Bradfield’s 10th-inning homer lifts Vandy over Arkansas, 9-6

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas acquired arguably the nation’s finest leadoff hitter out to start out the sport Friday evening, nevertheless it was not a harbinger of issues to return with Vanderbilt.

Sophomore Enrique Bradfield, Jr., went 3-of-5, together with a three-run, tie breaking homer within the Tenth inning because the No. 24 Commodores downed the No. 4 Razorbacks 9-6.

Bradfield, who has stolen 34 bases in 34 makes an attempt this season, launched the game-winner on a 1-2 pitch from Arkansas aid pitcher and loser Brady Tygart (2-3) with first base open.

It was the primary homer that Tygart, who has seven saves, had given up this season.

“It’s simply all a matter of competing,” Bradfield mentioned. “We have now been in some robust spots this yr and we’ve simply saved coming at it.

“I swing at a primary pitch curve ball, which I noticed rather well. The quick ball was subsequent and I used to be simply actually in search of a quick ball once more on 1-2. If you end up in search of a quick ball, you’ll be able to react to a curve ball and that’s what I did.”

It was a surprising last inning for the house staff, who acquired two house runs from Brady Slavens and one from Robert Moore whereas climbing out of a 5-0 gap the Razorbacks discovered themselves within the prime of the third.

“It was simply type of a loopy recreation,” Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn mentioned. “We’re down 5 and made a fairly good run there and hit some house runs that acquired us again into the sport.”

Arkansas was one strike away from taking it tied to the underside of the Tenth despite the fact that Vanderbilt had runners on second and third with no one out.

“We acquired right into a jam into the Tenth and it seemed like we have been going to get out of it once they bunt the ball and we get a out on the plate.

“..On a 1-2 rely, he fouls a pitch off. I don’t assume it was that unhealthy of a pitch. It was type of down and clearly he was type of setting on a off velocity bench, however he type of acquired it squared up. It wasn’t like a hanger. He simply went down and acquired it.

“Give Bradfield credit score. He simply hit pitch.”

Bradfield, whose staff outhit Arkansas 10-8, knew first base was open, however thought he would nonetheless be pitched to by Tygart.

“I wasn’t actually enthusiastic about that,” Bradfield mentioned. “That’s their man out of the pen and I knew they have been most likely going to journey with him.”

The sport additionally featured a raccoon within the stands.

Freshman left Dylan Futrell went the primary 5 innings for Vanderbilt giving up 4 runs on 5 hits.

Van Horn lamented not getting extra runs after Arkansas rallied to tie it 5-5 within the sixth.

The Razorbacks had a bases-loaded, one-out scenario later within the inning, however Michael Turner’s hard-hit grounder was became a 3-6-3 double play that ended the menace.

“We had an opportunity and have been one massive swing away from having a two or three-run lead. Give credit score to their pitchers and we by no means acquired that swing.

“Actually what sort of did us in again towards the start and even towards the top was the free passes. We walked them just a few occasions, hit them a few occasions and people runs scored for essentially the most half.

That rally acquired Razorback starter Connor Noland off off the hook.

Noland went 5 innings whereas giving up 5 runs on six runs with three walks, two hit batters and 5 strikeouts.

He threw 97 pitchers with 60 of them strikes.

“He didn’t have great things as we speak,” Van Horn mentioned. “H didn’t have command.”

The win over Arkansas (36-13, 16-9) pushed Vanderbilt (33-15, 13-12) over .500 in SEC motion.

The 2 groups are set to play Saturday evening at 6:30 and Sunday at 1 p.m.