Arkansas vs Alabama

Arkansas braces itself for Tide

             The Diamond Hogs (11-7, 1-2) continue conference play this weekend when they host Alabama (14-6, 1-2) for a three game series.  Spring has finally hit and the weather looks to cooperate with the game times so far.  Arkansas brings a 3 game winning streak on the line as well as winners in 7 out of the last 8 meetings with the Tide.  Their nationally 5^th ranked ERA (1.82) will be going against a red hot offense that has found ways to win close games when they have had to.  The story was the same last weekend for Arkansas as they still could not seem to get the timely hits and dropped two 1 run games to Florida.  After a tune up with Grambling State the Hogs will try to get something going to increase their .261 batting average. 

           

            Although the Hogs are not hitting at a high rate right now, they are finding ways to get on base.  Their .368 on base percentage has been benefitted by a large number of walks (66) and hit batsmen (38).  Arkansas was hit 36 times all last season but with a new philosophy and approach, they have been less apprehensive to wear one.  Arkansas has also struggled with some injuries offensively of late.  Joe Serrano should be back this weekend after being scratched from the starting lineup last weekend with a leg injury.  Serrano was able to get two pinch hit at bats since then.  Short stop Brett McAfee injured his back in Friday’s game and has not been back in the lineup since. 

            You will take the health of your players every day, but coach Dave Van Horn has been able to place some guys into the lineup that have not disappointed.  Although Mcafee’s .302 average has been missed, Van Horn cannot complain about the defensive effort of his replacement Michael Bernal, who has made highlight reel plays since taking over last Friday.  Bernal moved over from his third base spot which was then taken over by Bobby Wernes who has come on and gotten some clutch hits while flashing some leather his self.  Serrano’s absence has allowed Clark Eagan to come in and prove his worthiness of at bats after getting a hit in each game at Florida.  The good news with these injuries is that DVH will have options when the starters return and he has also caught a glimpse of who to go to in a pinch situation. 

            As mentioned earlier, this staff has been shutting down the opposition day in and day out and they do not look to change things this weekend.  The rotation is not completely set for the weekend as Van Horn may try to get Colin Poche a start depending on how the first two games go.  Poche or Chris Oliver could be used in the bullpen in one of the first two, which would require the other pitcher to get the start on Sunday.  Either way the Hogs go, this staff will continue to keep themselves in games.  It will be up to the offense to get more runs pushed across the plate.

Weekend Schedule

Friday, Mar 21  6:35 pm  Hi 72/Lo 42  mostly cloudy

Saturday, Mar 22  2:05 pm  Hi 56/Lo 34  cloudy, 50% chance of pm showers

Sunday, Mar 23 1:05 pm  Hi 52/Lo 33 mostly cloudy 

  Weekend Probables

Arkansas                                                                      

Jr. LHP Jalen Beeks (3-2, 1.15)

So. RHP Trey Killian (0-3, 3.06)

TBD

C    Sr. Jake Wise (.195, 1, 4)                                                         

1B  RJr. Eric Fisher (.242, 2, 8)                                                     

2B  Jr. Brian Anderson (.333, 1, 15)                                                

3B  So. Bobby Wernes (.233, 0, 3)                                               

SS  So. Michael Bernal (.263, 0, 4)

LF  Jr. Joe Serrano (.283, 0, 13)                                                      

CF  Fr. Andrew Benintendi (.214, 1, 8)                                   

RF  RSo. Tyler Spoon (.290, 1, 14)                                               

DH Jr. Krisjon Wilkerson (.304, 1, 6)

Alabama

Jr. RHP Spencer Turnbull (2-1, 0.31)

Jr. RHP Justin Kamplain (2-2, 3.67)

Jr. RHP Jon Keller (4-0, 1.63)

C    Jr. Wade Wass (.247, 0, 10)

1B  Sr. Austen Smith (.381, 2, 17)

2B  So. Kyle Overstreet (.297, 2, 7)

3B  So. Chance Vincent (.196, 0, 6)

SS  So. Mikey White (.270, 1, 13)

LF  Fr. Casey Hughston (.271, 2, 8)

CF  So. Georgie Salem (.326, 1, 5)                                  

RF  Jr. Ben Moore (.272, 2, 13)

DH  Fr. Will Haynie (.298, 2, 8)

        Prediction

            Arkansas has its hands full this weekend with an Alabama team riding high over the last 2 weeks.  Although the Tide have been hitting at a high rate this month, the thing that scares me most is their pitching.  The Hogs have yet to hit even decent pitching and this staff has put up much greater than decent numbers so far this season.  If Arkansas can find their bats this weekend I like their chances to win the series if not sweep.  However, until I am proven otherwise I can only assume it will be the same story, different series.  Bama rolls over Arkansas 2-1.