FAYETTEVILLE — Jack Kenley had one career hit entering NCAA postseason play.
On Friday, the Arkansas freshman third baseman doubled that number with a pair of key swings in the Razorbacks' 3-0 win over Oral Roberts at Baum Stadium.
Batting from the nine-hole, Kenley went 2-for-4 and scored the game's first run in the fifth inning on Chad Spanberger's RBI double. Kenley also had an infield single in the third inning, but was thrown out at the plate when he tried to score from second base on a two-out single by Luke Bonfield.
Kenley was hitless in his first 20 at-bats for the Razorbacks, but he recorded his first career hit - an RBI double - during an SEC Tournament game against Mississippi State last week.
His play has increased late in the season because of his defense and Jared Gates' declining batting average. Kenley had a key defensive play in the third when he charged a well-placed sac bunt and threw out Sam Grellner at first base.
"He's our best defensive third baseman and that's why he's playing," Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said. "The hits are just a plus.
"Kenley has got a stronger arm, he's a lot faster and has a lot more range (than Gates). We were pitching pretty good and had guys up and down the lineup hitting, so we just felt like...let's save a run in the field."
Van Horn said Kenley had been batting well in practice, but it hadn't carried over to a game until the past week.
"Just the fact that I was being put in situations that I could get some playing time and get some experience just let me know they had confidence in me, and it meant a lot," Kenley said. "It helps me find my role.
"Something (hitting coach Tony) Vitello says a lot is that sometimes the biggest thing you're competing against is yourself and if you can be the best version of yourself that day, that's how you'll succeed that day."