Razorbacks’ Bats Explode in 21-3 Win Over Akron

CONWAY, S.C.– The Arkansas softball team improved to 4-1 with a 21-3 (5 inn.) drubbing of Akron during the Razorbacks’ final day of play at the Kickin’ Chicken Classic on Sunday afternoon at St. John Stadium on the campus of Coastal Carolina.

The Razorbacks’ 21 runs scored were the second most in program history, trailing only a 23-run barrage in a 23-0 win over Lipscomb on Feb. 7, 2025. Arkansas also registered 18 hits in the victory, which tied for the fourth-most during a single game in program history and most since the Hogs had 18 in a win over Nebraska on Feb. 9, 2020.

The Arkansas bats exploded for six runs in the first inning, eight in the second, one in the third, and six in the fifth during their fourth run-rule victory of the season. Arkansas belted four home runs in the win, courtesy of long balls from Kennedy Miller (grand slam), Dakota Kennedy (solo), Ashtyn Reichardt (three-run) and Atalyia Rijo (solo). Miller (3-3, GS HR, 2B, 5 RBI, 3 R) and Kennedy (3-4, HR, 2B, 2 RBI, 3 R, SB) each recorded three hits apiece as six Hogs registered multiple hits and six Hogs recorded multiple RBI in the win. Miller’s five RBI were a game high, while Reichardt (4 RBI) and Rijo (3 RBI) all drove in three or more runs in the win.

Payton Burnham improved to 1-1 for Arkansas in the circle after striking out seven and surrendering just one hit and no walks in three innings of work. Lexi King (1.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER) and Reis Beuerlein (1.0 IP, 3 H, ER) appeared in relief for the Hogs during the win.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Payton Burnham made her second start of the season for Arkansas, while Akron went with right-hander Macy Walters.

Dakota Kennedy doubled to left-center field on the first pitch of the game before moving to third on a wild pitch and coming around to score on a RBI single from Reagan Johnson. Johnson advanced to second courtesy of a stolen base and then took third on a passed ball. With two outs, Brinli Bain walked to put runners on the corners for Kailey Wyckoff, who would increase the Hogs’ lead to 2-0 with an RBI single up the middle. Kennedy Miller then stepped to the plate and smashed a grand slam to left-center field, her first round-tripper of the year, which extended the Hogs’ lead to 6-0.

Burnham struck out the side in the bottom of the first inning, then registered two more punch-outs during a scoreless bottom of the second inning.

Kennedy led off the top of the second inning by crushing her first home run as a Razorback, a solo shot to center field. Wyckoff later extended the lead after being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. A two-run single from Atalyia Rijo and an RBI double down the right-field line off the bat of Miller gave the Hogs an 11-run lead with two out in the inning before Kennedy drove in a run courtesy of a fielder’s choice. Arkansas then added two runs on an errant throw by Akron catcher Abigail Scheller, who was attempting to throw out Kennedy on a stolen base attempt.

Ramsey Walker registered a pinch-hit double during two outs in the top of the third, marking her fifth consecutive at-bat with a base hit. Walker would later come around to score on an RBI single from Ashtyn Reichardt, increasing the Arkansas advantage to 15-0.

Burnham retired the Zips in order during the bottom of the third while striking out two. Lexi King would relieve Burnham in the circle and pitch the fourth inning before Reis Beuerlein closed out the game in the bottom of the fifth. Akron kept the Hogs off the board in the top of the fourth inning before putting two runs on the board in the home half courtesy of a two-run home run from McKayla McGee.

The Hogs responded in the top of the fifth by plating six runs in the frame. Reichardt crushed her first collegiate home run, a three-run blast to right-center field, before Rijo homered to left-center field one batter later. A bases-loaded walk from Johnson and an RBI fielder’s choice from Bell accounted for the final two Arkansas runs of the game.

Akron added the final run of the contest courtesy of a McKayla McGee single to left field with one out in the inning, making it the final, 21-3. Beuerlein buckled down after the McGee single and issued a popout to first base before snagging a comeback line drive for the game’s last out.

Burnham (3 IP, H, 7 K, 0 BB) earned the win for Arkansas to improve to 1-1, while Akron’s Macy Walters (1.1 IP, 6 H, 11 R, 3 BB) fell to 0-2 for Akron (0-4).

QUOTABLES

Arkansas Head Coach Courtney Deifel

On the day…
“A game like this is game five of opening weekend when you are in colder weather and all the surrounding things. I loved our presence; I loved our intent today. You could feel our presence throughout the offensive lineup. Payton Burnham was outstanding as you expect. It was nice to get her back out there. Everybody got an opportunity, and everybody contributed, and that is the strength of this team, and I am just really proud of them.”

NOTABLES

• Arkansas is now 41-10 during opening weekend contests under head coach Courtney Deifel (2016-present).
• Arkansas also registered 18 hits in the victory, which tied for the fourth-most during a single game in program history and most since the Hogs had 18 in a win over Nebraska on Feb. 9, 2020.
• Kennedy Miller recorded a career-high 5 RBI courtesy of a grand slam and a double.
• Ashtyn Reichardt and Kyler Del Duca recorded their first collegiate hits.
• The Razorbacks’ 21 runs scored were the second most in program history, trailing only a 23-run barrage in a 23-0 win over Lipscomb on Feb. 7, 2025.
• Reagan Johnson moved into second place in all-time career hits by an Arkansas player with 228.
• Arkansas has now won 74 of its past 79 contests dating back to 2020 when recording 10+ hits in a single game.
• The Razorbacks are 88-18 when issuing no walks under head coach Courtney Deifel (2016-present).
• Arkansas is 671-105-1 when outhitting opponents since 1998 and 295-27 when doing so under Courtney Deifel.
• The Razorbacks are 261-124 in daytime contests under Courtney Deifel.

Up Next
Arkansas returns to action next weekend (Feb. 13-15) at the States Up! Invitational in San Marcos, Texas, where they will face the likes of Clemson, Wichita State, BYU, and tournament host Texas State. Arkansas will face Wichita State (10 a.m.) and Clemson (4:45 p.m.) on Friday, Feb. 13.

For schedule updates and other news, go to ArkansasRazorbacks.com, or follow @RazorbackSB on X, Instagram and Facebook.