#13 Arkansas and #18 Kentucky Slated for Series Opener on Friday
FAYETTEVILLE – Razorback softball is back in Bogle this weekend, as they jump back into SEC play when they host #18 Kentucky for a three-game series beginning Friday evening (March 29) at 6:00 p.m. (CT). The entire weekend series will be available on SEC+.
Arkansas (23-10, 4-5) returns to Fayetteville with its sights set on another SEC series win, after dropping its last to #5 Tennessee in Knoxville and the Razorbacks secure a 2-1 series win over #16 South Carolina the week before. Arkansas and Kentucky are meeting for the first time since the Hogs took down the Wildcats, 3-1 in Columbia during the 2018 SEC Tournament.
First SEC Tournament Win Since 2001
The Wildcats will no doubt be turning to Abbey Cheek for help snapping their four-game losing skid. Cheek, a senior from Inman, S.C., is 6th nationally in batting average right now; 3rd in on-base percentage; 34th in HR’s; 53rd in RBI; 12th in slugging; 34th in total bases; 11th in walks.
Keys to a Victory
If the Arkansas pitching staff can tame Wildcat, Abbey Cheek -the Razorback defense can take a sigh of relief. Cheek is sure to put the ball in play whenever she can, so the Hogs will have to be on their toes and playing their best game. UK is sure to make one steal attempt this weekend, so Green and Greene will have to be on the look out for running Wildcats as well.
Diaz Making Her Way Through the Record Books
After blasting five home runs in seven games, Diaz is only three home runs from ranking fourth among Razorbacks for career home runs (27). Her success at the plate also puts her on track to move into second for career RBI (122), and two sacrifice flies to take the number one spot (8). She is 45 put outs away from passing former Razorback and current coach Shana Easley for fourth all-time in career put outs (1,189).
Saturdays are for the Hogs
Arkansas is 9-1 when playing on Saturdays, dropping its only Saturday game to Drake (Feb. 23). The Razorbacks have outscored opponents 69-26 in Saturday match ups, recording two shutout wins over Lipscomb (Feb. 9) and Tennessee (March 23) and one run-rule win over SIUE (15-3, Feb. 23).
Just Keep Running, Just Keep Running
Arkansas has looked to three different Razorbacks to add speed to the bases this season: freshman Sam Torres, sophomore Keely Edwards, and senior Carley Haizlip. Together the trio has contributed 25 runs with Torres leading the pack with 10 runs.
Reaching for the Stars – Or First Base
Hannah McEwen capped off a 26-game reached-base streak at #5 Tennessee on Sunday (March 24). McEwen has earned a hit in all but four games this season, McEwen also built a 14-game hit streak as well, the longest by any Hog this season. McEwen is currently 4th in the SEC for total hits (41).
In the Polls
After a competitive weekend in Knoxville, the Razorbacks are headed back up the polls, cruising into Week 7 ranked #13 by USA Today/NFCA, #17 by Softball America and #20 by ESPN/USA Softball.
10 Years at Bogle
The 2019 season marks the 10th season in Bogle Park – since its opening, the Hogs have played 243 games inside the park, for a combined 134-109 record.
Lights Out in Knoxville
Mary Haff recorded a career-high 15 strikeouts against the Lady Vols in game two of the series (March 23, 2019). Her K-count was a game-high among SEC pitchers this season. She is currently ranked 4th in Division 1 for Strikeout-to-Walk Ratio (9.14) and as a team, the Hogs are ranked 2nd (6.69).
Stellar Comeback
The Razorbacks strung together seven-runs in the sixth inning of Saturday’s game against #16 South Carolina, to erase a four-run deficit and defeat the Gamecocks and secure the series with a 7-4 victory. The seven runs is the most scored in an inning by the Hogs this season and was highlighted by back-to-back home runs, a go-ahead grand slam by Ashley Diaz and a solo by Aly Manzo.
For all Razorback softball news and information, go to ArkansasRazorbacks.com and follow the Hogs on Twitter at @RazorbackSB, on Facebook at Razorback Softball and on Instagram at @Razorback_SB. Fans can also follow head coach Courtney Deifel on twitter at @CoachDeifel.
Keep Up with the Hogs
Game 1 | Watch | Live Stats
Game 2 | Watch | Live Stats
Game 3 | Watch | Live Stats
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