Arkansas Blanks Illinois State in Home Opener

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Three Razorback arms combined for a 7-0, five-hit shutout victory against Illinois State in No. 14 Arkansas’ home opener Thursday at Bogle Park.

Arkansas announced the largest home opening day crowd in program history with 2,824 fans in attendance. Improving to 9-2 on the season, the Hogs clinched their eighth consecutive home opener win, dating back to 2017.

The Razorbacks scored seven runs in the first three innings and never looked back. Arkansas combined for nine hits, including two extra-base hits.

Making her fourth start of the season, sophomore RHP Reis Beuerlein (1-0) set the tone early to capture the win. The Cave Creek, Ariz., native twirled 4.0 scoreless frames, surrendering just three hits and striking out one. Sophomore RHP Nikki McGaffin took over in the fifth, retiring three out of four batters faced with a strikeout. Redshirt senior Morgan Leinstock tossed the final two frames and limited the Redbirds to one hit while recording a punchout. With runners at second and third with two outs in the top of the seventh, Leinstock forced a groundout back to pitcher to keep Illinois State off the board.

Seven Hogs recorded at least one hit. Redshirt senior Rylin Hedgecock had a perfect day at the plate, finishing 2-for-2 with an RBI and a walk. Sophomore Reagan Johnson logged her team-leading seventh multi-hit game of the season after going 2-for-4 and scoring a run. Johnson has filed four consecutive games with 2+ hits. Senior Hannah Gammill blasted her third home run of the season – a three-run shot to center – in the first.

How It Happened

• The Razorbacks wasted no time putting runs on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first. Bri Ellis cracked an RBI double to left center to grant the Hogs a 2-0 edge. Then, Gammill launched a three-run home run for a 4-0 advantage.
• Arkansas recorded a three-spot in the third. Hedgecock belted an RBI single to right center, scoring Cylie Halvorson from third. Kennedy Miller then joined in on the action and drove in two runs on a single to shallow left to bring the lead to 7-0.

Up Next
Arkansas is back in action During Day 2 of the Razorback Invitational Friday at Bogle Park. The Razorbacks duel UT-Arlington at 3 p.m. before battling Wichita State at 5:30 p.m. No streaming will be available throughout the weekend, but fans are encouraged to follow along on social media and via live stats.

For schedule updates and other news, go to ArkansasRazorbacks.com, or follow @RazorbackSB on X, Instagram and Facebook.