Gray Take Series Opener In Extras
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Even with a strong start from sophomore Isaiah Campbell, Team Cardinal’s bullpen couldn’t hold a two run lead late in Game 1 of the Razorback Fall World Series Monday afternoon, giving up the go-ahead bases loaded walk in the 10th inning. Jack Benninghoff delivered the one out double after the walk to provide the insurance runs, giving Team Gray the 6-3 victory and the 1-0 series lead.
With Team Cardinal leading 3-1 after seven innings, Team Gray scored twice in the eighth after a couple of Cardinal errors. Eric Cole and Jax Biggers each singled with one out to put pitcher Jackson Rutledge out of the stretch quickly. Team Cardinal then committed errors on the next two plays, allowing both runs to score unearned and tying the game.
Neither team could produce runs in the ninth to force the game into extras, but Team Gray didn’t waste any time in the extra frame. After a one-out double from Jared Gates put runners at second and third, Team Cardinal intentionally walked Carson Shaddy to load the bases for Evan Lee.
Lee didn’t see a hittable pitch against Harrison Heffley and drew the RBI walk to push Gray ahead 4-3. The walk was followed by the insurance double by Benninghoff down the line, scoring two more for Team Gray.
Gates and Benninghoff both had two hits in the game for Team Gray, which had each of its first seven batters record at least one hit in the game.
Barrett Loeseke earned the win for Team Gray after giving up just one hit over two innings, while striking out two. Nate Alberius shut the door in the bottom of the 10th for the save, striking out two in his one inning of work.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Team Cardinal seemed to be well in control of the game through five innings as Campbell held the opposing bats to just one unearned run on four hits, while striking out six. However, a Jake Arledge solo home run in the first inning was the only run-producing offense Team Cardinal could muster in support of Campbell.
Arledge finished the game 2 for 4 at the plate with two runs scored and the home run. He was one of three Team Cardinal batters to have two hits in the game. Catcher Grant Koch and centerfielder Dominic Fletcher both provided multi-hit performances with Koch turning in a 2 RBI performance.
Koch rocketed a home run into the left field bullpen in his second at-bat, which gave Team Cardinal the 2-1 lead in the fourth. Koch delivered again two innings later with an RBI double in the sixth to cap his two hit game.
Team Gray starter Blaine Knight had an effective outing, going five innings as well and giving up just two earned runs on four hits, while striking out three. Knight led a Team Gray pitching staff that only gave up two hits over the final 4 1/3 innings and struck out five.
The Razorback Fall World Series continues on Tuesday with Game 2 scheduled for 5 p.m. at Baum Stadium. The entire fall series is free and open to the public.
2016 Razorback Fall World Series Schedule
Game 1 – Gray 6, Cardinal 3 (Gray leads 1-0)
Game 2 – Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 5 p.m.
Game 3 – Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 2:30 p.m.
Game 4 – Friday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. (if necessary)
Game 5 – Saturday, Oct. 22 at Noon (if necessary)
(Thursday, Oct. 20 will be an off day)
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