Stars of the Week (Week 1)

Freshman of the Week

Andrew Benintendi:  The true freshman hit lead off and played center field for the Hogs this weekend and, despite not recording a hit, managed to contribute in a major way.  Benintendi reached base 7 times during the series (3BB, 4HBP) which turned into four Arkansas runs.  He was also given credit for 2 RBI during the finale, pushing runs across twice with the bases loaded.  Benintendi proved to be a tough out all weekend long.  He turned in very solid at bats during each game, rarely looking like a player performing in his first collegiate series. 

Pitcher of the Week

Jalen Beeks:  The junior lefty from Prairie Grove, AR showed why he will be counted on heavily to chew up a lot of innings for the Hogs this season.  Beeks threw six solid innings as the Friday starter, giving up only 3 hits and managing to strike out 6 while only walking one batter.  He looked very strong from the beginning, striking out four of the first five batters he faced.  Beeks had great command throughout the outing throwing 50 strikes of out 72 total pitches.  Had it not been for the Razorback coaching staff’s pitch count limit Beeks likely would have been able to go a couple more innings on Friday night.

Hitter of the Week

Brian Anderson:  The second-team All-America selection from Edmond, OK had a solid weekend at the plate.  Anderson led the team 7 hits this weekend, recording a .500 average over the three game set.  He had two doubles in the first game driving in 3 runs and contributing one run of his own.  Anderson finished the weekend with 4 RBI and 3 runs scored.  He left just three runners on base during the series.    Anderson was locked in and had great bat control, hitting the ball to all fields each game.  There did not seem to be a single at bat where he did not look completely comfortable in the box.

Tip of the Cap

Michael Gunn:  Coming in for his first relief appearance of the season Gunn showed a hard fastball mixed with sharp off-speed pitches .  He went 2.1 innings giving up just 1 hit and striking out 2.  Gunn’s command was on point as he did not walk a batter and never really got into trouble. 

K.J. Wilkerson:  The JUCO transfer proved to everyone that he is ready to play ball at the D1 level.  Wilkerson collected 5 hits over the weekend, hitting .455 with 2 RBI and 4 runs scored.  His biggest offensive output came during the first game when he went 3-5 with 2 doubles and a homerun.