Hogs Drop Series Finale to Loyola Marymount

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The No. 20 University of Arkansas baseball team saw its bats go quiet Sunday afternoon and fell 9-0 to Loyola Marymount in the series finale at Baum Stadium.

After clinching the series on Saturday, Arkansas (9-3) had chances to come alive at the plate on Sunday. The Razorbacks loaded the bases in the second and fourth innings, but came up empty both times and left nine runners on base for the day.

Chad Spanberger led the way at the plate, reaching base three times, while Bobby Wernes, Carson Shaddy and Brett McAfee all recorded hits in the game.

Keaton McKinney (1-1) suffered his first collegiate loss, giving up four runs on three hits, while walking one and striking out three. The Razorbacks sent seven other pitchers to the hill in the nine-run loss.

Arkansas returns to action Tuesday afternoon, opening a two-game series with Gonzaga at Baum Stadium. First pitch on Tuesday is set for 6:35 p.m., followed by 3:05 p.m. on Wednesday.

Arkansas Head Coach Dave Van Horn on today’s loss: “We gave up four home runs.  They played a lot better than we did.  It was a clean game defensively for both teams, but as far as pitching we really struggled out of the bullpen.  We got down early and they went with their closer in the sixth inning.  He came out, pounded the zone and didn’t give us any chance to get back in it.”

Van Horn on winning the series: “I’m glad we won the series.  We’re playing a good team.  Today was very disappointing, but overall winning two out of three over a preseason team picked to win their conference is a pretty good deal.  When you have the chance to sweep somebody, you have to come out with a little better approach.”

Van Horn on the rest of the season: “We need to play well.  We need to get better.  We need to make some adjustments in our bullpen.  Hopefully we keep some guys healthy and gain some confidence heading into SEC play.”

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