FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Illinois State baseball team outhit second-ranked Arkansas but fell by a 5-1 scoreline, in front of nearly 11,000 fans on Saturday at Baum-Walker Stadium.
Fifth-year senior Nick Gile had a trio of hits to lead the Redbirds (1-1) in outhitting the Razorbacks (1-1) by a 9-8 margin.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After Arkansas took a 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning, the Redbirds were unable to cash in after loading the bases with one out in the 3rd inning.
The Razorbacks scored one run in the 3rd inning before adding two more in the 5th inning.
ISU had runners and 2nd and 3rd with one out but was unable to scratch across a run in the 7th inning.
Third-year sophomore Keegan Gagliardo walked the first batter he faced in his Redbird debut but retired the next eight Razorback batters for 2.2 innings of work as the third pitcher used by ISU in the contest.
Fourth-year junior Connor Olson lined a single into right field to score third-year sophomore Greg Nichols and get the 'Birds on the board in the 9th inning.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- The Redbirds have now outhit the Razorbacks in both games of the series after posting a 7-4 margin on Friday.
- Second-year freshman Tyler Woltman recorded his first collegiate hit in the 3rd inning.
- On Sunday, Illinois State will look to become the first mid-major to win a series against Arkansas since South Alabama in 2014.
QUOTES FROM FOURTH-YEAR HEAD COACH STEVE HOLM
On Arkansas starting pitcher Hagen Smith: "He reminded me of Casey Mize. That young man is gonna be pitching a long time - he's gonna be an ace in this league. We got beat by a future big-leaguer and I think we did a good job in the bottom half of the lineup, giving that top half a chance to do some damage."
On runners left on base: "We had the right guys up in those situations - they got it done from us [Friday] night and I think you've just gotta tip your cap. They made really good pitches and got our best hitters out when they needed to. That's what baseball's all about."
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