Now that the regular season has concluded, four Razorbacks find themselves listed among the Southeastern Conference’s best.
[autotag]Hagen Smith[/autotag], a freshman from Bullard, Texas, was thrown into the Razorbacks weekend pitching rotation early, starting in 13 of 14 series primarily as the Saturday starter. In 13 starts, Smith struck out 68 batters while holding an ERA of 4.34 in 64.1 innings pitched. In what was his best outing of the season, Smith struck out nine batters while tossing 7.0 innings in a 4-2 win over Southeastern Louisiana on March 5. He matched his longest outing of 7.0 IP against LSU on April 15.
Fellow freshman [autotag]Brady Tygart[/autotag] was a reliable arm for the Arkansas bullpen, being used primarily in a late-inning, closer role. The freshman from Hernando, Miss. recorded eight saves for Arkansas in 2022, striking out 47 batters in 34.0 innings pitched.
[autotag]Connor Noland[/autotag] has stepped up in a huge way for the Razorbacks. With the loss of [autotag]Peyton Pallette[/autotag] due to Tommy John Surgery at the beginning of the calendar year, Noland has become the Friday night starter for Arkansas. Noland, who only made 12 appearances over the last two seasons, has started in 14 games this season with a 5-4 record. Noland has struck out 90 batters while walking just 26.
The primary second baseman for Arkansas, [autotag]Robert Moore[/autotag], has just one error in the field in 204 fielding opportunities, while making 74 putouts. He and shortstop Jalen Battles have combined to become one of the best one-two punches in the SEC when it comes to making plays in the field.
Arkansas Baseball opens their stay at the SEC Tournament on Wednesday morning. While in Hoover, the Razorbacks will look to win a couple of games in an effort to boost their chances of hosting a regional next weekend at Baum-Walker Stadium.
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