FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Redshirt-junior Chenise Delce compiled her second-consecutive 10 strikeout performance Thursday to power No. 11 Arkansas to a 6-1 victory over Missouri State at Bogle Park. Thursday’s win also marks head coach Courtney Deifel’s 200th career win as a Razorback.
Sophomore Hannah Gammill continued her hot streak at the plate, producing a 2-for-2 performance with one walk. Taylor Ellsworth’s 1-for-3 performance resulted in a crucial two-RBI double that broke open the game. Linnie Malkin also went 1-for-3 with two RBI to pace the Razorbacks. Hannah McEwen provided offensive firepower at the two-spot after going 1-for-3 with one RBI and run scored. Danielle Gibson totaled a 1-for-3 showing with an RBI. KB Sides tabbed a single at the leadoff spot.
Delce dominated all night on the mound. The Oklahoma City, Okla., native racked up 10 strikeouts, which ties her season-high, and gave up one run on three hits. Delce fired six-straight scoreless innings, including four efficient 1-2-3 frames, while giving up just one extra base hit all night.
How It Happened
Missouri State scored in the first inning to seize a 1-0 lead.
The Hogs went down quietly in the first and second innings before an action-filled third frame put them permanently in front.
It all began when Arkansas placed runners on second and third thanks to a walk and error by Missouri State. Following the play, McEwen walked to load the bases for the hot-hitting Ellsworth. Ellsworth perfectly hit the ball down the third base line to push Sockey and Kildow home and capture a 2-1 edge.
The Razorbacks padded their lead in the fifth. A Missouri State error before a Sides infield single put runners on first and second with no outs. An RBI single by McEwen scored Sockey and advanced Sides to third. Gibson then drove in McEwen on a single through the right side for another run. Next, Gammill singled to shallow left to load the bases yet again. Malkin stepped up to the plate and plugged a two-RBI single through the left side to snag two more runs.
Hog Highlights
Up Next
The Hogs open Friday with a 3:30 p.m. contest versus Kennesaw State before a 6 p.m. nightcap against Kansas City. Both games will be available on SEC Network+.
