Smith Recognized as Perfect Game Preseason All-American
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas starting pitcher Hagen Smith has been named a preseason first-team All-American by Perfect Game.
The left-hander is the first Razorback pitcher to be named a preseason first-team All-American by Perfect Game since Zach Jackson earned preseason first-team All-America recognition as a relief pitcher in 2016. Smith is also the first Hog to earn Perfect Game preseason first-team All-America honors as a starting pitcher since Ryne Stanek in 2013.
Starting Pitcher: Hagen Smith, Arkansas
Smith jumped around in terms of role a little bit for the Hogs in 2023, as Smith figures to be Arkansas’ biggest weapon on the mound in 2024. It’s electric from the left side with an upper-90s fastball and a wipeout breaking ball. The walks got a little high last year but in terms of competitiveness and overall stuff, Smith ranks among the best in the nation.
Smith, a consensus All-American in 2023, made 18 appearances with 11 starts on the mound during his outstanding sophomore campaign, posting an 8-2 record with a 3.64 ERA, a team-leading 109 strikeouts and two saves in 71 2/3 innings of work. The Bullard, Texas, native limited opposing hitters to a .217 batting average on the year.
In SEC play, Smith worked in a variety of roles, making 11 appearances with five starts, and compiled a 5-1 record with a 3.07 ERA. He totaled 65 strikeouts over 44 innings and held opposing hitters to a .201 batting average.
A semifinalist for last year’s Golden Spikes Award as well as the College Baseball Foundation’s National Pitcher of the Year Award, Smith was one of two starting pitchers, along with LSU’s Paul Skenes, to garner first-team All-SEC praise in 2023. He became Arkansas’ first starting pitcher to earn first-team All-SEC honors since Stanek in 2013.
Smith and the Razorbacks open the 2024 season with a four-game series against James Madison inside the friendly confines of Baum-Walker Stadium. Opening Day’s first pitch is set for 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16.
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