March 11, 2011
SAN DIEGO - Arkansas used a pair of home runs to help build an early nine-run lead that San Diego State was unable to overcome as the No. 15 Razorbacks defeated the Aztecs, 11-6, Friday evening at Tony Gwynn Stadium.
It was the sixth straight win for the visitors, who improved to 12-1 on the season. SDSU, meanwhile saw its losing streak extended to five games as it dropped game two of the four-game weekend series.
Coming off his best performance of the season, Aztec starting pitcher Ethan Miller was touched up for a pair of runs in the opening inning courtesy of a two-run homer by Razorback DH Matt Reynolds. Arkansas added four more in the second with three of those coming on a homer by left fielder Collin Kuhn.
UA increased its advantage to 8-0 with another pair of runs in the third as Miller's night ended after he had given up eight runs on seven hits with two walks and three strikeouts over two-plus innings. He would be tagged with the loss to fall to 1-2.
A total of eight Aztec pitchers saw action in the contest with seven relievers tossing an inning apiece. SDSU hurlers struck out a total of 10 batters, but it was little consolation as the Razorbacks tallied 16 total hits and had at least one against each pitcher with the exception of freshman Justin Hepner.
Arkansas right-handed starter DJ Baxendale (4-0) held the Aztecs scoreless over his five innings of work as he gave up just three hits and a walk to earn his fourth win of the season without defeat.
Trailing 10-0, San Diego State rallied for six runs in the bottom of the eighth on six hits and one Razorback error. The big hits in the outburst were a two-run double by Brad Haynal and a two-RBI single from Chris Wilson.
Those runs came off a pair of UA relievers before Nolan Sanburn came on with the bases loaded the get the final. Sanburn would pitch the ninth inning as well, retiring the side on one hit as he recorded his first save of the year.
Brad Haynal (run, two RBI) and Cody Slader (run, one RBI) finished the night with two hits apiece. Blair Moore singled and drew a pair of walks.
Arkansas and San Diego State will face off again on Saturday, March 12, with first pitch set for 6:00 p.m. at Tony Gwynn Stadium.