Razorbacks down Skyhawks

The University of Tennessee at Martin softball team learned a couple of things Saturday afternoon at Bogle Park in Fayetteville, Ark. While the learning was useful and plentiful, the Skyhawks suffered a 6-4 loss to the University of Arkansas in the first game and a 4-2 setback in the second game.

“It was frustrating,” UT Martin head coach Donley Canary said.

In the first game, UT Martin jumped on Arkansas with four runs in the second inning and chased starter Chelsea Cohen after 1.2 innings.

However, freshman Kimmy Beasley came in and stifled the Skyhawks for the next five innings, scattering four hits.

UT Martin freshman Lauren “G” Smith went three-for-four at the plate with two RBI and a double, while senior catcher Erica Duke was three-for-three with an RBI and a double.

The Skyhawks managed nine hits against the Southeastern Conference foe.

In the second game, Arkansas claimed a 4-2 win. Beasley pitched the complete game and gave up four hits.

UT Martin senior Jenny Bain’s two-run home run was the only offense the Skyhawks could muster.

Arkansas’ Chloe Oprzedek went three-for-three with a home run and three RBI.

UT Martin senior pitcher Chelsea Jones suffered her sixth loss of the year. She pitched six innings and allowed four runs and a walk, while striking out five.

“We could get up the hill but we couldn’t over it,” Canary said.

UT Martin is 30-15 on the year while Arkansas is 22-19. UT Martin returns to action Tuesday, April 17, when it hosts Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Bettye Giles Field. Action gets under way at 5 p.m.