Round Rock Classic: Razorbacks have tough test in first road games of season

The Arkansas Baseball team, currently ranked No. 2 in the country by D1 Baseball Rankings, looks to build on the momentum generated in the second and third games of the new season.

The Razorbacks (2-1) are in for a few tough tests when they compete in the Round Rock Classic in Texas this weekend.

The tournament, which has branded itself as the best college baseball you’ll see outside of Omaha, features some really talented teams: No. 2 Arkansas, No. 6 Stanford, Louisiana and Indiana.

All of the participating teams have lost just one game so far this season, save for the Indiana Hoosiers, who are 0-3 on the young season.

Arkansas Baseball team embarking on first road trip of the season

While they game is being played at a neutral site (the home of the Triple A- Round Rock Express), this is still a road trip. It’ll be the first time the Hogs will embark on an actual road trip, which will bring a lot of firsts for some of the key freshman contributors on the team.

“You know, you never know what you’re going to run in to your first time on the road,” Head Coach Dave Van Horn said earlier in the week during his media availability.

“It’s so important to get on the road before conference play starts. I feel like we’re going to play well. We have, for the most part, veterans in the infield, a veteran starting pitcher on Friday— guys that have been in the program that know what it’s all about,” he said.

This isn’t a vacation or a time to lose focus, which is what Van Horn is expecting his veteran leaders to instill in the young players and newcomers to the team as they compete in the first road games of the season.

“When we go out on the road, we’re going out to play well and win,” the coach said in a resolute tone.

Projected starting pitchers for Arkansas Baseball in Round Rock Classic

The Hogs will be playing each team one time in the round-robin format. All eyes will be on the Arkansas vs Stanford game, set for Feb. 26. While it’s not available on cable or satellite,  you can listen to the game on TuneIn Radio from your smartphone, tablet or smart speaker.

Let’s take a quick look at who will be pitching in each game this weekend for the Razorbacks and their opponents.

Note: Bold type indicates Arkansas starting pitcher

Feb. 25 – No. 2 Arkansas vs Indiana (0-3)

Projected Starters for RRC Game 1:
RHP Connor Noland (2022: 5 IP, 0 SO, 5 H) vs RHP John-Biagio Modugno (2022: 3 IP, 4 SO, 8 H)

Start time: 4 p.m. CST

Feb. 26 – No. 2 Arkansas vs No. 6 Stanford (3-1)

Projected Starters for RRC Game 2:
LHP Hagen Smith (2022: 6 IP, 0 SO, 5 H) vs LHP Quinn Matthews (2022: 4 IP, 7 SO, 4 H)

Start time: 4 p.m. CST

Feb. 26 – No. 2 Arkansas vs Louisiana (3-1)

Projected Starters for RRC Game 3
RHP Jaxon Wiggins (2022: 5 IP, 0 SO, 5 H) vs Jeff Wilson (2022: 4.1 IP, 3 SO, 5 H)

Start time: 4 p.m. CST