HOOVER, ALA. (KFSM)- Arkansas blasted Florida Saturday in the semifinals winning 16-0, in a seven-inning run rule to advance to the SEC Championship game. This is the first time since 2007 that Arkansas has reached the SEC title game.
Chad Spanberger ignited the Diamond Hogs offense, smashing a two-run homer in the first inning. Spanberger went 3-for-6 at the plate with two home runs, a double, three RBI’s and three runs. Spanberger has been dominate at the plate throughout the tournament, his five home runs so far which is the second-most in SEC tournament history.
“It feels like I am on cloud nine,” said Chad Spanberger. “Lately, I have gone up there and I have seen every pitch. When I am up there, I try to get every pitch I can and at least get swings on them. I just have to go up there and have confidence and trust my approach.”
Spanberger wasn’t the only Razorback slugging at the plate Saturday. Eric Cole and Dominic Fletcher also launched balls over the fence to help Arkansas build an impressive lead. Cole’s long ball was the first of back-to-back home runs in the second inning. Fletcher’s home run came in the fourth inning, bringing home two more runs for the Diamond Hogs.
“Our offense took over again,” said Arkansas Coach Dave Van Horn. “It’s one of those games as a coach you hope for, but you don’t expect.”
Pitching was also another bright spot for Arkansas. Kacey Murphy threw a complete seven-inning game, allowing just two hits and three walks while striking out eight batters. For the Razorbacks, it was their second shutout of the week.
The Razorbacks will face LSU in the SEC Championship game Sunday at 2:00 p.m. CT
