Arkansas Starters Ready to Shoulder Burden Heading Into SEC Play

With pitch counts subdued so far, Van Horn ready to extend hurlers to work up pitch count

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The trio of Arkansas weekend starters have pitched nearly 40% of the Razorbacks innings, compiling a combined ERA of 2.14 across 54 2/3 innings. Hagen Smith, Brady Tygart and Mason Molina enter the first weekend of conference play with 101 combined strikeouts and just 22 walks. 

Perhaps the most impressive thing isn't anything stats-related, it's how efficient all three pitchers have been while logging a high amount of innings. 

"They’ve done a good job of throwing enough strikes that they can keep their pitch counts down," coach Dave Van Horn said. 

In four starts each, The Razorback weekend starters have only crossed 85 pitches once and 80 pitches three times, all while still being effective. Now with SEC foes waiting in the wings on the weekend, Van Horn is ready to let the Hogs' greatest strength shine with a slightly longer leash. 

"They’ll kind of show us what to do but the number is higher," Van Horn said. "If they can reach it." If it’s a stressful 90 pitches or so, maybe you get them out early. If it’s an easy 80, you let them go out and if they get to 100 you let them go. Finish them up right around there." 

Van Horn knows what kind of weapon he has in his three-headed monster rotation and plans to use them accordingly down the stretch. SEC Play will kick off inside Baum-Walker Stadium Friday, 6:30 p.m. against Missouri. The game will be streamed on SEC Network+. 

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