Arkansas is back to .500 in SEC play after their win over the #11 Vanderbilt Commodores (29-12, 8-10) in front of a national television audience on Easter Sunday.
The Razorbacks struck first in the bottom of the first. Andrew Benintendi scored when Eric Fisher drew a bases loaded walk. The Hogs had the bases loaded with only one out, but that was the only run they could muster. However, the run was still crucial because coming into today's game, Arkansas was 11-2 when scoring in the first inning and 21-3 when scoring before their opponent.
Brian Anderson extended his reaching base streak to 17 games when he hit a RBI single scoring Tyler Spoon. During Anderson's at bat, a pass ball allowed Michael Bernal to score, increasing the Hogs' lead to 3-0.
The only offense the Commodores could effectively put together was a solo home-run by Bryan Reynolds to lead off the top of the seventh inning.
Arkansas' pitching staff was outstanding all series, only allowing three earned runs. Chris Oliver had another solid outing. In 6 2/3 innings, he gave up six hits, one earned run, no walks and struck out two. The bullpen extended its shutout streak to 15 2/3 innings. Zach Jackson worked an inning of scoreless relief and Michael Gunn earned his sixth save of the season recording the final four outs.
Other notables from today's game:
Arkansas turned another double play, which gives them the conference lead with 40 double plays turned on the season.
The Razorbacks are 5-1 this season in SEC conference finale games, winning their last three over top 15 opponents (#8 LSU, #1 Scar, #11 Vandy).
Chris Oliver earned his third win over ranked opponents in as many starts.
Arkansas has won its last five SEC series at Baum Stadium.
Next for the Diamond Hogs is a midweek series against Northwestern State. The first pitch for Tuesday's game is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.