Arkansas used a three-run bottom of the seventh to take a 5-4 lead over Sam Houston State and held on for the win in the teams' NCAA Tournament opener.
The Razorbacks took a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning on back-to-back sac flies. But the Bearkats responded in the following frame with a four-run fifth. All four runs were considered unearned after Arkansas committed two errors in the inning.
But Sam Houston State starter Caleb Smith allowed three more runs in the bottom of the seventh, as the Razorbacks took a 5-4 lead. The Bearkats put one on with one out in the ninth, but a flyout and groundout ended the game.
Arkansas was led at the plate by shortstop Tim Carver, who went 1-for-4 with two RBIs. Third baseman Matt Reynolds went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Starter DJ Baxendale allowed four unearned runs over six innings, while Brandon Moore threw three scoreless innings of relief.
For the Bearkats, Smith lasted 7 2/3 innings. They were led at the plate by outfielder Jake Arrington, who went 1-for-4 with two RBIs.
Read more about the Houston Regional right here at SB Nation Houston.