Diamond Hogs take series opener against Vanderbilt

The Diamond Hogs used a fast start to put the Commodores away early in Thursday night’s series opener.

The No. 2 Arkansas Razorbacks (39-13, 20-8) used a hot start to strike first in their weekend road series with No. 12 Vanderbilt (35-16, 17-11) on Thursday night.

Vanderbilt starting pitcher Patrick Reilly had an abysmal start, walking four batters in the first inning. The Diamond Hogs were able to capitalize on Reilly’s terrible start and jump out to a 4-0 lead.

Peyton Holt continued his stretch of incredible play, going 3-for-4 with a double, walk and an RBI. Brady Slavens was able to record his ninth home run of the season in the first inning and finished 2-for-4.

Hagen Smith started for the Razorbacks and was able to pick up his eighth win of the year after striking out seven hitters and allowing just two runs on five hits in five innings of work. Will McEntire recorded his second save of the year after striking out six hitters and only allowing one hit over the final four innings.

The win on Thursday night gave Arkansas its 20th conference win of the season, which is the third time its reached that milestone under Dave Van Horn. Arkansas will try to clinch the series tonight at 7:00 p.m. with Brady Tygart expected to be on the mound for the Diamond Hogs.

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