Razorbacks Split Doubleheader to Conclude Paradise Classic
BOCA RATON, Fla. – The No. 12 Arkansas Razorbacks (4-1) split their Saturday doubleheader at the Paradise Classic at Joan Joyce Field. Arkansas defeated Michigan State, 6-5, before falling to Penn State, 3-2, in eight innings.
Arkansas moves to 4-1 overall heading into the Bear Down Classic on Feb. 16-18 in Tucson, Ariz.
Game 1
Three arms were used against the Spartans with sophomore LHP Robyn Herron (2-1) earning with win after effectively spinning 1.1 innings in relief. The Tampa product did not allow a hit or run and struck out four batters after entering the game in the top of the sixth with a runner on first. Sophomore RHP Reis Beuerlein made her second start as a Razorback, tossing 3.0 frames while surrendering two runs on four hits. Sophomore LHP Hannah Camenzind took reigns in the fourth and went for 2.2 innings, giving up three runs on five hits and punching out four.
Arkansas combined for seven hits, including two home runs by Hannah Gammill and Cylie Halvorson. Additionally, Gammill paced the Hogs with three RBIs. Reagan Johnson, Nia Carter, Rylin Hedgecock, Bri Ellis and Lauren Camenzind also recorded hits.
After Michigan State jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, Arkansas quickly responded in the second on Halvorson’s solo home run to even it at 1-1. The Razorbacks utilized a three-run third inning after Ellis mashed a two-RBI single and Gammill was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to push the Hogs in front, 4-1.
Michigan State cut Arkansas’ lead to 4-2 on a solo home run in the fourth.
Gammill launched a two-run home run to left in the fifth, increasing the lead to 6-2.
The Spartans fought back with a three-run sixth, but Herron entered the game and sternly closed the door on Michigan State for the victory.
Game 2
A pitcher’s duel went Penn State’s way as the Nittany Lions handed the Razorbacks their first loss. Sophomore LHP Robyn Herron (2-1) was lights out in the circle despite the loss, fanning 10 and surrendering two earned runs on five hits across 7.1 innings. The outing was Herron’s sixth career double-digit strikeout performance.
Reagan Johnson and Nia Carter accounted for Arkansas’ four hits, chipping in two hits apiece. Johnson scored Arkansas’ lone run and added a stolen base – her third of the season. The Razorback offense drew six walks led by Raigan Kramer, who accounted for two.
How It Happened
The Hogs got on board in the first after Rylin Hedgecock’s sacrifice fly to center that scored Johnson from third.
Penn State knotted it at 1-1 after an RBI triple in the second.
In the top of the fourth, Carter belted a bases-loaded, RBI single to left center to give Arkansas a 2-1 edge.
The Nittany Lions followed suit with an RBI single of their own in the bottom frame to tie it at 2-2.
Arkansas was unable to score in the top of the eighth. Penn State walked it off in the bottom half on an RBI single for the 3-2 win.
Up Next
The Razorbacks travel west for the Bear Down Fiesta on Feb. 16-18 at Arizona. Arkansas opens the weekend Friday with a noon first pitch against Long Beach State followed by a 5 p.m. contest vs. Arizona.
