Arkansas baseball vs. South Carolina: Scouting report, prediction SEC matchup
Arkansas baseball will continue life in the SEC this weekend with a three-game road series against South Carolina.
The No. 2 Razorbacks (32-5, 12-3 SEC) are coming off their first series loss of the season, dropping two of three games against Alabama last weekend. Arkansas bounced back with a midweek sweep over Texas Tech.
The Gamecocks (26-11, 8-7) have won five of their past six games and downed Florida in their most recent SEC series. South Carolina also has victories over highly-ranked Texas A&M and North Carolina in recent weeks.
Below is one thing to watch for Arkansas, a more detailed look at South Carolina and a series prediction.
Can Kendall Diggs get going?
It's been a rough stretch for Arkansas' starting right fielder. His batting average (.264) has dropped nearly 80 points over the last four weeks with just one home run and six RBIs during that stretch.
Dave Van Horn confirmed Tuesday night that Diggs is battling a minor injury and swelling in his non-throwing shoulder, and the lefty didn't play in either midweek game against Texas Tech. Van Horn expects him to be ready for the weekend.
The injury has likely played a part in Diggs' slump, but the Hogs need their star and captain to start getting hot with the calendar rapidly approaching the postseason.
South Carolina players to watch
Batters: Despite ranking in the bottom half of the SEC in batting average, slugging percentage and home runs, the Gamecocks' 284 runs are fifth-most in the league. The offense is built on patience, with 263 walks leading the SEC.
The individual standouts are Ethan Petry and Cole Messina, who both have more than 10 home runs and 30 RBIs on the year. Fifteen of Petry's 42 hits have gone for home runs, and he has a team-high 35 walks.
Dalton Reeves is another to watch. He only has seven starts on the season, but they've all come in the past 12 games, and the senior is hitting .345 with 13 RBIs.
Pitchers: On paper, this is the best pitching staff Arkansas has faced in the SEC. Eli Jones (3-1, 3.57 ERA) and Ty Good (4-0, 2.53) lead the weekend rotation.
South Carolina has mixed its game three starter all season, and the Gamecocks have no shortage of arms out of the bullpen. Arkansas can expect to face Tyler Pitzer (3.49), Garrett Gainey (3.91, 6 saves) and Chris Veach (4.70) in high-leverage situations.
Prediction: Arkansas wins series 2-1
It was just one midweek win during a long season, but Tuesday night's rally and subsequent walk-off victory over Texas Tech felt like a necessary bounce back for the Hogs. A disheartening offensive performance against Alabama immediately found its remedy, and the Hogs should get back on track this weekend with a road series win.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas baseball vs. South Carolina: Scouting report, prediction
