Diamond Hogs Set to Host No. 1 Texas

The Diamond Hogs have struggled in SEC play recently, dropping their last three conference series to Georgia, Texas A&M and Florida. The road doesn’t get any easier this weekend, as Arkansas welcomes No. 1 Texas to Baum-Walker Stadium. The two storied programs will renew their former Southwest Conference rivalry as SEC opponents for the first time.

Previewing Texas

The Longhorns have had a strong showing in their first SEC season. Entering the weekend with a 38-5 overall record, including a 19-2 mark in league play, and have yet to lose a conference series. Offensively, Texas ranks 10th in the SEC in batting average at .290 and has hit 69 home runs, with only three players reaching double digits in homers. Ethan Mendoza leads the team with a .353 batting average and has a team-best 59 hits.

On the mound, the Longhorns have found their greatest success. Texas leads the SEC with a team ERA of 3.07. The pitching staff has recorded 395 strikeouts, issued 149 walks, and allowed only 294 hits. First game Ruger Riojas will start for the Longhorns. In 54 1/3 innings, he has a 2.98 ERA with 51 strikeouts and 45 hits allowed in 201 at-bats. Luke Harrison will hit the mound to start Game 2. Through 51 1/3 innings, he boasts a 2.81 ERA with 55 strikeouts and has allowed just 46 hits and two home runs. The Game 3 starter has not yet been announced.

Previewing the Diamond Hogs

Despite their recent SEC slump, Arkansas still leads the conference in team batting average at .320 and ranks third in home runs with 94. Wehiwa Aloy and Charles Davallan have been consistent at the plate, with Aloy leading the SEC with 71 hits and Davallan close behind with 70. Aloy’s 17 home runs rank second in the league, and his brother Kuhio is tied for second in RBI with 59.

Pitching has been inconsistent at times, but Arkansas still holds the fifth-best ERA in the SEC at 3.80. The Razorback staff has racked up 470 strikeouts while allowing just 328 hits. Zach Root will start Game 1 for the Hogs. In 58 innings, he owns a 4.50 ERA with a team-high 81 strikeouts and 52 hits allowed. Gage Wood, who continues working his way back from injury, will start Game 2. He has a 4.35 ERA in 10 1/3 innings with 19 strikeouts and eight hits allowed. Arkansas has not yet announced its Game 3 starter.

Broadcast Information

Game 1: May 1, 6 p.m. CT (ESPN2)

Game 2: May 2, 7 p.m. CT (SEC Network)

Game 3: May 3, 2 p.m. CT (SEC Network+)

All three games will be played at Baum-Walker Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas.