Kjerstad launches pair of homers in loss to Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Arkansas saw its six-game winning streak come to an end on Wednesday afternoon, as UNC Charlotte scored six unanswered runs to capture a 6-3 victory at Hayes Stadium.

The Razorbacks (16-5) jumped on the 49ers (12-8) in the second inning when Dominic Fletcher lined a one-out single to right field and Heston Kjerstad followed two batters later and launched his fourth home run of the year to right field to give Arkansas a 2-0 lead.

Kjerstad would dial up the power again in the ninth inning, recording his second blast of the day to give the Razorbacks 41 home runs on the year, the most of any team in the country.

The freshman recorded his team-leading sixth multi-RBI game of the year and became the fifth Razorback to hit multiple home runs in a game this season.

The long ball wouldn’t be enough at the plate however, as Arkansas managed just five hits outside of Kjerstad’s big day and Charlotte scored single runs in the fourth, sixth and seventh innings to take a 3-2 lead.

The 49ers would bat around in the eighth frame, benefiting from three Razorback errors and pushing three unearned runs across to create all the offense they would need in the 6-3 victory.

Barrett Loseke made his second start of the year on the mound and did so in dominating fashion, lasting 3.0 innings and not allowing a hit. He faced 10 batters and recorded a career-high eight strikeouts.

Head Coach Dave Van Horn sent nine pitchers to the mound on the day, including five during the eighth inning. Kole Ramage (0-1) suffered the loss after allowing the go-ahead run in the seventh frame.

Up Next

The Razorbacks continue their season-long eight-game road swing this weekend, traveling to Gainesville, Florida, for a top-five match-up against the Gators.

Arkansas and No. 2 Florida will get national exposure with Saturday’s game airing on ESPN and Sunday’s contest on SEC Network.