Razorbacks Complete Comeback Against Louisville

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Sophomore Hannah Gammill stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the sixth and launched a two-out, three-run home run to center to secure No. 8 Arkansas an 8-5 comeback victory over Louisville at Bogle Park Sunday.

Sophomore Jenna Bloom (2-0) picked up the win on the mound after tossing six innings and striking out a season-best eight batters. The Huntington Beach, Calif., native held Louisville to five-straight scoreless innings and gave up just one run on five hits to anchor Arkansas’ defensive front.

Gammill, the Beebe, Ark., native, went 3-for-4 with a career-high five RBI to go along with a double and home run to power the Razorback offense. Graduate Taylor Ellsworth pieced together a noteworthy effort at the three spot, going 3-for-3 with two runs, an RBI, and a walk. Senior Danielle Gibson provided momentum in the cleanup spot after going 2-for-2, including a crucial two-run home run in the fifth, to go along with a walk. Redshirt senior KB Sides went 1-for-3 with a walk at the leadoff spot. Redshirt junior Audrie LaValley also tallied a hit at the eight spot.

How It Happened

The Cardinals jumped on board in the top of the first after a pair of home runs to grab a 4-0 advantage.

The Razorbacks refused to back down in the bottom half of the frame. Ellsworth put a runner on after forcing a two-out walk. Then, Gibson reached after getting hit by a pitch to position runners at first and second. Gammill then notched her first hit of the game, sending a two-RBI single to left center to cut Louisville’s lead to two.

In the top of the second, Louisville registered its final run of the game on a solo shot to center.

Arkansas threatened in the second after placing runners on first and second thanks to a LaValley single to center followed by a Sides walk, but the Cardinals worked out of the jam to keep a 5-2 lead.

Ellsworth and Gibson opened the third with back-to-back singles, but Louisville’s defense stood strong to force three-consecutive outs and work out of yet another scoring threat.

Louisville put runners on first and second with two down in the top of the fourth, but Gibson’s diving play down the first base line secured another scoreless inning by the Razorback defense.

Sides found green in left with a two-out single, but she was left on base to end the fourth.

Ellsworth singled down the left field line to open the fifth. Gibson then slammed a two-run shot to center, pulling the Razorbacks within one (5-4).

Freshman Ally Sockey got the Hogs going in the bottom of the sixth after forcing a Louisville error, putting her at first with no outs. Soon after, Sockey moved to second on a passed ball. Ellsworth came up clutch, lacing a two-out, RBI single to right to plate Sockey and tie the game. Gibson prompted a walk, positioning runners at first and second with the hot-hitting Gammill up. Gammill’s heroic three-run home run secured the Razorback victory.

Hog Highlights

• Jenna Bloom fanned a season-high eight batters
• Bloom gave up just one extra base hit all night. Additionally, Bloom has given up only two extra base hits in her last two appearances
• Hannah Gammill compiled a career-high five RBI
• Gammill tied her career-high in hits with three against the Cardinals
• Gammill has now homered in six of the last eight games and has amassed five multi-RBI games so far this season
• Taylor Ellsworth secured her second-consecutive, three-hit game
• Danielle Gibson tallied her eighth multi-hit and fifth multi-RBI game of the season
• The Hogs produced their second-straight, 10-plus hit game
• Head coach Courtney Deifel recorded her 198th career win at Arkansas
• Arkansas registered its seventh errorless defensive effort this season
• The Razorbacks have launched at least two home runs in five of its past six games

UP NEXT

Arkansas and Louisville close the series with a 10 a.m. doubleheader Monday. Live stats will be available for each game.