Razorbacks fall to Gamecocks 9-1

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Senior Scott Lyons had two hits and drove in Arkansas’ only run as the No. 4 Razorback baseball team lost just their second Southeastern Conference game of the season to the No. 28 South Carolina Gamecocks at Carolina Stadium on Saturday afternoon, 9-1.

The Razorbacks (21-6, 9-2 SEC) still maintain their best record ever in conference action through 11 games despite the loss while South Carolina (20-9, 5-6 SEC) ends a six-game losing streak to the Razorbacks which dates back to the 2007 season.

South Carolina scored in the first two innings and Gamecock pitcher Nolan Belcher used a steady dose of off-speed pitches to fool the Razorback hitters on way to the victory. Belcher tossed a 8 1/3 innings and struck out a career best nine Razorback hitters while not allowing a single hit until the sixth inning when Lyons singled to center field.

The Hogs would score their lone run in the eighth when Chase Leavitt stroked a double down the right-field line to open the inning and Lyons drove him home with a single.

On the mound, Arkansas used four pitchers with T.J. Forrest picking up the loss as he allowed four runs over 4 1/3 innings of work. Freshman Kendall Wehrle finished up the game for the Hogs with 3 1/3 innings.

South Carolina scored its nine runs on 10 hits including three home runs, two by Nick Ebert. Ebert’s first home run came in the first inning and was the eventual game-winning hit.

The Razorbacks and Gamecocks conclude their three-game series on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. central. For more information regarding Razorback baseball or University of Arkansas athletics please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.