COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Arkansas had several opportunities to get a big hit with runners on base Saturday against South Carolina, but the Razorbacks came up empty nearly every time.
The Razorbacks stranded two runners in the second, fourth and sixth innings and grounded into three double plays in a 6-2 loss at Founders Park.
"Three times we had a chance to drive in a run or two, and give credit to their pitching staff, that's when pitchers get tough with runners in scoring position," Razorbacks Coach Dave Van Horn said. "They just did a good job against our hitters in those situations."
South Carolina pitcher Braden Webb was able to keep Arkansas hitters off balance, allowing three hits and two runs in 6 1/3 innings. Only one of the runs the freshman allowed was earned.
"Braden's a different kid. He doesn't get fazed," Gamecocks Coach Chad Holbrook said. "He was better today than he has been his last couple of starts from a command standpoint. He gave us what we wanted: six good innings."
Arkansas (15-5, 0-2 SEC) still had plenty of opportunities to score. While Webb allowed only three hits, he did walk four batters and hit two more.
But the Razorbacks managed just four hits as a team. The top three hitters in the lineup finished 0 for 11 at the plate.
"We just couldn't get a big hit," Van Horn said.
For the second consecutive night, Arkansas fell behind early. South Carolina (19-2, 2-0) loaded the bases with one out in the first inning as Razorbacks starter Barrett Loseke allowed two singles and a walk to three of the first four hitters he faced.
The Gamecocks took advantage when Dom Thompson-Williams walked to score a run, and Jonah Bride brought home another run with an RBI groundout.
Arkansas tied the game in the second when shortstop Michael Bernal singled to right to score Luke Bonfield, and Chad Spanberger also scored on the play on South Carolina right fielder Gene Cone's throwing error.
But John Jones gave South Carolina the lead for good in the fifth inning, hitting a two-run home run out of the stadium and onto the street to give the Gamecocks a 4-2 lead.
Arkansas has yet to lead through two games in the series. The Razorbacks have trailed after 15 of the 18 innings.
"It is hard playing from behind, especially when they've got the arms that they've got right now, and the guys coming out of their pen are throwing the ball extremely well," Van Horn said. "It puts a lot of pressure on your offense. You can't really do a whole lot offensively. You don't want to give up outs."
Marcus Mooney pushed South Carolina's lead to 6-2 in the eighth inning, scoring two on a single up the middle with two outs.
"It was huge," Holbrook said of Mooney's hit. "You never feel safe against Arkansas, but you feel a lot safer with a four-run lead than a two-run lead. Obviously it was a big hit, and it allowed us to take a deep breath and feel a little bit better about our chances."
Van Horn said watching the deficit double with one swing of the bat was deflating.
"The difference between four runs and two runs down going into your last at bat is huge," he said. "It changes your approach a little bit. That was a big hit by him."
Bonfield, Rick Nomura, Spanberger and Bernal accounted for the Razorbacks' four hits. Bonfield and Spanberger scored a run, while Bernal had the only RBI.
The loss drops the Razorbacks into an 0-2 hole in the SEC, and Van Horn said his team can't afford to start conference play 0-3.
Keaton McKinney (0-0, 6.46 ERA) will start for Arkansas in the series finale, but he is expected to be on a short leash. Closer Zach Jackson, who has yet to pitch this weekend, could see extended time if needed.
"We need to find a way to win a ballgame here," Van Horn said. "Whatever it takes, we've got to get out of here with a win. If we don't get that win, it's going to put us behind the eight ball big time.
"It would be nice if the starting pitcher could get out of the first inning and we could play from ahead a little bit."
Sports on 03/20/2016