Hrozek?s Heroics Clinch SEC West for Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Wayne Hrozek only though his pinch-hit home run last night was the biggest hit of his college career, but the sophomore one-upped himself on Friday night with a two-run walk-off double in the bottom of the 10th inning to give No. 10 Arkansas a 4-3 win over Ole Miss on Friday night.

The win clinched the SEC Western Division title for the Razorbacks in front of 9,812 fans at Baum Stadium. The Hogs improved to 18-11 in SEC play and 38-17 overall on the season. It is the first SEC West title for Arkansas since the 2004 season and the third overall. The Hogs are 4-0 in extra-inning games this season.

Hrozek’s double was just the finish to the bottom of the 10th inning that went the right way for the Hogs. Cody Satterwhite came on for the Rebels to close things out, but he walked the first two batters he faced. Ole Miss catcher Brett Basham then threw a pickoff attempt to second base into centerfield, putting runners on second and third base.

Ben Tschepikow then flew out foul down the left-field line, but Matt Willard, who pinch ran for Brian Walker who drew a walk to lead off the inning, tagged up on the play and scored to cut the Rebels lead to one run at 3-2. Logan Forsythe and Casey Coon then drew walks from Satterwhite to load the bases for Hrozek.

Jess Todd turned in another fantastic start, but did not get a decision after nine-masterful innings. He allowed just one run on four hits and fanned a career-best 12 Ole Miss batters.

With the game tied a 1-1 in the going into extra innings, Chris Rhoads came on for Todd and surrendered a go-ahead triple to with one out following an error by Tim Smalling at shortstop. Basham then laid down a safely-squeeze bunt for the 3-1 lead. Dallas Keuchel then replaced Rhoads to retire the final out of the inning on a ground ball. Keuchel would end up getting the win to improve to 6-2 on the season.

Lance Lynn matched Todd almost pitch for pitch through his seven innings of work. He allowed just one run in the first inning, while striking out eight and giving up seven hits. Satterwhite fell to 4-3 on the season with the loss.

Coon went 2 for 3 to pace the Razorbacks eight-hit attack while Danny Hamblin and Dugger doubled for the Razorbacks.

The Hogs struck first with a run in the first inning on Casey Coon’s RBI single through the left side of the infield. But base-running miscues by Jake Dugger and Logan Forsythe in the inning cost the Hogs a chance at more.

Ole Miss tied things up with in the top of the fifth inning when Andrew Kliman hit a hot shot at Logan Forsythe at third base that came up and bounced off his chest. The single scored Zach Miller who had doubled with one out.

The series final is slated for 2:05 p.m. Saturday. The Hogs clinched the No. 2 seed in the SEC Tournament that opens on Wednesday, May 23 at 10 a.m. against the No. 7 seed which is still to be determined.