Arkansas takes SEC series from Gamecocks

South Carolina's pitchers were sharp Sunday against one of the SEC's best offenses in No. 2 Arkansas.

But after stealing a shocking 3-2 win on Friday, the Gamecocks offense was simply nonexistent in Sunday's doubleheader, getting shut out in both games, 2-0, 3-0.

With the two losses, USC (20-16, 6-9 SEC) dropped its fourth conference series on the year and ends its eight-game road trip with a 3-5 record.

Arkansas, meanwhile, righted the ship after the Razorbacks' ace Blaine Knight was outdueled in the opener by South Carolina freshman Logan Chapman.

The Hogs' two starters Sunday, Kacey Murphy and Isaiah Campbell, combined with two relievers to allow just four total hits across 14 innings, two of which came from senior second baseman Justin Row.

After going six innings without a baserunner to open Game 1, South Carolina avoided any potential drama about being no-hit with an infield single in the second by Row. Other than that, however, the Gamecocks produced virtually nothing on offense.

Sophomore right-hander Cody Morris put together a solid start for USC, giving up just one unearned run in the first inning off two singles and a passed ball.

But Arkansas added two insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth off a home run by redshirt senior infielder Carson Shaddy, his second long ball of the day.

THREE POINTS

Star of the day: Arkansas's pitching staff was the collective star of the show on Sunday, but for South Carolina, Morris and Hill were impressive, though imperfect. Row deserves credit for whatever meager offense South Carolina produced, contributing three of four hits.

Play of the day: As mentioned above, Morris was solid through five innings, but his first inning trouble, though not earned, set the tone for a long, long day for South Carolina. Without any offensive production, Mark Kingston needed his hurlers to be perfect, and two singles back-to-back to the top of Arkansas's lineup was too much.

Stat of the day: 12.9 pitches per inning for Arkansas, allowing its starters to last deep into both games. South Carolina didn't help its cause, drawing just one walk across both games.

NEXT

Who: South Carolina (20-16, 6-9 SEC) vs. Presbyterian (12-24, 6-7 Big South)

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Founders Park

Watch: Streaming online on SEC Network Plus via WatchESPN app

Listen: 107.5 FM in the Columbia, SC, area

Probable pitchers: South Carolina — Fr. RHP Carmen Mlodzinski (1-3, 2.45 ERA); Presbyterian — TBA

This story was originally published April 14, 2018 at 3:17 PM with the headline "Arkansas takes SEC series from Gamecocks."