Series Opener Goes to South Carolina
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas softball team dropped game one of its weekend series Friday evening, losing 14-0 to South Carolina at Bogle Park. Nicole Schroeder and Autumn Russell each reached base in both of their plate appearances but the Razorbacks were held to three hits in the game. The teams return to action Saturday afternoon for game two of their weekend series with a 1 p.m. (CT) first pitch.
As part of Heroes Weekend, it will be Military Appreciate Day at Bogle Park where all current military members and veterans receive free admission. Additionally, the first 250 fans at the park will get a free t-shirt and the first 50 UA students in attendance will receive a Whataburger gift card. General admission is $5 for adults while students with valid ID and fans 17 years and younger get in free.
Immediately following Saturday’s game, several Razorback student-athletes representing various sports and members of the University of Arkansas athletics administration and staff will take part in the first Hogstar Game. The two teams will be led by head coach Courtney Deifel and assistant coach Boo De Oliveira.
After South Carolina (29-9, 3-7 SEC) scored first with three runs in the top of the second, Schroeder posted the Razorbacks’ first hit of the game with a single to right. She moved into scoring position on a fielding miscue by an SC infielder, allowing Russell to reach first on the play. However, a runner’s interference call on a ground ball to second ended the inning.
After a scoreless third for both teams, the visitors put together back-to-back big innings with 11 runs between the fourth and fifth innings. Batting around in both frames, the Gamecocks extended their lead behind 11 hits including three-run shot by Kaylea Snaer in the top of the fifth. Starter Claire Clark took the loss, dropping to 4-2 on the season after allowing three runs—one earned—in 1.1 innings of work.
In the team’s final opportunity to score, Arkansas (15-24, 0-10 SEC) got a pair of runners on base with two outs. From her leadoff position, Shelby Hiers drew a walk and moved up to second on a wild pitch. Tori Cooper—who made her pitching debut in the game—followed with an infield single to the shortstop to give the Razorbacks runners on the corners. But South Carolina and starter Nickie Blue closed out the win by inducing a fly ball to center field.
For more information about purchasing tickets for home games this season, call 800-982-HOGS (4647) or 479-575-5151, email raztk@uark.edu or visit the Razorback Ticket Center located next to Baum Stadium. The ticket window opens one hour before first pitch of each home game. Follow @RazorbackSB on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information about Arkansas Softball.
