Razorbacks Display Championship Capability During Missouri Sweep
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas has been nothing short of spectacular so far. There is no doubt that the Razorbacks will be led by its pitching staff while the bats get its act together, according to the Razorbacks fanbase.
After polling Razorback fans following a second consecutive shutout of Missouri, the consensus agreed that pitching has been most impressive. However, they remain optimistic about Arkansas’ current lineup.
So far, the Hogs are pitching lights out between a trio of starters in Hagen Smith, Brady Tygart and Mason Molina. Three guys that would be Friday night starters at any school around the country. Will McEntire, Koty Frank, Dylan Carter and Gage Wood are likely starters at 98% of programs.
Pitching is deep for the Razorbacks and that is what the team will ride on throughout conference play. It’s no longer a one man show with Kevin Kopps. The staff now assembled has been developed to a point where everyone offers something.
Arkansas pitching currently has a 2.35 ERA allowing 105 hits and have tossed 242 strikeouts. While all starters have flashed outstanding stuff, Tygart leads the way with a 0.73 ERA. Smith has shown elite command at the bump recording 50 strikeouts in just 23 innings pitched.
Even freshmen like Colin Fisher and Gabe Gaeckle have flashed early in their careers, respectively. Fisher currently leads the team in wins at the mound with four. His 1.26 ERA sits second behind Tygart.
As for Gaeckle, he leads the team in saves with four in 12 and 1/3 innings pitched. He leads all relievers in strikeouts with 19.
Consistency at the plate will be of emphasis going forward. While the Razorbacks have scored just nine runs in seven of its first 19 games. Eight Hogs batters hit above .300 with five of them already bringing in double digit RBI’s.
The team batting average is still a solid .287 despite struggles to bring in runs. It’s chalked up to the Hogs’ ineffectiveness to drive home runners in scoring position. Fortunately, the Razorbacks’ power has returned with the team belting 25 home runs so far.
Peyton Stovall’s return has been huge for Arkansas as he’s batting a crisp .321 with two homers and nine RBI’s. His leadership on the field will only help the team gel and be better each game.
A series sweep of the Tigers this weekend does nothing to diminish progress made in 2024. The Razorbacks have a solid recipe to win a championship right now between pitching, hitting and fielding. It’s safe to say the Hogs are going to be alright.
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