Preview: Arkansas welcomes Bryant for weekend series
University of Arkansas Athletics
WHAT: Bryant (2-2) at Arkansas (3-0)
WHERE: Baum Stadium, Fayetteville (Ark.)
WHEN: Friday 3:02 p.m., Saturday 2:02 p.m., Sunday 1:02 p.m.
TV: SEC Network+ and WatchESPN app
Arkansas got off to a hot start with a three-game sweep of Miami (Ohio) last weekend, and now the Razorbacks are set to host Bryant (2-2) beginning Friday at 3:02 p.m. at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville (Ark.).
Saturday's game will start at 2:02 p.m. and Sunday's finale is slated to begin at 1:02 p.m.
The Razorbacks (3-0) could have their hands full on Friday as Bryant right-handed junior James Karinchak comes in as one of the better pitchers the Hogs will see in the early season.
Karinchak struck out 12 and allowed just one run in five innings during the Bulldogs' 6-3 win over New Mexico State last Friday. Karinchak, who has hit 98 MPH with his fastball, will face off against Arkansas sophomore Blaine Knight, who struck out five and had no walks in the Hogs' season-opening win over Miami (Ohio) last week.
Saturday's contest will see Razorback righty Trevor Stephan make his second start of the season after putting up 5 K's and allowing one run last Saturday. Knight will see lefty Steve Theetge (5.06 ERA) on the mound for Bryant.
Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn is expected to stick with sophomore righty Kevin Kopps (3.1 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 1 ER, 5 K last week) as his Sunday starter. The Bulldogs will go with right-handed Ross Weiner (3 runs allowed in 5 innings last week) in the finale.
Van Horn said he doesn't anticipate any major changes to this week's lineup, but he could do some tinkering with the DH spot. Eric Cole went 5 for 11 at the plate in that role last weekend.
Arkansas last played Bryant in the Regional at Kansas State in 2013. Bryant upset the Hogs in the opening game, 4-1, but the Razorbacks eliminated the Bulldogs two days later.
PROBABLE STARTING PITCHERS
Fri. | RHP Blaine Knight vs. (BU) RHP James Karinchak
Sat. | RHP Trevor Stephan vs. (BU) LHP Steve Theetge
Sun. | RHP Kevin Kopps vs. (BU) RHP Ross Weiner
PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP
C – Grant Koch
1B – Chad Spanberger
2B – Carson Shaddy
3B – Hunter Wilson
SS – Jax Biggers
LF – Luke Bonfield
CF – Dominic Fletcher
RF – Jake Arlidge
DH – Eric Cole
