Razorbacks No-Hitter Blanks Savannah State

Courtesy University of Arkansas Athletics Department

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Sophomore Kimmy Beasley pitched a no-hitter and The University of Arkansas softball team shutout the Savannah State Lady Tigers, 10-0 in six innings on Tuesday in Savannah, Georgia.

Arkansas (20-10) received a wonderful effort from the sophomore from Foreman, Ark. This was the first time a single Razorback threw a no-hitter since March 5, 2006. Beasley went six innings and only allowed one walk in the game, while striking out seven. Savannah State came into the game hitting .328 as a team, that ranked 18th in the nation.

“It feels amazing,” Beasley said. “I also had some great defense behind. You can’t ever do things like that without a great defense. Getting the shutout is a great feeling.”

Offensively, Arkansas was led by Clarisa Navarro, who went 3-for-3 with a homerun, a double, three RBI and two runs scored. Jennifer Rambo also went deep in the game as she hit a pinch-hit, three-run homer in the fourth inning.

“There were a lot of great accomplishments today,” head coach Mike Larabee said. “Obviously, Beasley’s no-hitter was great to see. This was a good hitting team, I don’t care who you play, she was one walk away from a perfect game. Clarisa Navarro had an excellent day today as well.”

Devon Wallace led off the game by doubling to leftfield. She was bunted over to third on the next at bat by Stephanie Canfield and then scored when Chloe Oprzedek lined the first pitch she saw to centerfield. The junior, Oprzedek, stole second base and eventually scored when Navarro shot a single into centerfield. This gave the Hogs a 2-0 lead after the top of the first.

Beasley faced the minimum amount of batters through her first three innings. Her only blunder was a walk given up to Madison Hedderly in the second inning. She was eventually thrown out trying to steal second by catcher Jayme Gee. Beasley had struck three batters out through the first three innings.

Navarro walked to lead off the fourth inning and then Nicole Schroeder followed with a single. Sierra Bronkey then bunted both runners to second and third with a nice sacrifice. Two batters later, Jennifer Rambo pinch hit with two outs and two runners in scoring position. She sent the third pitch of the at-bat soaring over the centerfield wall for a three-run homer. This gave Arkansas a 5-0 lead. Wallace added to the lead when she walked for her SEC-leading 39th time. She stole second base and then scored when Canfield singled through the right side of the infield.

Arkansas’ sophomore pitcher continued to work wonders through the fourth and fifth as she dealt consecutive 1-2-3 innings. She got India Morgan to pop out to end the fifth, Beasley had not allowed a hit in the first five frames.

Ashley Martindale notched a two-out hit in the sixth and then stole second base. Oprzedek then walked to put on two runners for pinch hitting Amanda Geile. The junior worked a 2-2 count and both runners advanced on a passed ball. Two pitches later Geile lined a single to leftfield and both runners scored. Navarro hit in two runs of her own on the next pitch as she blasted a ball deep over the leftfield fence. Navarro’s first homer of the year gave Arkansas a 10-0 lead.

Beasley struck out Tiffany Taylor to start the top of the sixth. She then battled Imani Gayle and struck her out swinging. After a 2-2 count to Antonette Smith, she got the freshman to swing at a high fastball. Beasley completed her no hitter by striking out the side in the sixth. Arkansas won the game 10-0.

Next up, the Razorbacks will continue their eight-game road trip with game two against Savannah State. Game two will begin at 5 p.m. CT, tomorrow.

 

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