Razorbacks Explode At Plate For 13-2 Victory

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The No. 16 University of Arkansas baseball team used four home runs, 11 extra base hits and a stellar outing from Dominic Taccolini to knock off North Dakota 13-2 Saturday afternoon in game one of a doubleheader at Baum Stadium.

Andrew Benintendi got the home run binge started in the fifth inning, launching a solo shot down the right field line to ignite the long ball parade and start a string of four solo home runs in a three-inning span. Rick Nomura legged out an inside the park home run in the sixth inning, Brett McAfee belted laser to left center in the seventh and Carson Shaddy recorded his first collegiate homer with a blast in the eighth inning.

To go along with four home runs, the Arkansas offense tallied 11 extra base hits and 16 total hits, three of which came off the bat of Tyler Spoon who also added a pair of runs batted in.

Bobby Wernes recorded his first collegiate triple in the second inning and came back again in the eighth inning and tripled to the gap in right center to record his second RBI of the game.

Dominic Taccolini dominated on the mound, lasting 6.0 innings and giving up just two runs on four hits, while striking out a career-high eight batters for his first win of the year. Lance Phillips and Parker Sanburn slammed the door in relief, combining to toss 3.0 shutout innings and surrender just one hit with five strikeouts.

Arkansas and North Dakota will play the second game of the doubleheader and the series finale Saturday afternoon with first pitch slated for 3:05 p.m. at Baum Stadium.