Hogs face UAPB in double header before big series with LSU

Photo: ArkansasRazorbacks.com

The threat of stormy weather in the area Wednesday has turned a two-day, two-game series between No. 6 Arkansas and Pine Bluff into a doubleheader on Tuesday.

The Razorbacks (23-7, 8-4 SEC)) and Golden Lions (7-19-1) will play two seven-inning games, starting at 3 p.m. The second will start approximately 45 minutes after the conclusion of the first.
Both games will be streamed on SEC Network Plus.

Season and single-game tickets for today will allow access to both games of the doubleheader.

Next up for the Diamond Hogs

Opponent: UAPB game 1
When: 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 12
Where: Baum-Walker Stadium, Fayetteville
Streaming: SEC+
Radio: 92.1 FM / AM 1590 (more)

Upcoming games

April 12 – UAPB game 2, 6:45 p.m. (SEC+)
April 14 – LSU, 6:30 p.m. (SEC+)
April 15 – LSU, 6 p.m. (SEC+)
April 16 – LSU, 2 p.m. (SEC Network)

Kohl Ramage is the announced starting pitcher for the Hogs. UAPB hasn’t announced a starter.

The move actually works well for the Razorbacks, giving them a day off before opening their three-game SEC series with the LSU Tigers a day earlier than usual on Thursday to allow both teams off on Easter Sunday.

With the Razorbacks losing three of their last four SEC games, their grip on the Western Division lead has loosened a bit.

The Hogs won the opener last week at Florida, 8-1, but the Gators chomped back, blowing out the Hogs, 7-2, Saturday, and taking a very competitive game Sunday, 9-7.

The Razorbacks had won 13 consecutive SEC series before dropping two to the Gators last weekend.

The Hogs hold a slim one-game lead in the West over LSU (23-9, 7-5), making the series key for both.

The Razorbacks and the rest of the league and nation are chasing No. 1 Tennessee (31-1, 12-0) who are playing a dominating brand of ball for former UA assistant Tony Vitello.

The Razorbacks do not play the Vols in the regular season this year but could run into them in the SEC Tournament or perhaps the College World Series.

Arkansas has used the same pitching rotation of right-hander Connor Noland, lefty Hagen Smith and righty Jaxon Wiggins in weekend series all season.

Could Dave Van Horn and pitching coach Matt Hobbs opt for a change with Wiggins falling in his last two starts and Smith having trouble against the Gators?

Possibly, but Van Horn has never been known for knee-jerk moves. If he alters the rotation, it won’t be on a whim. His reasons will be sound.