HOUSTON (KFSM) – It was supposed to be the first real test of the 2016 season for the Arkansas baseball program but instead it turned into their sixth straight win to start the year.
Dominic Taccolini picked up his second win of the season after throwing six innings while allowing two runs and striking out six and Zach Jackson shut the door as the Razorbacks took down No. 25 Rice 5-2 at Minute Maid Park.
Jackson entered the game in the seventh inning and recorded a rare three inning save as he retired nine of the 10 batters he faced, striking out four for his second save of the season.
Arkansas and Rice were tied 2-2 heading to the seventh inning but control issues forced Rice into a jam. Starter Jon Duplantier walked one and hit two more in the inning and then gave the Razorbacks the lead on a wild pitch. Carson Shaddy gave the Hogs a 4-2 lead with a sacrifice fly to center.
Shaddy added an insurance run with a RBI single to left in the ninth to cap his 2-for-4 day. Clark Eagan added a pair of doubles for Arkansas but the Razorbacks were outhit 7-6.
Arkansas will face No. 9 Houston on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
