Razorbacks Continue SEC Play Against South Carolina
FAYETTEVILLE – The Razorbacks will look to bounce back in to SEC play this weekend, kicking off a three-game series against #16/20 South Carolina on Friday (March 15) at 6:00 pm.
Arkansas (19-6, 1-2) will be hungry for a win, on the hunt to snap a three-game losing streak that began with a five-inning 12-0 loss at Ole Miss and extended through Wednesday’s (March 13) 2-1 loss to Tulsa at home. The last time the Hogs lost three consecutive match ups was last in the 2018 season, dropping the series sweep to #13/14 LSU in Baton Rouge. After the losses, the Hogs went on to the SEC tournament, defeating #19 Kentucky and #8 Georgia en route to their first ever hosted NCAA Regional and NCAA Super Regional appearance.
Looking Back
Arkansas (19-6, 1-2) jumped out to a one-run lead in the first inning, with the night’s lone RBI coming from starting catcher, freshman Taylor Greene. The offensive fire in the first inning looked to be the start of an exciting evening, but the Razorbacks just couldn’t maintain their momentum in the following innings. The Razorbacks managed to put the winning run on base in the seventh, but the rally fell short as two Hogs were left stranded.
The Series
The Razorbacks have managed three wins out of the last 10 match ups with the Gamecocks, a series history that dates to 1998 and leans in South Carolina’s favor, 36-20. Head Coach Courtney Deifel is 2-5 against the Gamecocks, most recently securing a 4-0 road win over the Gamecocks in Columbia.
Keys to a Victory
Both teams are considerably even across the board, as Arkansas’s efficient pitching staff will go toe-to-toe with the slugging talents of the Gamecocks. The difference in steals should not be a main concern with either Green or Greene behind the plate as the two have allowed only 3 stolen bases in 9 attempts. It will be crucial for the Hogs to cut out the same errors they had against Ole Miss if they plan on maintaining control of the game early.
Just Keep Running, Just Keep Running
Arkansas has looked to three different Razorbacks to add speed to the bases this season: freshman Sam Torres, sophomore Keely Edwards, and senior Carley Haizlip. Together the trio has contributed 17 runs with Edwards leading the group with seven runs.
Reaching for the Stars – Or First Base
Hannah McEwen is headed into the week riding a 21-game reached-base streak, McEwen has earned a hit in all but two games this season, she also rides an nine-game hit streak into the weekend as well.
Keeping up with the Hogs
Friday’s series opener will be available online on the SEC Network+ as will Sunday’s series closer. Live stats to all three games are available via StatBroadcast, links to all three games are available on the schedule page at ArkansasRazorbacks.com. Live, in-game updates are also available by following the Hogs on Twitter @RazorbackSB.
10 Years at Bogle
The 2019 season marks the 10th season in Bogle Park – since its opening, the Hogs have played 240 games inside the park, for a combined 132-108 record.
For all Razorback softball news and information, go to ArkansasRazorbacks.com and follow the Hogs on Twitter at @RazorbackSB, on Facebook at Razorback Softball and on Instagram at @Razorback_SB. Fans can also follow head coach Courtney Deifel on twitter at @CoachDeifel.
