FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Kendall Diggs’ go-ahead three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth lifted No. 8 Arkansas (10-2) past Army (5-6) in a thrilling 7-5 come-from-behind victory on Tuesday at Baum-Walker Stadium.
With the win, the Razorbacks improved to 4-1 all-time against the United States service academies, including a 2-0 record against Navy, a 1-0 record against Army and a 1-1 mark against Air Force.
Arkansas blasted three home runs, including a pair of three-run shots, in Tuesday’s win. The long ball proved crucial, sparking the Hogs’ rally after Army jumped out to a 4-0 lead through the first five innings.
Jared Wegner kickstarted the Razorbacks’ comeback in the bottom of the sixth, swatting a three-run homer off the batter’s eye – his team-leading sixth home run of the season. Jace Bohrofen then stepped up to the plate with two outs in the inning and jacked a solo shot to right, evening the ballgame at four apiece.
Army would not go quietly, however, retaking the lead with a run in the top half of the seventh. The Black Knights maintained their 5-4 advantage until the bottom of the eighth when Diggs came to bat with two on and one out.
The Razorback designated hitter hammered the first pitch he saw over the wall in center, driving in Bohrofen and Brady Slavens to put Arkansas ahead, 7-5. Of Diggs’ seven career home runs, five have been of the three-run variety.
Both Diggs and Wegner finished the game with a team-high three RBI. Wegner, who went 2-for-4 at the plate with three RBI, is now slashing .422/.526/.911 with six home runs and 22 runs batted in on the season.
Bohrofen, meanwhile, raised his season slash line to a team-leading .444/.580/.806 with three homers and 10 RBI. He collected his fifth multi-hit game of the campaign on Tuesday, finishing 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored.
On the mound, Dylan Carter earned his second career win in relief of starter Parker Coil (3.2 IP, 3 R, 3 SO). The right-hander allowed the Razorback offense to fight its way back into the ballgame, giving up just one run on three hits and a walk while striking out two over the final three innings.
Arkansas will next welcome in Louisiana Tech for the final non-conference weekend series of the season. First pitch of the three-game set between the Razorbacks and Bulldogs is set for 3 p.m. Friday, March 10. The game will not be broadcast due to conflicts with multiple on-campus events and SEC replay requirements.
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