Sticks of the Game: Slavens perfect as Hogs take series from Illinois State

It’s harder to more at the plate than Brady Slavens did in Arkansas’ 4-2 win on Sunday. Perfect is just fine.

Arkansas racked up 12 hits and drew five walks in Sunday’s 4-2 over Illinois State and almost everyone got in on the act.

Unfortunately, the Diamond Hogs left 12 runners on base, but runs in the fourth, fifth and eighth innings were enough to keep the Redbirds from a would-be surprise season-opening series win.

Eight of Arkansas’ nine starters reached base, though none as efficiently as Brady Slavens, who served as the designated hitter.

He was joined in a multi-hit game by freshman first baseman Peyton Stovall, preseason All-American Robert Moore, and slick-fielding shortstop Jalen Battles.

Four of the Hogs’ 12 hits went for extra-bases, including Battles’ RBI double in the eighth that provided a run of insurance for reliever Kole Ramage, who picked up a four-inning save.

Here is a closer look at Arkansas’ Sticks of the Game.