Despite a career-best four hits from freshman Carter Rutenbar, No. 6 Arkansas fell to Stetson 6-4 Monday afternoon at Baum-Walker Stadium.
The Razorbacks and Hatters finished the four-game series tied at two games each, marking the first time Arkansas has not won a non-conference weekend series at Baum-Walker Stadium since 2014.
Stetson jumped out to an early lead, scoring four runs in the first inning against Arkansas starter James DeCremer, including a three-run home run. DeCremer was lifted before recording an out.
Arkansas responded with three runs in the second inning on Reese Robinett’s two-run home run and Nolan Souza’s RBI double to cut the deficit to 4-3.
The Hatters added two more runs in the fourth inning before Arkansas trimmed the lead to 6-4 in the fifth on a run-scoring error.
The Razorbacks struggled to capitalize on scoring chances, going 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position and leaving 10 runners on base.
Rutenbar led Arkansas offensively, going 4-for-5 with a run scored. Robinett finished 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs, while Maika Niu also added two hits.
In relief, Tate McGuire, Steele Eaves and Parker Coil combined for nine innings and limited Stetson to two runs. Eaves extended his scoreless streak to 12 innings.
Arkansas will open SEC play this weekend by hosting Mississippi State beginning Friday at 6 at Baum-Walker Stadium.
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