FAYETTEVILLE — A three-run first inning got Arkansas off to a fast start Saturday against South Dakota State, but the offense slowed to a crawl after that.
The No. 16 Razorbacks’ bats went silent after the hot start and South Dakota State handed Arkansas softball a 7-3 loss in the Wooo Pig Classic at Bogle Park.
Arkansas (16-4) had three hits in the bottom of the first including a three-run home run from catcher Kennedy Miller, her third homer in four at-bats, but the Razorbacks managed just four hits the rest of the way.
South Dakota State pitcher Tori Kniesche withstood the rough start and earned the win in the circle. Kniesche struck out nine in the complete-game win.
“[Kniesche] worked herself out of that first inning jam,” Arkansas coach Courtney Deifel said. “I felt like we had a chance to score more runs in that inning. After they tied the game they took the momentum and we were never able to take it back. Our best at-bats were in that first inning and we just didn’t have great at-bats after that.
“I think they deserved to win today and we didn’t deserve to win.”
Arkansas pitching struggled almost from the start. Hannah Camenzind got the start for the Razorbacks and did not make it through the second inning, leaving with the bases loaded after walking in a run. The Jackrabbits (11-11) tied the score at 3-3, getting a bloop single off Nikki McGaffin and sacrifice fly.
Razorback reliever Robyn Herron kept her team in the game until the fourth inning when South Dakota State scored three runs, two coming on a home run from Lindsey Culver.
Arkansas got two on in the sixth inning with one out, but could not produce a run.
Earlier Saturday, South Dakota State routed Southeast Missouri State 9-1 for a doubleheader sweep.
Deifel said her team would have to put this loss behind them quickly.
“We have been able to respond this year, but I’m getting tired of having to respond,” said Deifel, whose team has not lost back-to-back games this season. “I wish we could be consistent with who we want to be. Hopefully we will respond tomorrow and finish the weekend strong.”
Mashing Miller
Arkansas catcher Kennedy Miller continues to be the biggest bright spot in the order. The freshman homered and added a single to raiser her average to a team-leading .459.
The blast she hit in the first inning sailed high over the foul pole in left-field with two runners on. The hit was reviewed and replays showed the ball cleared the pole fair before curling left into the outfield berm.
Culver Crushin’
South Dakota State left fielder Lindsey Culver was a force in the middle of the Jackrabbits’ offense Saturday. The senior was 2 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs in the fourth inning. She added a double in the seventh inning that rocketed off Arkansas third baseman Hannah Gammill’s glove. She scored on Rozelyn Carrrillo’s RBI single.
Play of the Game
Hannah Camenzind moved from pitcher to left field in the second inning, but her catch at the wall in the third inning was a highlight reel play.
Brooke Dumont lofted a high fly to left that drifted just to the left of the foul pole. Camenzind raced back to the wall and snared the foul ball just before it hit the top of the wall for the out. The play was reviewed and the call was upheld.
What’s Next
Arkansas will close out the Wooo Pig Classic at 12:15 p.m. Sunday against Southeast Missouri State. The Razorbacks will host the Razorback Rumble next weekend at Bogle Park starting Thursday at 5 p.m. against Nebraska.
