May 20, 2009

CBI Live
Razorbacks get past Gators in SEC tourney opener

By Vince Ferrara

examiner.com

Special to CollegeBaseballInsider.com

HOOVER, Ala. - The 2009 SEC Baseball Tournament is underway at Regions Park.

In Game 1 on Thursday, seventh-seed Arkansas (33-20) upset second-seed Florida (38-19) 8-5. Arkansas is now 4-0 against Florida this season.

Florida committed four errors leading to seven of Arkansas' eight runs being unearned. The Gators also could only muster a season-low four hits against three Razorback pitchers. Arkansas reliever Mike Bolsinger (4-4) (pictured right) was the key. He pitched 4.2 innings of scoreless one-hit relief to pick up the win. 

Florida starter Stephen Locke (4-2) gets the loss despite not giving up an earned run.

"They got hits when they needed to, they made pitches when they needed to," said Locke.

Trailing 2-1, Arkansas took the lead with a five-run fourth inning. Travis Sample hit a two-run two-out bases-loaded double down the third base line.

"This is how we played at the beginning of the year," Sample said. "We were hitting like that. Hopefully this will give us momentum." 

An errant throw to the infield allowed a third run to score, capping the big Razorbacks' inning.

Florida responded with three runs in the bottom of the fourth. SEC Co-Freshman of the Year Preston Tucker (left) drove in his 73rd and 74th runs of the year with a two-run single, cutting Arkansas' lead to one run at 6-5.

Arkansas scored a run in the eighth and the ninth to extend the lead to three runs heading to the bottom of the ninth for the Gators. Zack Cox (3 for 4) hit his eighth home run of the year for the Razorbacks run in the ninth to make it 8-5 Arkansas.

The Gators loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the ninth. Josh Adams then grounded into a game-ending double play to complete the win for Arkansas.

According to the coaches, Brett Eibner is expected to start for Arkansas Thursday and Anthony DeSclafani for Florida. The Razorbacks will play at 5 p.m. (CT) against the Ole Miss/Georgia winner. The Gators will be in the 10 a.m. (CT) elimination game against the Ole Miss/Georgia loser.
 

(photos by Jimmy Jones)