Hogs put up big inning early, but can’t slow down Florida to drop series

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Despite scoring five runs in the second inning, No. 5 Arkansas (37-9, 14-7 SEC) could not slow Florida (30-16, 8-13 SEC) and was handed a 9-5 loss in the series finale Sunday afternoon at Condron Family Ballpark.

With Sunday’s setback, the Hogs dropped the rubber match to the Gators and were unable to secure their first series win in Gainesville since 2012.

Arkansas has now lost three straight SEC weekend series for the first time since 2016.

A run-scoring walk, wild pitch and groundout gave the Razorbacks their first three runs of the afternoon before Cam Kozeal laced a two-out, two-run double to right center, putting Arkansas ahead, 5-1, in the top of the second inning.

Arkansas would lead by three through the first three innings of play but had no answers for Florida’s offense all afternoon.

The Gators overcame their early multi-run deficit by scoring in seven of their eight frames at the plate, tagging seven Razorback pitchers for nine runs on 12 hits and five walks in their series-clinching win Sunday.

Offensively, six Arkansas batters collected at least one base hit.

Kozeal led the way with his team-leading two knocks, including his second-inning double, and two RBI, while Kuhio Aloy also added a double to begin the second inning.

Up next, the Razorbacks will conclude the midweek portion of the regular season with a road trip to Hammons Field in Springfield, Mo., to take on Missouri State.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday on ESPN+.