Razorbacks Run Rule Missouri State, Kennesaw State

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – No. 11 Arkansas (14-4) recorded its sixth and seventh run-rule wins of the season after defeating Missouri State and Kennesaw State in a Saturday doubleheader at Bogle Park. The Razorbacks have run-ruled opponents in four of their last six games, including three-consecutive over the weekend.

Arkansas defeated Missouri State 11-3 (5) in Saturday’s opener. Sophomore Jenna Bloom (5-0) tallied the win after tossing 3.1 innings, scattering three hits and giving up one run. The right-hander surrendered just one extra base against the Bears. KB Sides was a catalyst at the leadoff spot for the Razorbacks, going 3-for-3 with three RBIs and three runs to go along with a home run. Danielle Gibson went the distance at the dish, piecing together a 3-for-3 performance, including a home run, with four RBIs and two runs. Taylor Ellsworth continued her hot streak at the plate, producing three doubles, two runs and an RBI. Linnie Malkin and Hannah McEwen both homered against the Bears.

The Hogs took down Kennesaw State 9-1 (5) in game two. Redshirt-junior Chenise Delce (5-1) displayed yet another dynamic performance in the circle in five innings of work. The Oklahoma City, Okla., native registered her third-consecutive 10 strikeout performance while giving up one run on three hits to fuel the Razorback defense. Redshirt-sophomore Rylin Hedgecock had career day offensively, pounding career highs in hits (3) and RBIs (3). Gibson notched another multi-hit performance after going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a home run. Sides recorded a single and two RBIs.

How It Happened

Missouri State

After Missouri State took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, Gibson responded with an RBI single to center to score Sides.

The Bears scored again in the second on an error to regain their lead.

Sides broke the game open with a three-run home run in the bottom frame of the second, giving Arkansas a 4-2 lead. McEwen followed Sides with a solo shot. Gibson pushed the lead to 6-2 on an RBI double down the right field line. Malkin concluded the inning with a two-run catapult to center.

Missouri State seized a run in the fourth, but the Hogs replied with a two-run home run by Gibson to make the score 10-3. An Ellsworth RBI double down the right field line plated Sides for the game one victory.

Kennesaw State

Gibson homered on a two-run blast to right to grab an early 2-0 lead in the first.

Hedgecock’s RBI single to right plated Malkin to move Arkansas’ lead to 3-0 in the fourth. Sides finished the inning with a two-RBI single up the middle to score Kildow and Torres.

After the Owls crossed a run in the fifth, the Razorbacks answered on a pair of base hits and a walk to load the bases. Malkin was struck by a pitch, advancing Kramer home. A Hedgecock two-RBI single through the left side elevated the lead to 8-1. Kildow’s hard-hit ball to the pitcher forced a throwing error, which resulted in Howard scoring and securing a 9-1 win in five.

Up Next

With the Easton Razorback Rumble finale being canceled due to inclement weather, the Razorbacks will be back in action Thursday, March 10 at Liberty (ESPN+). First pitch is at 3 p.m. CT.