Grace Tafolla
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – No. 8 Arkansas claimed its third-consecutive series win against No. 22 LSU with a 7-3 victory in the series finale Monday night at Bogle Park.
The Razorbacks combined for 12 hits for the second time in the series. Sophomore Jenna Bloom (8-0) picked up the win after throwing the game’s first 4.5 innings, surrendering three runs on three hits and dealing two strikeouts.
Chenise Delce clutched her second save of the season after taking the mound in the fourth, tossing three scoreless frames and handing out one strikeout while giving up just three hits.
Arkansas set the tone early, manufacturing a five-run first inning to take a permanent lead. It all began with KB Sides, Hannah McEwen and Taylor Ellsworth puncturing back-to-back-to-back singles to begin the dominant offensive output. Danielle Gibson was then struck by a pitch to bring Sides home for the game’s first run. A few at-bats later, Linnie Malkin sent the first pitch thrown to her over the center field wall for her second grand slam of the year.
The Hogs remained silent until Kacie Hoffman’s two-out, RBI single to left, plating a torching Raigan Kramer from second. Ellsworth added insurance with an RBI single up the middle for the Razorbacks’ seventh run of the night.
Five different Razorbacks recorded two or more hits against the Tigers with Sides leading the way with three. Sides proved to be automatic all night, connecting on back-to-back singles in the first and third before burning down the line for an infield single in the sixth. Malkin drove in four runs and collected two hits, including her grand slam in the first, to muscle the Razorback offense. Hoffman floated two singles with an RBI. Ellsworth pieced together another strong performance with two hits and an RBI. Danielle Gibson tanked a single that bounced off the Tigers’ second baseman and registered an RBI after being hit by a pitch with bases loaded.
Hog Highlights
Arkansas clinched its third-consecutive series win over LSU
The Razorbacks tallied 12 hits for the second time this series
Linnie Malkin tanked her second grand slam of the season
The Hogs have homered in 15-consecutive games
Up Next
Arkansas travels to Ole Miss for a three-game series on April 1-3. All three games will be broadcast on SEC Network+.