Behind a dominant pitching performance that produced 13 strikeouts, No. 7 Arkansas closed its season-opening trip to Globe Life Field with a 3-1 victory over Tarleton State on Monday in the Amegy Bank College Baseball Series.
The Razorbacks improved to 3-1 on the season and 12-4 all-time at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers.
Arkansas pitchers Peyton Lee, Ethan McElvain and Mark Brissey combined to allow just one run over nine innings. Lee, a true freshman from Maumelle making his collegiate debut, allowed one run on four hits and one walk while striking out five over 4 1/3 innings.
The Hogs jumped in front early, scoring three runs in the first inning on RBIs from Maika Niu, Reese Robinett and Nolan Souza, and never surrendered the lead.
After Tarleton State trimmed the deficit to 3-1 in the fifth, McElvain entered with a runner on second and shut down the threat. The left-hander tossed 2 2/3 scoreless innings with five strikeouts to earn the win. Brissey handled the final two innings in his collegiate debut, striking out three to record the save.
Offensively, Niu and Robinett each had two hits, with Robinett adding a double. Damian Ruiz reached base in his first two plate appearances to extend his streak to 13 consecutive trips before being retired.
Arkansas now returns home to Baum-Walker Stadium for an 18-game homestand, beginning with a three-game nonconference series against Xavier from Feb. 20-22. First pitch for the home opener is scheduled for 3 on Friday.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI