Hogs stumble in opener of series at Auburn, falling 11-1

AUBURN, Ala. — No. 16 Arkansas lost game one of its series with No. 11 Auburn on Friday night, falling 11-1 in five innings.

With the setback, the Razorbacks drop to 33-10 overall with an 8-8 mark in SEC play.

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With Sunday’s forecast of inclement weather, the series will conclude Saturday with a doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. with approximately 30 minutes between games.

Both games will be streamed live on SEC Network+ through the WatchESPN app. Arkansas is back home April 28-30 to host Ole Miss at Bogle Park.

FINAL: #11/13 Auburn 11, #16 Arkansas 1 (5 inn.) | Box Score

Down to its final three outs, the Razorbacks put together their first sustained rally of the game beginning with consecutive, one-out hits by seniors A.J. Belans and Loren Krzysko, respectively.

After a walk to Haydi Bugarin, the bases were loaded for freshman Hannah McEwen who delivered her 44th RBI of the year with a sacrifice fly to center field.

Pinch runner Keely Edwards scored on the play.

With Friday’s effort, McEwen extends her freshman-class mark and is now tied with Miranda Dixon for sixth on the program’s single-season RBI list.

The San Diego native also had a single in the third inning to tie senior Autumn Buczek for the team lead in hits.

Single-Season RBI Leaders
1. 50 – Sandra Smith (2010)
2. 49 – Nicole Schroeder (2017)
3. 47 – Miranda Dixon (2008)
4. 46 – Kasey Fagan (2014)
5. 45 – Sandra Smith (2008)
6. 44 – Miranda Dixon (2010) / Hannah McEwen (2018)

After a quiet first inning for both offenses, Auburn (37-10, 10-8 SEC) broke through with a seven-run second to take control of Friday’s opener.

The home team had just three hits in the frame but took advantage of six walks given up by starter Mary Haff and Caroline Hedgcock.

Auburn added four runs over the next two innings on its way to the run-rule win.