Arkansas’ weekend series against Ole Miss wasn’t must-win in the traditional sense. But if the Razorbacks were to fall at home in two out of three against an SEC rival, the homestretch of the league season would be tenuous.
And while it still may be, the Diamond Hogs can breathe a bit easier, anyway.
Arkansas took the rubber match of a three-game set against the Rebels at Baum-Walker Stadium by winning Sunday, 4-3, behind the strength of two home runs. The victory ensured the Diamond Hogs (34-10, 14-7) at least a one game lead for second-place in the SEC.
Chris Lanzilli’s two-run shot in the third inning put Arkansas ahead, 2-1, after Tim Elko’s RBI single the first. When Ole Miss plated two on Kemp Alderman’s single in the fourth, [autotag]Michael Turner[/autotag] hit a two-run job to right, scoring Lanzilli, to provide the game-winner.
Zack Morris and [autotag]Brady Tygart[/autotag] worked six innings out of the Arkansas bullpen, allowing just two hits while walking six and striking out six. Ole Miss chased Hogs starter [autotag]Jaxon Wiggins[/autotag] after three when he allowed six baserunner and three runs.
Arkansas is back at home Tuesday in its final nonconference game of the year: against rival Missouri State. After that, the Diamond Hogs head to Auburn, are home against Vanderbilt and go to Alabama to close the regular season.