Razorbacks Benefitting From Stovall Return

Stovall’s return has helped transform Arkansas offensively and defensively

Jun 21, 2022; Omaha, NE, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks first baseman Peyton Stovall (10) drives in a run / Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Razorbacks certainly weren’t struggling at the plate or in the field while star second baseman Peyton Stovall recovered from a broken foot suffered during the preseason. He missed the first 12 games of the season but since being inserted into the lineup, Stovall hasn’t missed a beat.

A steel curtain defensively, he has a perfect fielding percentage which is the highest of his career to this point. Opponents seem to avoid hitting Stovall’s way as he’s only been forced into 28 fielding opportunities over 14 games. He has helped transform Arkansas’ defense into a juggernaut and it comes as no surprise to Dave Van Horn.

“We knew it was going to happen when [Stovall] came back,” Van Horn said. “He was going to solidify our defense. Another left handed hitter, maybe a guy that can lead off. If not, we’re gonna hit him in the two or three hole.”

His bat is very active with a career-high .364 batting average following dominant wins over conference foe LSU. Stovall was electric at the plate for the weekend going 7-of-13 with one home run and five RBI’s. A three run homer in the seventh by Stovall lifted the Razorbacks to its second sweep of a SEC opponent in three tries.

“He’ll take a walk but will also hit you a home run every now and then,” Van Horn said. “He’s having a great [season], you know and hitting over .360 and doing it all in the league. He didn’t get any of those cookie games where the wind was blowing 30 miles per hour and we were scoring 10, 12 to 15 runs per game. When his at-bats pick up he’s going to get more comfortable. He’s brought a spark to our lineup and a spark to our middle infield. Sometimes that’s just what you need is one more guy.”

The Diamond Hogs have now won four of its last five weekend series against the Tigers. Arkansas is off to its best start in the past four seasons with a 23-3 overall record with only one loss in conference play coming against Auburn. The Razorbacks currently hold a 2.5 game lead over Texas A&M in the SEC Western Division Standings.

HOGS FEED:

• Pinion transferring to in-state school

• Gutsy bullpen pushes Arkansas to a sweep of LSU

• Fans get a quick peek into the quarterback race

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