Razorbacks Make Winning Start in Paradise Classic
BOCA RATON, Fla. — No. 12 Arkansas scored a total of 25 runs across its first two days of action in the Paradise Classic played at Joan Joyce Field to rack up three quick wins to start the season.
The first of two games on Thursday, The Razorbacks faced off against the Marshall Thundering Herd for the 2024 season opener, winning 10-3. At one point in the third inning, Arkansas trailed 3-2 after a home run and a few timely hits put the Razorbacks behind.
The offense rallied for 11 hits led by Bri Ellis and Cylie Halvorson had two hits each. Lefty Hannah Camenzind was a two-way star. She spun 4-2/3 innings of scoreless relief and had three RBIs as well as being the pitcher of record.
In the nightcap, the Hogs pitched a five-inning run-rule shutout against the Florida Atlantic Owls, 8-0 behind a five-run first inning. Robyn Herron pitched a complete game and struck out seven. Ellis pitched in with two more RBIs to open the scoring.
"We had a lot of composure," Hogs coach Courtney Deifel said after the doubleheader sweep. "We ‘stayed the course.’ It was very business-like considering it was our first game out there. We had a little nerves and unexpectedness, but we handled it very well."
On the second day, playing just one game, the Razorbacks faced tougher resistance from the Ohio Bobcats but still managed to win 7-3. Reagan Johnson led the way with a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with two runs scored and two stolen bases.
Pitching-wise, Arkansas came one out away from back-to-back shutouts. Morgan Leinstock was unscathed through the first six innings before Ohio scored three runs in the seventh. Camenzind then came in to get the final out of the game.
The Razorbacks will finish in Boca Raton with a doubleheader against Michigan State and Penn State Feb. 10. The games will begin at 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. respectively and will be streamed on FloSports.
Arkansas Communications contributed to this story.
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