TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Corbin Shive hit a two-run homer in Charlotte’s three-run second inning and Andrew Smith limited Arkansas to a run on five hits in 7 1-3 innings to help the 49ers beat the Razorbacks 3-2 on Friday in the first game of the NCAA Tempe Regional.
Arizona State faced New Mexico in the second game. The winners and losers of the Friday games will meet Saturday in the double-elimination regional.
Smith (10-4) gave up a leadoff double in the third, then retired six in a row and got double plays to end the fifth and sixth innings for Charlotte (43-14), the Atlantic 10 champion.
Corey Roberts finished for the save, allowing Kyle Robinson’s homer in the ninth.
The 49ers chased starter Randall Fant (3-5) after just 11 batters.
In the second, Justin Wilson singled and designated hitter Shive homered to make it 2-0. Corey Shaylor singled and scored on Justin Roland’s grounder to second.
