By Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas News Bureau • rneiswanger@arkansasnews.com

FAYETTEVILLE — Left fielder Collin Kuhn said he simply made a mistake in the early innings of Arkansas’ 10-5 win against Alabama on Sunday.

When Zack Cox’s single fell into the outfield with two outs in the second, Kuhn should’ve been rounding third base. But instead of leaving second base on contact, he paused and waited for the ball to drop. It cost Arkansas a run.

“It was just a mental breakdown on my part,” Kuhn said. “The coaches let me know what was going on. I just kind of lost track of it.”

Kuhn made up for the mistake a little later, though, belting a home run to kick off a critical inning for the Razorbacks. His solo shot was the first run in a four-run sixth, which helped the Razorbacks take a 6-4 lead.

He contributed even more in the seventh when his RBI single scored the first of four runs, which helped Arkansas open a 10-4 advantage.

“I don’t know what he was thinking,” Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said of Kuhn’s mistake. “At the time, that was a really important run.

“He got hammered pretty good by about everybody in the dugout and he took it like a man. He went out and said, ‘I’m going to get you one back or two back.’ That’s his makeup. He’s a tough kid.”

Kuhn’s solo home run — which was his fourth of the year — came on a 1-0 count. The first pitch Alabama reliever Adam Scott threw was a high fastball nearly hit Kuhn in the head.

Kuhn shrugged off the close call, settled in and waited for the next pitch from Scott.

“I felt like they were kind of throwing at me,” Kuhn said. “I didn’t really know why. And it just seemed like they were going to throw a fastball and I really didn’t want to miss it.”

Kuhn finished with two hits, two runs and two RBIs on Sunday. He had five hits during the weekend sweep, continuing to give the Razorbacks solid production from the leadoff spot.

“That’s the name of the game, coming out and redeeming yourself and making the next play and not dwelling on the past,” Kuhn said.

Eibner OK
Van Horn said center fielder Brett Eibner would be questionable for the series finale after the junior was plunked in the head during Saturday’s win. But Eibner was well enough to play Sunday and turned in a couple of big hits for the Hogs.

He notched Arkansas’ first hit when he singled in the first inning. He scored on Andy Wilkins’ RBI single a couple of batters later.

Then, Eibner helped the Razorbacks wrap up the game in the seventh inning when he belted a three-run home run to left field. Eibner’s sixth home run gave the Razorbacks a 10-4 lead.

“I was a little dizzy (Saturday). I could’ve stayed in and played,” Eibner said. “But said it’s not good to be playing while you’re dizzy.

“I felt great (Sunday). I didn’t feel any dizziness or anything.”

Play of the Day
Sophomore Tim Carver looked like a veteran outfielder in the fourth inning when he made a diving catch to take a hit away from Alabama’s Josh Rutledge. Carver, an infielder who had never started in the outfield until the Alabama series, chased the ball close to the first base foul line and extended to come up with the grab.

It left an impression on teammates, who said they’re not surprised Carver has made a successful transition to his new position.

“It shows what an athlete he is,” catcher James McCann said. “He hasn’t taken fly balls during practice. He’s just an athlete. He’s a gamer.

“That diving play might be one of the best plays we’ve seen all season. I’m happy for him.”

Another ‘W’
It has been a productive week for Arkansas pitcher TJ Forrest.

The reliever, who has been battling through some medical issues, came out of the bullpen to earn the win Sunday after throwing 1 1/3 scoreless innings. It was the third win of the week for the reliever, who improved to 4-0.

Forrest also picked up the win after throwing 2/3 of an inning on Friday night and got another in Tuesday’s victory against McNeese State.

“That’s good for him,” Van Horn said. “He’s had a rough few weeks and that’s got to be a big boost for him mentally to get three wins in one week coming out of the pen.”

Extra Bases
Cox extended his hitting streak to 23 games with a single in the second inning Sunday. He went 6-for-11 with 2 home runs and 8 RBIs in the series. … Wilkins’ two-run home run in the sixth was the 36th of his career, moving him into sole possession of fifth place on the school’s all-time chart. … Arkansas will play Centenary on Tuesday and Wednesday in Baum Stadium. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. on Tuesday and 3:05 p.m. on Wednesday.