The Start of a Tough SEC Season for Missouri Baseball in 2024

The Tigers will open SEC play in possibly one of the most difficult positions.

Nobody wants to start their conference play against the No. 1 team in the country. But someone has to do it.

Unfortunately for Missouri, they are up on the docket. They will hit the road for Fayetteville, Arkansas to take on the No. 1 college baseball team, the University of Arkansas. 

While Missouri was barely able to squeak out a record above .500 heading into SEC play, Arkansas was riding happy with a 14-2 record. Both teams have a win streak coming into the series, but they are vastly different. The Razorbacks have a 10-game streak, where Missouri has a thee-game streak. 

Familiar faces will be hitting the field later on, but this time in different colored threads. Outfielders Ty Wilmsmeyer and Ross Lovich will be in red and black facing off against the Tigers. Ross is the brother of Missouri's current standout first baseman, Jackson Lovich. 

The Tigers will have a one-game break from SEC play, in which they will get the Major League experience at the Royals' Kauffman Stadium as they take on Kansas. Missouri will then head back home to take on Kentucky for their SEC home opener. 

Historically, the Tigers have struggled in their conference. The last time they were able achieve a record of .500 was in 2015, when they went 15-15. The last two years, Missouri put up a 10-20 record in SEC play. Add that onto their rough start to the season, the outcome isn't looking too optimistic for the Tigers.

Missouri is in for another difficult year. They currently sit in last place in the SEC with just nine wins heading into their conference play. Nine of the 14 SEC teams are currently ranked and the Tigers will play seven of them, only avoiding Alabama and Texas A&M.

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How to Watch Missouri vs Arkansas:

What: Missouri Tigers (9-8) at Arkansas Razorbacks (14-2)

Where: Baum-Walker Stadium, Fayetteville, Arkansas

When:

• Friday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m. CT
• Saturday, March 16 at 2 p.m. CT
• Sunday, March 17 at 2 p.m. CT

Watch: ESPN+

Series: This is the 68th time that the two teams have faced off. Arkansas has won the last seven games between the two. 

Last time out, Arkansas: The Razorbacks continued their win streak against Oral Roberts on Tuesday, March 12, extending it to 10 games. Arkansa put up three runs in the second inning to earn their win, despite being out-hit by the Golden Eagles. 

Last time out, Missouri: The Tigers pulled off a tenth inning win against their biggest rival, the Kansas Jayhawks. After an eighth inning comeback from the Jayhawks, the two teams took the game into extras to give Missouri the chance to grab the victory and extend their win streak over Kansas. 

Pitching Matchups:

• Friday, March 15 – RHP Logan Lunceford  vs. LHP Hagen Smith
• Saturday, March 16– LHP Javyn Pimental  vs. RHP Brady Tygart 
• Sunday, March 17 – TBD vs. LHP Mason Molina