Huckabee homers Lady'Backs defeat North Texas

FAYETTEVILLE – University of Arkansas junior Dayna Huckabee sparked the Lady’Back offense to a 7-3 win against North Texas Tuesday at Lady’Back Yard.

Huckabee helped the Lady Razorbacks to a three-run second inning with a lead-off home run to left field.

“Dayna is blossoming into a good player,” said head coach Jamie Pinkerton. “I’m comfortable putting her anywhere. She’s our most versatile athlete and I’ve been real pleased with the leadership role she’s played for us so far this year.”

Arkansas (10-14)produced seven runs on eight hits against the Mean Green (3-17)and continued its winning streak to three games going into Southeastern Conference play Saturday.

“This was a good tune up,” said Pinkerton. “I’m really pleased how we’ve come back the last week and I like where we’re at offensively right now. The players are starting to come into their own. Going into Saturday I feel a lot better than I did a week ago.”

After Huckabee’s home run in the second inning, sophomore Kayla Johnson and junior Samantha Buckner added runs due to the second Mean Green fielding error of the inning. Johnson reached on the first fielding error while Buckner singled with a bunt down the first base line.

The Lady’Backs scored three more runs in the third inning. Senior Rachel LeMaster, freshman Miranda Dixon and Huckabee each singled to load the bases. LeMaster scored on a bad throw to home by the North Texas short stop before Foust, who pinch ran for Dixon, was put out sliding into home. Sophomore Whitney Cloer then hit a two-RBI single scoring Huckabee from second and Johnson from third for the 6-0 Arkansas lead.

North Texas put one run on the scoreboard in the fourth inning taking advantage of two Arkansas errors.

The Lady’Backs got that run back in the next inning when Johnson was hit by the pitch and scored on a double to right center by Buckner, putting Arkansas up 7-1.

North Texas scored again in the sixth and seventh innings with an RBI double by Kadie Platt and a home run by Kristina Fowler.

Teighynne Hulsey earned her second win of the season pitching five and two-thirds innings. Hulsey struck out three and allowed two runs on six hits. She was relieved by junior Katy Henry who finished the game, allowing one run on one hit and striking out two.

Arkansas returns to Lady’Back Yard Saturday and Sunday opening SEC play against South Carolina. The action begins both days at 1 p.m.

For more information about Arkansas softball, please log on to LADYBACKS.COM.