Once upon a time, Arkansas’ faithful had a fear that playing other in-state programs was detrimental to the Razorbacks.
In the sport where one of those other Natural State schools could actually beat Arkansas, Dave Van Horn hasn’t been afraid of such. His No. 6 Diamond Hogs kick off their week Tuesday by hosting Little Rock at Baum-Walker Stadium.
It’s only the third time ever the schools will have met. Arkansas took the lone game in 2019 then both last year. This year’s Trojans team isn’t last year’s, though. The school formerly known as UALR is third in the Ohio Valley standings. They’ve also only won two games on the road all year. A bit of a trade-off.
The Razorbacks don’t want to lose, of course, but their hay is made during the weekend. Little Rock serves as an apertif for the main course when Tennessee visits starting Friday.
In the meantime, Van Horn will continue giving a beleaguered pitching staff reps while trying to stretch his bench against the Trojans.