COLUMBIA, S.C. – On Saturday, March 21, the Arkansas Razorbacks defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 3-2 in extra innings.
The win over the Gamecocks gives Arkansas the series win in Columbia. The Razorbacks have won their first two Southeastern Conference (SEC) weekend series against Mississippi State and South Carolina. Their conference record moves to 4-1 this season.
Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn talked about a gritty 10-inning win for his team.
“They [South Carolina] did everything they could to get a win,” Van Horn said. “I felt like we hung in there and took advantage of mistakes.”
Hunter Dietz with 12 strikeouts against the Gamecocks
Arkansas’ Saturday starter, Hunter Dietz, had a fantastic start for the Gamecocks. In 6 ⅔ innings of work, he had 12 strikeouts and allowed just two runs. Dietz also walked just two South Carolina hitters in his start at Founders Park.
Van Horn talked about Dietz and what he was able to show on the mound.
“Both he and [Cole] Gibler did a great job manipulating their lineup,” Van Horn said. “They [South Carolina] have hit lefties well. However, I feel like he [Dietz] is not your average lefty.”
Dietz now has 54 strikeouts this season and has 32 strikeouts in his last three starts. He had 12 strikeouts against Stetson on March 7 and eight strikeouts against Mississippi State on March 14.
Damian Ruiz hits his second home run of the weekend
The Razorbacks got on the scoreboard in the third inning when left fielder Damian Ruiz hit a solo home run off the batter’s eye.
It was the second home run of the series against South Carolina for Ruiz and his third of the season.
In the first two games against the Gamecocks, the Arkansas outfielder has four hits.
Ruiz talked about his big weekend and approach after the 3-2 win over the Gamecocks on Saturday.
“Every time I get in the box, I just want to compete,” Ruiz told World Baseball Network. “My job as a lead-off hitter is to get on base, and the guys behind me will drive me in.”
Van Horn is impressed with what Ruiz is doing in Columbia. He feels like his newfound home run hitting is a great and beneficial addition to his game.
“I feel like he’s stronger now than he was in August,” said Van Horn, regarding Ruiz. “He has shown a lot of pop…He can hit singles and steal bags, but that is just another thing he can do.”
Up next for Arkansas
The Arkansas Razorbacks will face off against the South Carolina Gamecocks on Sunday, March 22, for the series finale at Founders Park.
The first pitch is at 1:30 p.m. EST.
WBN NCAA: https://worldbaseball.com/league/ncaa/
PHOTO: Alfred Ezman | WBN
