Bullpen Shines In Fall World Series Opener
Box Score | Fall World Series Rosters
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas opened its best-of-five Fall World Series on Monday afternoon at Baum Stadium as the Red team took Game 1, 5-4.
Both bullpens were excellent as relief pitchers combined to throw 10.1 innings and allow just one run. Sophomore junior college transfer Hunter Hart picked up the win for the Red team, retiring all six batters he faced while striking out three.
“The bullpen did a tremendous job today,” said head coach Dave Van Horn. “Both bullpens came in and pitched lights out, each giving their team a chance to win.”
The White team got off to a quick start, scoring two in the top of the first. In the third, the White team extended their lead to 3-1 on a single by Tucker Pennell to plate Jake Arledge.
Red battled back in the bottom half of the third, scoring three runs on four hits and one error. Cullen Gassaway had an RBI single in the frame, one of three hits on the day for the senior.
Trailing 5-3 in the fifth, sophomore Chad Spanberger opened the frame with a long home run that landed well beyond the bullpen in right field.
The Red team utilized great efforts from Hart and Cannon Chadwick to hold onto the one run lead and get the ball to first team All-SEC closer Zach Jackson, who shut the door for a four-out save, preserving the 5-4 victory.
“It was fun (getting back out there today). We try to make it as competitive as we can so there is a little bit of emotion; a little (friendly) talk between the teams,” said Jackson.
The best-of-five series will continue on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 2:05 p.m. True freshman Kevin Kopps will take the mound for the Red team while true freshman Anthony Dahl will get the nod for White.
Fall World Series Schedule
Game 1 – Red 5, White 4
Game 2 – Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 2:05 p.m.
Game 3 – Saturday, Oct. 10 at 11 a.m.
Game 4* – Sunday, Oct. 11 at 3 p.m.
Game 5* – Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 2:05 p.m.
* if necessary
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