Arkansas stays close to Aggies, but can’t pull out win

• Box Score

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas had the tying run on base in the seventh inning but for the second time in as many days, a late-inning rally fell short as fifth-ranked Texas A&M came away with a 3-2 win Saturday at Bogle Park.

Game two of the weekend series was played in front of 1,276 fans, the third-largest home crowd in program history.

After three scoreless innings, the Razorbacks struck first with a run in the bottom of the fourth.

Autumn Russell knocked a base hit through the right side and advanced to second on an Ashley Diaz sacrifice bunt. With one down, A.J. Belans singled up the middle to drive Russell home for her 23rd RBI of the season.

Arkansas (25-16, 4-13 SEC) had at least one runner in five of seven innings Saturday.

Caroline Hedgcock backed up the score with a shut-down inning in the top of the fifth, retiring the side in order. The freshman lefty carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before Texas A&M (37-3, 11-2 SEC) led off the frame with a pair of singles.

The Aggies had the bases loaded with no outs after a dropped fly ball. Autumn Storms entered the game and limited the visitors to one run—an unearned tally—which tied the game at 1-all.

Hedgcock retired the first nine hitters she faced before surrendering a walk to lead-off the fourth inning. She responded with three out to keep the Aggies off the board.

Storms took the tough-luck loss, giving up a pair of unearned runs in the seventh inning. After an error at third and an infield single, the Aggies had the bases loaded again and with two outs, Kaitlyn Alderink singled to center to drive in the deciding runs.

For the second-consecutive game against Texas A&M, the Razorbacks put together a seventh-inning rally.

With one down, Madison Yannetti lofted a double to center field—a ball that dropped when the outfielder lost the ball in the sun—and came around to score on a two-base throwing error which cut the deficit to one run.

Pinch-hitter Parker Pocklington was hit by a pitch in the next at-bat to continue the rally but Texas A&M starter Samantha Show struck out the next two hitters to secure the win.

Up Next
The series finale between Arkansas and Texas A&M is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. (CT). General admission is free for all home game with gates opening one hour prior to first pitch at Bogle Park. The game will be streamed on SEC Network+ through the WatchESPN app.