Razorbacks, Hustlin' Rebels Square Off in Final Tune-Up before SEC Play
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – No. 7 Arkansas (13-2) hosts UNLV (5-8) in a two-game midweek series at Baum-Walker Stadium, the final tune-up before SEC play begins this weekend.
First pitch of the two-game set between the Razorbacks and Hustlin’ Rebels is 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, marking the first night game played at Baum-Walker Stadium this season. The midweek series finale will get underway at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 15. Both games will be broadcast on SEC Network+.
Tuesday’s contest is the 13th game of the Razorbacks’ 18-game homestand at Baum-Walker Stadium. Arkansas, 11-1 through the first 12 games of its homestand, is off to a 13-2 overall start, its best 15-game start to a season since 2019.
Schedule
Tuesday, March 14
UNLV vs. #7 Arkansas – 6 p.m. – SEC Network+ – Listen – Live Stats
Wednesday, March 15
UNLV vs. #7 Arkansas – 3 p.m. – SEC Network+ – Listen – Live Stats
On the Mound
Tuesday, March 14
UNLV RHP Joey Acosta (1-0, 5.87 ERA) vs. Arkansas LHP Parker Coil (0-0, 6.75 ERA)
Wednesday, March 15
UNLV RHP Jordan Hanson (0-0, 4.76 ERA) vs. Arkansas TBA
Tune In
Brett Dolan (play-by-play) and Troy Eklund (analyst) will have the call on SEC Network+. Both games between Arkansas and UNLV can also be heard on the Razorback Sports Network from Learfield, including locally in Fayetteville on 92.1 FM or through the Razorback app, with Phil Elson (play-by-play) and Bubba Carpenter (analyst) on the call.
A full list of radio affiliates is available here.
In the Polls
Following a 4-0 week, including a weekend series sweep against Louisiana Tech, Arkansas continued to climb in the polls. The Hogs have checked in as a unanimous top-10 team for the last three weeks.
Perfect Game – No. 3
NCBWA – No. 6
USA Today Coaches – No. 6
Baseball America – No. 7
Collegiate Baseball – No. 7
D1Baseball – No. 7
Series History
Arkansas is 1-4 all-time against UNLV, including a 1-1 mark under head coach Dave Van Horn. The two teams last met in 2014, splitting a two-game midweek series at Baum-Walker Stadium.
Prior to 2014, Arkansas traveled to Las Vegas in 1994 for a three-game weekend series against UNLV and was swept.
First 15
Through the first 15 games of the 2023 season, Arkansas sits at 13-2 overall. It is the program’s best 15-game start to a season since 2019, when the Razorbacks also jumped out to a 13-2 start.
Arkansas went 18-2 through its first 20 games in 2019, its best 20-game start to a season since 2012. In both 2012 and 2019, the Hogs not only punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament but also advanced to the College World Series.
Big Mac
Arkansas right-hander Will McEntire was named the SEC Pitcher of the Week on Monday after throwing a nine-inning complete game with six strikeouts against Louisiana Tech on Saturday.
McEntire needed only 97 pitches to go the distance against the Bulldogs, allowing an unearned run on just three hits. He did not issue a free pass until the ninth inning, helping the Hogs clinch their 26th consecutive non-conference home weekend series win.
The Bryant, Ark., native became the first Razorback pitcher since Dominic Taccolini in 2016 to twirl a nine-inning complete game as well as the first Arkansas pitcher since Ryne Stanek in 2013 to toss a complete game three-hitter.
McEntire, who shared this week’s pitching honor with LSU’s Thatcher Hurd, is the second Razorback to earn praise from the SEC this season. Outfielder Jared Wegner was named the conference’s player of the week following his performance during the Hogs’ season-opening weekend in the College Baseball Showdown at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
For complete coverage of Arkansas baseball, follow the Hogs on Twitter (@RazorbackBSB), Instagram (@RazorbackBSB) and Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Baseball).
