After suffering a 4-1 loss to LSU, the Diamond Hogs will turn their attention to Murray State in a College World Series elimination game with their season on the line. Murray State enters as the Cinderella story of the tournament after advancing from the Oxford Regional as a No. 4 seed. Then they took down Duke in the Durham Super Regional to punch their ticket to the CWS. Now, Arkansas and the Racers will battle to determine who stays alive and who heads home.
Previewing Murray State
The Racers have been consistent at the plate this season, boasting a .306 team batting average and a .420 on-base percentage. Dustin Mercer leads the team with a .359 batting average, including a team-high five triples. Behind him is Dom Decker, who is hitting .354 with a .498 on-base percentage, aided by 47 walks and 14 hit-by-pitches. Jonathan Hogart provides the power in the Racers’ lineup with 22 home runs this season. Murray State’s offense has presented problems for several opponents in the postseason, and Arkansas will need to stay sharp.
On the mound, the Racers have a team ERA of 5.21 and have limited opposing teams to a .265 batting average. Their pitchers have struck out 482 batters while surrendering 534 hits across 523 innings. Right-hander Isaac Silva will more than likely get the start against Arkansas. The 6-foot-2 junior owns a 9-2 record with a 5.09 ERA in 81 1/3 innings, allowing 78 hits and striking out 74 while holding opponents to a .248 average.
Previewing the Hogs
Despite a quiet night at the plate in their opener against LSU, the Hogs have been one of the most productive offenses in college baseball this season. Arkansas holds a team batting average of .310 with a .420 on-base percentage and features four hitters batting over .340. Charles Davalan leads the team with a .353 average and a team-best 90 hits. Power is spread throughout the lineup, with seven players recording at least 13 home runs. Golden Spikes Award finalist Wehiwa Aloy leads the team with 20 homers, while his brother, Kuhio Aloy, leads with 70 RBI.
The Razorbacks’ pitching staff has been a strength all season. They post a 3.92 ERA and limiting opponents to a .230 batting average. The Hogs have racked up 662 strikeouts while giving up only 457 hits and 185 walks. Right-hander Gage Wood will get the start against Murray State. The Batesville, Arkansas, native has been limited this season due to an early injury but has logged 28 2/3 innings with a 5.02 ERA. Wood has struck out 50 batters while allowing 27 hits, 17 runs and just seven walks.
Broadcast Information
Arkansas and Murray State will meet in a win-or-go-home matchup at 1 p.m. CT Monday, June 16, at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.