Razorbacks’ hot start fades fast in big loss to Little Rock

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — No. 5 Arkansas (26-7) extended its streak of consecutive games with a home run to 29 in an 11-4 loss to Little Rock (18-12) on Wednesday afternoon at Baum-Walker Stadium.

Jace Bohrofen, who homered for the second consecutive game, and Brady Slavens each hit round-trippers in Wednesday’s setback against the Trojans.

The Razorbacks, now 15-2 all-time against in-state opponents, has homered in 29 consecutive games this season, the longest active home run streak among all SEC programs.

The Hogs’ pair of homers both came in the bottom of the second inning, helping Arkansas jump out to a quick 3-0 lead. Bohrofen’s solo blast was his eighth of the season, while Slavens’ two-run dinger was his fourth of the year.

Bohrofen collected a team-leading two hits and two RBI in the contest, raising his season slash line to .422/.551/.745. Slavens, meanwhile, also had a two-hit, two-RBI day at the plate and is now slashing .291/.350/.491 on the year.

Despite the early fireworks, Arkansas’ hot start would not last long as Little Rock punched back with three runs in the top half of the third to even the game at three apiece.

Hogs starter Ben Bybee went three innings on the mound, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and a pair of walks while striking out a career-high six batters.

With the game tied at three, the Trojans broke through for three runs in the top of the sixth before tacking on four more in the seventh and one more in the eighth. Little Rock hammered the Hogs’ bullpen for eight runs (five earned) on 10 hits and five walks to take control of the ballgame.

Little Rock pitcher Jacob Weatherley emerged from the bullpen and threw 4 2/3 innings of one-run ball on 107 pitches in relief to preserve the Trojans’ win. The right-hander struck out six while allowing two hits and issuing five walks.

Arkansas continues its five-game week at home against SEC Eastern Division foe No. 16 Tennessee this weekend.

First pitch of the three-game series between the Hogs and Volunteers from inside Baum-Walker Stadium is set for 7 p.m. Friday on the SEC Network with Dave Neal (play-by-play) and Kyle Peterson (analyst) on the call.

Information from Arkansas Communications is included in this story.