The Arkansas baseball team defeated Ball State 10-2 Friday in the season opener in Baum Stadium. Arkansas scored early with three runs in the first inning — Arkansas 3 Ball State 0. Ball State’s first run was scored in the fourth inning bringing the score to Arkansas 3 Ball State 1.
Junior Andy Wilkinds had two hits and 2 RBIs — including a solo home run — to lead the offensive side. Four Razorbacks had two hits and every player in the starting lineup came away with at least one base hit. Starting pitcher Mike Bolsinger picked up the win and pitched five innings while allowing only four hits, one run and striking out six.
Coach Dave Van Horn said “I thought Bolsinger did a good job. He only had one spot in his five innings where he got a little wild, but for the most part he kept the ball down in the zone.”
In the 5th inning Arkansas increase the lead over Ball State by three — bringing the score to 6-1. The first three batters of the inning got on base with a single and Cox scored on the base hit by Junior Monk Kreder. McCann hit through the right side to move pinch-runner Kyle Atkins to third and bring Wilkins home. Matt Reynolds walked to load the bases again and Colin Kuhn lofted a sacrifice fly that allowed Atkins to score.
The Razorbacks lost the No. 2 hitter and starting second baseman Bo Bigham to a left shoulder injury – on he has had in the past – when he made a diving stop at his position before leaving the game. Stay tuned to UATVOnline — we will post updates on Bigham as we get them.
Opening day at Baum Stadium brought 4,847 fans. Arkansas faces Ball State again Saturday — first pitch at 1:05.
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