After the No. 8 Arkansas Razorbacks defeated the No. 17 Tennessee Volunteers 8-6 in Game 2 of a three-game series, the Hogs have a chance in Game 3 to win 20 SEC games, which would be an excellent achievement. However, the Game 2 victory proved that one significant weakness persists: poor starting pitching.
While many Arkansas fans will not be pleased by highlighting a continued weakness exposed by the win against the Volunteers, especially considering that in the past, many have contended that people complain when the Razorbacks win and lose, any serious and sophisticated sports analysis and reporting must offer a comprehensive understanding of a game's outcome. Balance in sports analysis and reporting is key.
In the interest of such balance, it's vital to note that an Arkansas starting pitcher once again had a short and poor outing. Dave Van Horn gave Aiden Jimenez, a relief pitcher, the start. Given the starting pitching woes of the Hogs, Van Horn deserves credit for tinkering with a relief pitcher to start the game. Even though Jimenez had a horrible starting pitching performance in 2.1 innings, surrendering four runs and seven hits, Van Horn has several talented pitchers in the bullpen who deserve a chance to start; several are more talented than Jimenez.
Fortunately, the Razorbacks' bullpen performed exceptionally well, the team played great defense, exemplified by Brent Iredale's incredible catch in foul territory, and the offense hit the ball well, all contributing to a quality win for the Hogs.
After the No. 8 Arkansas Razorbacks evened the series in Game 2 against the No. 17 Tennessee Volunteers, many Hog fans and media shared positive expressions about the team's performance on social media.
Arkansas Razorbacks baseball vs. Tennessee Volunteers: Game 2 Social Media Reactions
Courtney Mims, a sports anchor and reporter for Pig Trail Nation, was impressed with Justin Thomas Jr.'s catch to end the game.
Robert Teague, an Arkansas Razorbacks fan, wrote, "My little cousin has the Iredale home run ball and met Iredale!!"
Josh Teeter, a Hog fan with a large social media following, was impressed with Brent Iredale's performance.
Arkansas Baseball celebrated the fans for their impressive attendance.
Arkansas Razorbacks noted that the team refuses to quit.
Blake Taylor, an Arkansas fan, was impressed with the number of Razorback fans at Baum-Walker Stadium.
Andrew Hutchinson, Managing Editor at Best of Arkansas Sports, said, "The Hogs even the series and all but guarantee themselves a top-8 national seed if they hadn't already."
Barstool Hogs celebrated Logan Maxwell's homer.
Hogtrough, a Razorback fan, highlighted how well Arkansas' offense performed, including Ryder Helfrick's home run.