Arkansas Run-Rules South Carolina, 22-6, in SEC Opener

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The No. 4 Arkansas Razorbacks defeated the University of South Carolina Gamecocks 22-6 in a seven-inning run-rule victory Friday night at Founders Park, marking the SEC home opener for South Carolina.

Arkansas (17-6, 3-1 SEC) hit six home runs, scoring at least two runs in each of the first six innings. Maika Niu led the Razorbacks with two home runs, six RBI, and four runs scored.

South Carolina (12-11, 0-4 SEC) responded with three home runs of their own. KJ Scobey hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning, followed by a two-run shot from Luke Yuhasz in the same frame. Jake Randolph added a two-run home run in the seventh inning, his first as a Gamecock.

Tyler Bak, KJ Scobey, and Luke Yuhasz each recorded two hits for South Carolina.

Josh Gunther took the loss for the Gamecocks, allowing six hits and nine runs in 2.1 innings with five strikeouts. Arkansas’ offensive surge led to the use of six South Carolina pitchers, including a debut appearance from Bryce Navarre.

Game Highlights

• Arkansas scored in each of the first six innings.
• Maika Niu hit two home runs with six RBI for Arkansas.
• KJ Scobey, Luke Yuhasz, and Jake Randolph hit home runs for South Carolina.
• Tyler Bak led South Carolina with two hits.
• Josh Gunther suffered the loss for South Carolina.

Postgame Comments

“We made it tough on ourselves,” USC coach Paul Mainieri said after the loss. “You’re going to give up some home runs. You just can’t walk batters in front of the home runs. And that’s what we did tonight.”

Up Next

South Carolina and Arkansas continue their three-game series on Saturday, March 21, at 4 p.m. At Founders Park. The game will be streamed on SEC Network Plus.

Sunday’s game is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. And will also be streamed on SEC Network Plus.