs on six hits. The inning was capped off by a mammoth 458-foot grand slam by Nolan Souza to make the score 13-0.
"I think everyone on our team knows that we’re able to hit well," Souza said. "The confidence on our team with all the hitters is pretty good right now."
The pitching held its end of the bargain as well. Colin Fisher started and threw two scoreless innings after giving up runs in his previous two outings. Ben Bybee pitched a scoreless inning as he made his second appearance back from mononucleosis.
Jake Faherty, making his first appearance in over three weeks, worked around a leadoff walk and struck out the next three batters he faced in the fourth.
Van Horn, wanting to get work for his less used arms, continued to trot out pitchers from the bullpen, all with success. Gage Wood and Jake Faherty both put up scoreless appearances. Cooper Dossett, Parker Coil and Dylan Carter pitched the final two innings, including Carter's first strikeout since returning from Tommy John surgery to seal the shutout.
"Our whole pitching staff can throw at any point in the season," Fisher said. "It’s kinda hard to pick who’s throwing. No matter who’s going to be out there they’re going to do good just throwing strikes."
Arkansas now shifts its attention to Ole Miss as the Rebels come to Baum-Walker Stadium for another Thursday-Saturday SEC series. Game one of the three-game set is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday and will be broadcast on SEC Network.
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