Diamond Hogs win series over Tennessee
by May 12, 2013 5:57 pm 90 views
Seniors Randall Fant and Matt Vinson made their last regular season start at Baum Stadium a memorable one on Sunday as the two seniors led No. 14 Arkansas to a series-clinching 10-2 win over Tennessee at Baum Stadium.
The Razorbacks have now won seven of their nine Southeastern Conference series for the first time since the 1999 season. Arkansas is 34-17 overall and 17-9 in SEC play. With Arkansas’ win on Sunday and Ole Miss’ lost to Mississippi State, the Razorbacks have clinched a top four seed in the SEC Tournament and a first round bye. Tennessee is now 20-28 and 7-18 in SEC play after the loss.
Arkansas honored its six-member senior class of Trent Daniel, Randall Fant, Cade Lynch, Jacob Mahan, Matt Vinson and Tyler Wright before the game. The senior class has totaled 163 wins over the last four seasons, a trip to the College World Series, three NCAA Tournament appearances, two Super Regional appearances and an SEC Western Division title.
Fant (5-1) started on the mound for the Razorbacks and earned the win after striking out five and giving up just two hits in 3.1 innings. Daniel and Wright each appeared in the game out of the bullpen.
Jalen Beeks also worked a scoreless inning of relief out of the bullpen, retiring all three batters he faced.
Arkansas’ two seniors on offense also had a big day in their final regular season home game. Vinson led the Razorbacks with three hits, including his second homer of the season, and had two RBI with three runs scored. Jacob Mahan went 1-for-5 with a RBI and a run scored.
Brian Anderson wrapped up a big weekend at the plate with a pair of extra base hits, a double and a triple, and two RBI. The sophomore finished the series against the Volunteers going 7-for-13 with a double, two triples, a homer, five RBI and five runs scored.
Brett McAfee and Jake Wise each had a pair of hits, while Jordan Farris drove in a game-high four runs.
Arkansas closes the regular season next weekend at Auburn. Game times for the final series of the regular season are set for 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday. The series finale will be televised on CST.