Diamond Hogs Explode for 13-1 Win at Troy

TROY, Ala. – No. 6 Arkansas exploded for 12 runs in the eighth and ninth inning on Friday night for a 13-1 win over Troy in front of 1,493 fans at Riddle-Pace Field.

The Razorbacks (3-1) pounded out a season-high 14 hits and scored more runs against the Trojans (13) then they had in the first three games of the season.

Junior-college transfer Casey Coon led the Hogs’ offensive attack with two home runs and four RBI. His two-run home run in the eighth inning snuck over the right-center field fence to give the Hogs’ a 4-1 lead. Sean Jones opened the scoring in the eighth inning with a solo home run to right field, giving Arkansas a 2-1 lead. UA went on to score two more runs in the eighth inning with the help of two bases-loaded walks.

Coon’s two-home run night was the first for a Razorback since Brian Walker connected for two against Auburn on May 18, 2006.

Hogs’ starting pitcher Nick Schmidt rebounded from a rough outing in the season opener last week with six-strong innings on Friday night in light intermittent rain and temperatures hovering in the low 40s. The southpaw did not get a decision, but fanned six while allowing just three hits.

Chris Rhoads earned the win out of the bullpen to improve to 2-0 on the year. He allowed just two hits in 1.2 innings with two strikeouts.

Troy starter Clegg Snipes was just as impressive over 5.2 innings of work. He allowed just one UA run on four hits while striking out seven. Tim Wheeler relived Snipes and took the loss, allowing four runs on three hits in two innings of work. The Trojans used seven pitchers on the night.

Arkansas plated seven runs in the ninth inning highlighted by Coon’s towering two-run home run to left field. The Hogs banged out six hits in the inning, a RBI double by Stephen Robison and a two-RBI double by Brian Walker.

Tim Smalling’s single through the left side of the infield came around to score on Ben Tschepikow’s RBI single up the middle as the Hogs got on the scoreboard in the sixth inning.

Troy answered in the seventh inning on Charlie Calamia’s RBI single up the middle to tie the score at 1-1 and cost Schmidt a decision. Leadoff hitter Ian Craze led the Troy offense with a 4-for-5 performance at the plate.

Freshman left-hander Dallas Keuchel pitched the ninth for the Razorbacks, striking out two on 12 pitches – all strikes.

The Hogs and Trojans continue their three-game series at 1 p.m. Saturday from Riddle-Pace Field in Troy, Ala.