Sunday, February 16, 2014

App St 2/15

Hogs Use Long Ball to Overcome Errors

The No. 25 Arkansas Razorbacks overcame four errors by hitting two home runs on a very windy day at Baum Stadium Saturday and held on late to win 7-6 over Appalachian State and improve to 2-0 on the young season. Junior RHP Chris Oliver went five innings to earn the win and gave up one hit and one earned run while striking out five.  Redshirt sophomore Landon Simpson ran into some trouble, giving up five hits and three earned runs, striking out two in 1.2 innings.  Junior Michael Gunn earned the save by pitching the last 2.1 innings, only giving up one hit along with two strikeouts.

The Razorbacks have seen much better days defensively as four errors cost them two unearned runs.  Junior shortstop Brett McAfee allowed a ball under his glove and then freshman center fielder Andrew Benintendi allowed the same ball to get past him in the outfield, totaling two errors before the ball was picked up.

Oliver also committed and error on a pick off attempt and junior Brian Anderson sailed the ball over third baseman Mike Bernal on a relay throw after a triple by Dillon Dobson which allowed Dobson to score on the play.

Offensively the Diamond Hogs posted their second consecutive double digit hits game, pounding out eleven hits.  Anderson led the way for the second day in a row going 3-5 with three singles, two runs scored and a stolen base.

Junior first baseman Eric Fisher hit an early solo home run and finished the day 2-4 with two RBI.  Redshirt sophomore right fielder Tyler Spoon had two hits as well including a three run home run into the hog pen to account for all three of his RBI.

Junior DH Krisjon Wilkerson had a pair of hits and junior Joe Serrano drove in one run on one hit.  Benintendi still has not recorded a hit in two games but continues to get on base as he was hit twice, walked and stole a base.

Arkansas' bats have kept up with the warm weather so far, as have the fans with another 4,913 on hand to enjoy the game.  The Razorbacks have had little problem hitting so far, especially in the middle of their lineup.  Their struggles have come defensively and pitchers hitting batters (six in two games).  They will look to tighten up their defense and find more of the strike zone on Sunday at 1:05 as freshman righty Alex Phillips will take the ball and go for the sweep.


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