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COLLEGE BASEBALL : Pitching, defense back up offense Published: Sunday, March 09, 2008 PRINT E-MAIL FAYETTEVILLE - Arkansas added some impressive pitching and defense to its power game Saturday. Aaron Murphree hit his 11 th home run and Arkansas scored 12 runs in the seventh inning to defeat Siena 17-2 before 2, 425 fans at Baum Stadium. Murphree homered for the fifth consecutive game with a line drive that just cleared the fence in center field in the fourth inning. Andy Wilkins highlighted Arkansas' 12-run outburst with a three-run home run and a tworun double in the same inning. Pinch-hitter Thomas Hauskey and Chase Leavitt added tworun singles to the rally, which was aided by four walks and three hit batters. While Arkansas (10-1 ) enjoyed another high-scoring game, the Razorbacks also shined in the fundamental aspects of the 1 game. Cliff Springston went 6 / 3 innings in his second start of the season, and Arkansas played errorless defense behind him. Arkansas turned three double plays and each infield starter made at least one sparkling play. Left fielder Andrew Darr also threw out a runner at second base in the sixth inning with Siena (1-8 ) trailing only 3-1.
"Darr made a real accurate throw and kind of shut that inning down," Arkansas Coach Dave Van Horn said. "It was still a close ball game when he threw that kid out at second, and defense really carried us today. " I've been concerned with all the injuries we've had, but we've got guys showing they're going to be able to help us this year." Arkansas pounded 14 hits and moved runners along with aggressive base running and bunting. Murphree and Tim Smalling pulled off a double steal after reaching base in the first inning. Arkansas then scored on a groundout by Ben Tscehpikow and a sacrifice fly by Darr to take a 2-0 lead. Later, Casey Coon and leadoff batter Leavitt each reached on bunt singles to help fuel Razorback rallies. "That'll win ball games for you, when you're able to bunt and move guys over," said Leavitt, who went 3 for 6 with 2 runs scored. "That's good baseball, and we did a good job of it as a team today." Murphree's home run was his ninth in the past five games and helped Arkansas to a 4-1 lead. Wilkins added his fourth home run of the season to cap a 12-run rally in the sixth. Wilkins also continued to play well at third base in place of Logan Forsythe, who is nursing a hamstring injury. Wilkins made a backhanded catch of a line drive in the seventh inning to stop a potential rally by the Saints. Arkansas ended the fifth inning with a double play after Tschepikow made a nice stop behind second base and threw to Murphree, who stretched his 6-5 frame for the putout at first base. Siena was held to seven hits, including a home run by Nick Messinger in the eighth inning off reliever Evan Cox. More Stories From: RICK FIRES · Second day sends Springston home · San Diego chooses UA third baseman · Hogs plan to host 5-team tournament · Hogs want to avoid major draft hit Yesterday's Most Popular 1. Pelphrey expects Monk to join team 2. Pelphrey: Early signees fill Razorbacks’ needs 3. Neck and neck : Brothers split snaps at quarterback in Tuesday practice 4. ARKANSAS AT MISSISSIPPI STATE : Brother vs. brother 5. Hogs’ signees pass eye test, coach says Yesterday's Most E-mailed 1. Pelphrey expects Monk to join team 2. Pelphrey preaching discipline 3. Neck and neck : Brothers split snaps at quarterback in Tuesday practice 4. LIKE IT IS : Big 12, SEC prove they’re the best this season |
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