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Diamond Hogs ready for opening weekend

By: Mason Choate

After the most successful regular season in program history last year, the Arkansas baseball squad garnered a handful of preseason accolades entering a highly-anticipated 2022 campaign.

Razorback head coach Dave Van Horn translated the on-field success to the recruiting trail, bringing in a group of highly-touted freshmen and transfers. Arkansas’ 2021 recruiting class was rated at the No. 4 class in the country according to Perfect Game

Among the talented group of newcomers is graduate transfer catcher Michael Turner, who transferred from Kent State. Van Horn said in a preseason press conference that he is shocked that Turner is not at the professional level yet. 

“Michael is the full package because he can really hit,” Van Horn said on Jan. 27. “He can really throw and he can really catch. I’m surprised that he’s not playing professional baseball right now. I don’t know what went on where he came from. I’m just shocked that he’s not playing pro ball.”

Turner joins sophomore Jace Bohrofen and graduate senior Chris Lanzilli as transfers that should see themselves in the starting lineup on opening day. Both Bohrofen and Lanzilli provide the Arkansas outfield with plenty of depth, something Van Horn harped on a lot in the preseason.

Sophomore third baseman Cayden Wallace and second baseman junior Robert Moore — both of whom were listed on the preseason Golden Spikes Award watch list — highlight the loaded group of returnees in the lineup. 

Shortstop Jalen Battles recovered from a shoulder injury in the fall, but is expected to be good to go opening weekend. Freshman Peyton Stovall — who racked up plenty of preseason honors, including preseason SEC Freshman of the Year from Baseball America — rounds out the infield at first base. 

“Peyton’s a good teammate and a good kid,” Van Horn said. “Works hard. And he’ll be our first baseman.”

The outfield is highlighted by graduate senior Braydon Webb, who Van Horn said is as good as any center fielder he has coached at Arkansas. Webb is battling a quad injury that could limit him early on, but he is expected to make a big impact for the Hogs this season.

“Braydon Webb’s as good as any center fielder I’ve ever had,” Van Horn said. “And you guys haven’t seen him play like I have, because he hasn’t been in the lineup enough. But the guy can absolutely play outfield. … But again, he’s hurt. He’s had some issues. I think he’s got it together. I feel like he’s ready to have a good year.”

The remainder of the outfield is not as locked in as the infield. Bohrofen and Lanzilli are strong candidates for left field, while senior Brady Slavens should fill in at right field. Redshirt junior Zack Gregory is expected to double his at-bats from last season and is a name to watch for as well.

Junior pitcher — and projected ace — Peyton Pallette’s season ended before it began when he was forced to have Tommy John surgery. Senior right hander Connor Noland is slated to fill the role of Friday night starter for Pallette.

“I like when Connor pitches because he’s not trying to strike everybody out,” Van Horn said.  “He’s going to get a ground ball to third or short or whatever. We can field it and maybe he can stay in the game longer, we can move the game along a little bit. Not a lot of full counts. To me, he’s just better all the way around, everything.”

Freshman Hagen Smith and sophomore Jaxon Wiggins are projected to round out the weekend starters to open the season. Other names who could start on the mound are sophomore Heston Tole, redshirt freshman Nick Griffin and freshman Nick Moten.

The Razorback bullpen is loaded with guys who could make an impact. The veteran presence is there with redshirt senior Zebulon Vermillion and graduate senior Isaac Bracken. Junior lefty Zack Morris could be in for a big season out of the bullpen.

“Zack Morris has changed his delivery,” Van Horn said. “Shortened his arm stroke, his stride. He’s throwing the ball a lot more consistent. The shorter stride is making the arm slot shorter. Gives you a chance to repeat your delivery. I feel like he’s got a chance to help us a lot more.”

Realistically, expectations for pitchers are set after the first few weekends. This weekend’s series with Illinois State will provide the Hogs with a good look at the talent they have on the mound.

Last season was a record-setting year, but the team did not reach its goal of the College World Series. Turner said that is a big reason he came to Fayetteville. 

“The ultimate goal for everyone I think is a national championship,” Turner said in an interview on the Diamond Hawgs Podcast. “When I got the opportunity to come here that was definitely something in the back of my mind.”

The Razorbacks will begin the road to Omaha when they take on Illinois State in a three-game series starting at 3 p.m. Friday at Baum-Walker Stadium. The games will be broadcast on the SEC Network+.

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