Hagen Smith’s incredible start lifts No. 6 Diamond Hogs over LSU

Arkansas freshman Hagen Smith is having one of the best freshman pitching seasons in recent memory.

[autotag]Hagen Smith[/autotag] turned a performance for the ages on Friday.

Arkansas’ freshman left-hander, in Game Two against rival LSU, was brilliant and the sixth-ranked Hogs clinched the series victory of the Tigers with a 4-0 win at Baum-Walker Stadium.

Smith allowed just three total baserunners – one via walk and two with base knocks – in working seven innings and striking out seven in the process.

“Real impressive,” Arkansas coach [autotag]Dave Van Horn[/autotag] said. “I mean, it’s hard to shut anybody out, especially a team with that lineup.”

Arkansas scored three runs in the third to take control on a solo home run from [autotag]Zack Gregory[/autotag] and a two-run shot from [autotag]Michael Turner[/autotag]. [autotag]Chris Lanzilli[/autotag] added another solo homer in the fifth to finish off the scoring.

LSU didn’t get a runner to even second base until the eighth inning against Zebulon Vermillion. The Tigers left the bases loaded in the frame when Evan Taylor induced a flyout to end things.

Arkansas will look to get a sweep in the series on Saturday at 2 p.m.