FAYETTEVILLE -- No. 3 Arkansas had a rare 12-run inning on its way to a run-rule 7-inning 16-0 win over Oral Roberts Wednesday afternoon at a cold, windy Baum-Walker Stadium.
The Razorbacks scored a dozen runs in the bottom of the fourth and four pitchers combined to toss a 1-hit shutout over ORU. Dave Van Horn liked what he saw on the field.
"I thought we came out and played well obviously," Van Horn said. "The conditions weren't good. The wind howling. I was concerned about pitchers throwing the ball over the plate. I thought it would be an issue. I don't think we had a walk until the last inning. I was really pleased with that. I didn't want to give them any freebies."
The offense was once again led by Wehiwa Aloy and Charles Davalan. Each had three hits on the day with Aloy plating four runners. Logan Maxwell had a two-run home run in the fourth as did Nolan Souza. Cam Kozeal had a double in the third inning that got a run across the plate and then a single in the fourth that got another runner in.
"I thought Davalan did what he's been doing for a couple of weeks now, getting on base," Van Horn said. "Up and down the lineup we swung the bat good. It was good to get those guys like Souza hit a home run and (Ryder) Helfrick got two hits in the game. I think that's the first time in his career. It was good he got those hits. Build those guy's confidence up and get ready for this weekend."
The Razorbacks took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second when Wehiwa Aloy doubled to plate both Souza and Davalan. The Hogs added their third run in the bottom of the third. Maxwell walked to start the inning. He later scored on a double by Kozeal.
The Hogs added the last run in the bottom of the sixth. ORU pitcher Conner Floyd walked the first three hitters in the inning. Gabe Fraser hit a fielder's choice that allowed Helfrick to score.
ORU didn't get a hit until Martell Davis singled off Dylan Carter in the top of the sixth. Keaton Campbell reached base in the fifth on an error by Brent Iredale. Campbell also drew the walk from Logan Eaves in the top of the seventh. Jack Schark was hit by a pitch from Collin Fisher in the top of the second. Those were the only four times ORU reached base in the game.
Arkansas (20-2, 2-1) had 14 hits in the game. ORU pitchers also walked eight hitters and hit two more. Fisher (3-0) got the win for Arkansas. He worked 2.0 innings allowing no hits or runs, struck out four and hit the one batter. The Hogs also sent Tate McGuire, Carter and Eaves.
ORU starter Luke Poffinbarger (0-1) took the loss. He worked 3.0 innings, allowed four hits, three walks, three runs, struck out one and walked a hitter. He hit two batters as well. In all, ORU sent seven pitchers to the mound on the day.
Arkansas will be home this weekend for a three-game SEC series against South Carolina (17-5, 1-2). Friday's game will begin at 6:30 while Saturday and Sunday begin at 2 p.m.
photos Crant Osborne
