Arkansas vs EIU

Diamond Hogs look for second consecutive sweep

         Coming off a three game sweep of Appalachian State, Arkansas will try and repeat their success this weekend against the Eastern Illinois University Panthers.  EIU traveled to No. 14 Louisiana Lafayette last weekend and played well in a 1-3 series loss.  They held the Rajin’ Cajuns to 1 run in each of the first two games, and lost another game by 1 run.  This Panthers team has good starting pitching and an experienced lineup.  They will struggle once they get into their bullpen so the Hogs will need to be patient at the plate in the early innings.  EIU pitchers have hit 9 batters in 4 games and the Razorbacks could use a few more bruises to get on base after being hit 12 times a week ago.  Arkansas won’t be able to miss their spots with many pitches as the Panthers can hit for average.  Strikeouts could play an important role in keeping the EIU lineup from crossing home plate often.  The Diamond Hogs’ demise will depend on the amount of errors they commit.  Head coach Dave Van Horn is confident they will tighten up their defense after being able to practice outside all week.    

Weekend Schedule

Friday, Feb 21  3:05 pm  Hi 62/Lo 40  Sunny

Saturday, Feb 22  1:05 pm  Hi 64/Lo 39  Partly cloudy

Sunday, Feb 23  1:05 pm  Hi 45/Lo 28  Partly cloudy 

  Weekend Probables

Arkansas                                                                      

Jr LHP Jalen Beeks (1-0, 0.00)                                    

Jr RHP Chris Oliver (1-0, 1.80)                                 

Fr RHP Alex Phillips (0-0, 6.00)                                               

C   Sr. Jake Wise (.000, 0 HR, 0 RBI)                                                    

1B  RJr. Eric Fisher (.200, 1, 2)                                                    

2B  Jr. Brian Anderson (.500, 0, 4)                                                

3B  So. Bobby Wernes (.000, 0, 1)                                               

SS  Jr. Brett McAfee (.375, 0, 2)                                                   

LF  Jr. Joe Serrano (.417, 0, 4)                                                     

CF  Fr. Andrew Benintendi (.000, 0, 2)                                   

RF  RSo. Tyler Spoon (.333, 1, 5)                                               

DH Jr. Krisjon Wilkerson (.455, 1, 2)                                        

Eastern Illinois

SO RHP Jake Johansmeier (1-0, 1.50)

Jr RHP Matt Borens (0-1, 1.50)

Jr LHP Christian Slazinik (0-1, 9.00)

C   Sr. Jacob Reese (.444, 0, 1)

1B  Sr. Cameron Berra (.375, 0, 0)

2B  So. Mitch Gasbarro (.250, 0, 0)

3B  Jr. Brant Valach (.063, 0, 3)  

SS  Fr. Marshawn Taylor (.091, 0, 0)

LF  So. Demetre Taylor (.231, 0, 1)

CF  Jr. Caleb Howell (.333, 0, 4)

RF  Fr. Frankie Perrone (.200, 0, 0) 

DH So. Jason Scholl (.167, 0, 1)

        Prediction

Eastern Illinois is another sleeper team with a lot of upside.  Any time you can pitch with another team you have a chance to win and the front end of their staff is more than capable of frustrating Arkansas hitters.  However, their bullpen will spoil the weekend for them as Arkansas has shown good plate discipline so far this season.  Arkansas sweeps their second weekend in a row.