All Hogs

Familiar Faces Homer for Hogs in Win Over Central Arkansas

Brent Iredale continues to mash ball out of ballpark for Hogs

Daniel Shi

Brent Iredale with Cam Kozeal and Kuhio Aloy after hitting his seventh home run of the year against the Central Arkansas Bears. The Razorbacks won 9-2.
Brent Iredale with Cam Kozeal and Kuhio Aloy after hitting his seventh home run of the year against the Central Arkansas Bears. The Razorbacks won 9-2. / Nilsen Roman-Hogs on SI Images
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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas third baseman Brent Iredale hit his fourth home run in as many games as the Razorbacks finished the 10-game homestand undefeated with a 9-2 win over the Central Arkansas Bears.

"This was one of those games that you worry about as a coach," coach Dave Van Horn said. "Getting ready to go on the road, you’ve had pretty good success and SEC play is starting. Just really proud of the guys for coming out and taking care of business."

Iredale finished his day 2-for-2 with four RBIs and two walks. He temporarily took the team lead in homers (seven) with his two-run shot in front of a Kuhio Aloy walk to open the scoring in the bottom of the second.

Both Aloy brothers, Kuhio and Wehiwa, came into the day tied with Iredale for six homers. Each made a bid to tie Iredale. Wehiwa's ball to right got pulled back by the wind for a long flyout, but the Bears weren't so lucky with Kuhio, who hit the ball through the wind for a 408-foot shot into the Hog Pen to double the lead.

Arkansas' Colin Fisher continues to thrive in all roles that he's put in. Fisher pitched his second straight scoreless midweek start, going three innings and striking out three. In between the midweek starts, he also pitched a scoreless inning during the Hogs' sweep of Portland Saturday.

Fisher's season ERA sits at 0.82.

Arkansas starter Colin Fisher throws a pitch
Arkansas starter Colin Fisher throws a pitch against the Central Arkansas Bears. The Razorbacks won 9-2. / Nilsen Roman-Hogs on SI Images

First baseman Cam Kozeal, who had never played first base before this season, continues to contribute on both sides of the scorecard. He was a part of a 4-6-3 inning ending double-play to limit the damage to a solitary run against righty Ben Bybee in the top of the fourth.

"He’s a baseball player," Van Horn said. "He’s got some feel out there. He’s a shortstop like most all of our infielders that we have in the infield. When they get here, we just move them around. Most of the time they play shortstop. So, he’s a shortstop, tough kid, played other sports. We knew what we were recruiting and we’re just glad we got him here now. "

In the bottom of the inning, Kozeal hit his second homer of the year to the opposite field to cap a 5-spot for Arkansas and expand the lead to 9-1.

"They can put you anywhere on the field [if you are a shortstop],” Kozeal said. “You can play and be athletic. Baseball players just stay athletic, and you can pick the ball. You can throw the ball, know the game. Just baseball IQ.

Arkansas will face its first SEC and true road test at the same time. The Razorbacks head to Oxford, Miss. to face the No. 13 Ole Miss Rebels. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday and will be streamed on SEC+.

"We know that we’ve got our hands full," Van Horn said. "Anytime you go on the road in the SEC, you've got your hands full."

HOGS FEED:

• Hogs need three little words to win three in SEC Tournament

• New faces turn Green's task on offense to teaching

• Brazile's resurgence key to Razorbacks' tournament future

• Hogs find potential go-to receiver from unexpected source

• Pittman needs edge rushers to pop in Hogs' spring practice

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Daniel Shi
DANIEL SHI

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