Arkansas run-rules Duke again, punches first ever ticket to Women’s College World Series
Published:
Arkansas took apart Duke for the second time in as many days, and now for the first time ever the Razorbacks are bound for the Women’s College World Series.
After a 14-run outburst in a 5-inning victory in Game 1 of the Fayetteville Super Regional on Friday, the Hogs were relentless again on Saturday, this time in a 10-2 triumph in 5 innings that punched that elusive first ticket to Oklahoma City.
The latest blowout victory continued Arkansas’ historical push through the NCAA Tournament, which now includes 5 run-rule victories in 5 tourney games.
But as much as this spring’s NCAA Tournament journey has been about offense for the Razorbacks (47-11), there was a spectacular performance on the mound Saturday by Payton Burnham. While Arkansas gave her plenty of run support while pounding out 12 hits, Burnham kept the Blue Devils (43-17) at bay, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits in 5 innings, walking 2 and striking out 6.
The Razorbacks will start play next week at the Women’s College World Series against Nebraska, which features former Arkansas players Kacie Hoffmann, as well as twins Hannah and Lauren Camenzind.
The second weather delay in Fayetteville in as many days didn’t bother Arkansas’ red-hot offense, which put up 2 runs in the first inning to take an early lead, added 2 more runs in the fourth and busted the game wide open with a 6-run fifth that created the run-rule situation.
Ella McDowell led the way offensively and defensively for the Razorbacks, going 2 for 3 with 3 runs scored while making multiple big plays at third base. Fittingly, she also caught the game-ending popup that finally sent Arkansas to the WCWS for the first time.
Arkansas used 5 hits to score its 6 runs in the fifth inning. Karlie Davison had the big blow, belting a 3-run home run to cap the outburst and provide the final margin.
At long last, the Razorbacks were bound for Oklahoma City, and they got to celebrate the moment with their home fans on Saturday night.
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
