Auburn dropped its second straight game with a 9-3 loss at No. 7 Arkansas Saturday afternoon despite Bryson Ware’s big game at the plate.
Arkansas came out with bats swinging, putting up five runs across the first two innings to Auburn’s single run. Ware came out in the fourth inning and hit a solo shot to left field on the first pitch of the inning.
Although Ware’s home run brought the game back within three runs, the momentum for the Tigers did not last long. Arkansas scored four one-out runs on Tanner Bauman in the bottom of the fifth inning.
“The difference in the two games here is we just have not played at game time,” said head coach Butch Thompson. “Arkansas is playing at game time. At game time, we are not playing defense, pitching or getting the barrel in position. That’s the difference in the ballgame.”
Ware’s second long ball to left field came at the top of the sixth inning, once again without any outs or runners on bases. The Auburn infielder went 2-for-3 at the plate with a walk and two RBIs.
All three of Auburn's runs were scored by Ware, also scoring on a second-inning fielder's choice from Chris Stanfield. His home runs were his eighth and ninth this season, extending his personal record for most homers hit in a season.
Freshman starting pitcher Zach Crotchfelt picked up the loss, giving up three earned runs through the first four innings. Bauman allowed three earned runs through two innings in relief.
Christian Herberholz finished the game for the Tigers. He went two innings and did not allow any runs or baserunners.
Arkansas starting pitcher Will McEntire recorded his fourth win on the season, allowing three earned runs through six innings. Dylan Carter picked up his second save of the season. Carter put in three innings of work and only allowed two baserunners and did not give up any earned runs.
Razorbacks designated hitter Kendall Diggs had a big performance at the plate, as well. Diggs had two hits and a walk in three at bats. He also tallied four RBIs, three of which came in the first inning to get Arkansas started.
The Tigers still have the chance to pick up a win to avoid the sweep. A loss tomorrow would make this series the first time Auburn has been swept since March 2021 against Kentucky.
“What we still have is another ballgame in this series,” Thompson said. “Those were some uncharacteristic things for us. We’ve done a good job. It just seems like we haven’t played the same these first two days.”
A win from Auburn on Sunday will also keep Arkansas from tying its longest win streak in the all-time series between the two teams with a fifth consecutive win over the Tigers. Sunday’s game is at 2 p.m. CST and will be televised on SEC Network+.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Chris Mendoza is a senior from Huntsville, Ala. majoring in journalism and minoring in sports coaching. He started with The Plainsman in fall 2022.
Twitter: @chris_mendoza20
