Arkansas couldn’t finish off a sweep, but it still left town with what mattered most.
South Carolina used a power surge Sunday, launching four home runs on the way to a 9-4 win over the Razorbacks in the series finale in Columbia, S.C., at Founders Park.
Even with the loss, Arkansas secured the weekend series by taking the first two games, including a comeback extra-inning win the day before.
The early innings were the indicator of what was to come. South Carolina’s lineup attacked pitches and found gaps. That approach quickly turned into runs and gave the home team control.
Arkansas, which had leaned on steady pitching and timely offense earlier in the weekend, found itself chasing the game instead of dictating it.
The Gamecocks’ ability to drive the ball out of the park proved to be the difference. Each home run added pressure and forced the Hogs to try to respond quickly.
Despite the deficit, Arkansas didn’t go quietly. The Razorbacks pushed across four runs and created chances, but couldn’t string together enough hits to close the gap.
The loss marked a shift from the first two games, when Arkansas handled key moments and controlled the pace of play.
The Hogs had already locked up the series, though, and that remained the biggest takeaway as they headed out of Columbia.
Gamecocks use power surge to take finale
South Carolina didn’t wait long to show its intent.
The Gamecocks’ offense came alive with four home runs, flipping the script after Arkansas had controlled much of the weekend.
Those swings gave South Carolina a cushion and kept Arkansas from gaining any sustained momentum.
Arkansas had been efficient at the plate earlier in the series, including a lopsided win in the opener, but the finale told a different story.
The Razorbacks had baserunners and opportunities, yet couldn’t deliver the kind of timely hits that defined their previous games.
After grinding through a tight extra-inning victory to clinch the series, the Hogs didn’t have the same late push in the finale.
Coach Dave Van Horn pointed to execution when discussing the difference.
“They swung it well,” Van Horn said.
That simple assessment matched the outcome. South Carolina made the most of its chances, while Arkansas couldn’t limit the damage once the long balls started.
Arkansas still takes series despite finale loss
Even with the defeat, Arkansas left with a series win, which remains the goal in SEC play.
The Razorbacks showed two different ways to win earlier in the weekend — overpowering an opponent and grinding out a close game.
Sunday served as a reminder of how quickly things can change when facing a lineup that finds its rhythm.
South Carolina, playing with urgency, delivered one of its most complete offensive efforts of the series.
For Arkansas, the takeaway is balance.
The Hogs proved they can win in multiple ways, but the finale highlighted areas that need some fixing, especially on the mound against power hitters.
