Dominant Start for Hogs

Arkansas dominated the opening weekend against North Dakota in impressive all around fashion. The offense scored 36 runs on 48 hits – 18 for extra bases – in three games. It was a full team effort, but Clark Eagan did stand out with 8 hits and 7 RBI. Andrew Benintendi was the lone struggler in the hits department with 2, but was still able to reach base 7 times with 4 walks and a hit by pitch, as well as drive in 3 runs and steal a base.

The Razorbacks were also dominant on the mound, posting a 2.33 ERA and striking out 39 while walking only 10 in 27 innings. Twelve pitchers were used but only four allowed runs. Zach Jackson and Dominic Taccolini both produced dominant starts while Jonah Patten and Cannon Chadwick stood out in relief efforts.

The most impressive statistic of the weekend was the goose egg in the error column for the Hogs. Typically, opening weekends are when nerves surface and the ball is booted around. Being able to practice indoors this season has proven beneficial already, as 12 players combined for a perfect fielding percentage.

Looking forward, Arkansas will travel to Mobile, AL this weekend to take on a trio of undefeated teams (pending mid week games), two of which are ranked. No. 13 Maryland beat Western Kentucky, Canisius and Old Dominion, No. 22 Central Florida swept Siena, and South Alabama won three against New Orleans.

With James Teague struggling in his first start, and there being no mid week games for Arkansas, I could see Dave Van Horn going with either Keaton McKinney or Jonah Patten – both Freshmen – to start one of the games this weekend. McKinney came in to put out the fire and hold North Dakota to one run in 3.1 innings Friday, while Patten struck out 5 in 2 innings of work on Saturday.

That being said, it would also make sense to leave Teague in the rotation to see how he bounces back. He definitely has starter stuff and was cruising Friday until the third inning when he hit a batter and walked two more before giving up a hit.

It was very good to see Michael Bernal back in the lineup on Saturday, proving to be over his knee injury. While the lineup proved to be efficient without him, the depth and skill he brings to the defense is invaluable.

Two other noteworthy performances were by Cullen Gassaway and Chad Spanberger. They both were in the starting lineup for the last game and combined 6 for 10 with a double, triple, and 5 RBI.

Playing a team like North Dakota doesn’t exactly provide the challenge that other teams will. With the huge numbers that were put up, the question now is: are the Hogs that good, or UND that bad? I say, why not both?

The Razorbacks are definitely on the right track, winning in impressive fashion over a weak opponent. This weekend, however, will test their metal against much tougher opponents in all three games.