Razorbacks Make Winning Start in Front of Record Crowd

Hogs have no trouble dispatching Illinois State in Razorback Invitational opener

Daniel Shi | Feb 22, 2024

Razorbacks Make Winning Start in Front of Record Crowd /

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Arkansas Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — No.14 Arkansas wasted no time endearing itself with the Bogle home crowd, picking up a 7-0 over the Illinois State Redbirds in front of an opening day record 2,824 fans to open the Razorback Invitational.

"I think we have one of the best stadiums with one of the best environments with the best fans," coach Courtney Deifel said. "So who wouldn't love it?"

Bri Ellis opened the scoring with an RBI double to left center as the first three Hogs all reached base. Third baseman Hannah Gammill hit a three-run homer in the first to the right-center field alley to cap off a four-run first inning.

"I think we're incredibly strong one through nine," Deifel said. "I think we're strong one through 12. Whoever's turn it is, whoever's name's called, they're ready and stepping up. I think that it's someone different every day. It's been fun and I actually don't even think we're firing as much as we will. I think we have a lot of tools throughout the lineup."

Reis Beuerlein carved up the Redbird lineup with relative ease, twirling three scoreless frames to start. The Mississippi State transfer only allowed two baserunners the first time through the order and stranded two in the second inning with a routine fly ball to center.

"Coach C [Deifel] is as incredible as she sounds," Beuerlein said. "Every day is a joy and there's not a day that goes by that I'm not thankful to be here and thankful to work with her. She's made me strides better."

The Razorbacks picked up the scoring again in the third. Rylin Hedgecock smacked an RBI single, for her 11th of the season. Kennedy Miller followed two batters later with a two-RBI single to stretch the lead to 7-0.

Beuerlein finished her day with four scoreless frames, aided by a 6-4-3 double play in her final frame and giving way to Nikki McGaffin. McGaffin worked around a two-out double and struck out just the second Redbird of the day to preserve the shutout. Morgan Leinstock recorded the final six outs to bring the team season ERA down to 1.68.

Game two of the Razorback Invitational is scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday against UT-Arlington at Bogle Park. There is no streaming.