No. 4 Arkansas Baseball Hosts Grambling State Tigers

Hogs Look to Keep the Line Moving

Arkansas will be looking to replicate last season’s offensive showcase, emphasizing not just base hits but also working walks against a Grambling pitching staff that has struggled with command. The Tigers have issued 57 walks this season, the second-most in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), giving Arkansas plenty of opportunities to put runners on base.

Leaving runners stranded has been a concern for the Razorbacks early in the season, but against a struggling Grambling bullpen, they have a prime opportunity to cash in on their scoring chances.

Key Players to Watch

One player to keep an eye on is Arkansas junior shortstop Wehiwa Aloy, who was named Co-SEC Player of the Week after hitting .571/.667/1.071 with two home runs and five RBI over four games last week. Aloy’s hot bat has been a major boost for the Razorbacks, and head coach Dave Van Horn has praised his growth as a player.

“He got better at the very end of the season last year,” Van Horn said after Aloy’s 4-for-4 performance in the win against Michigan on Sunday. “He went out to the Cape for about a month and got better, and then in the fall, we saw it most of the time. Yeah, he’s definitely really, really improved.”

On the mound, junior right-hander Ben Bybee (0-0, 9.00 ERA) will get the start for the Razorbacks. Bybee has pitched just one inning this season, allowing one earned run on two hits against Washington State on Feb. 17. Expect Arkansas to utilize multiple arms throughout the night, giving guys like LHP Hunter Dietz, RHP Carson Wiggins, and RHP Aiden Jimenez an opportunity to log key innings.

Grambling’s Struggles on the Mound

Grambling State comes into Tuesday’s game on a two-game winning streak, following victories over Alabama A&M and Prairie View A&M. The Tigers lead the SWAC in runs scored (69), doubles (14), triples (4), and RBI (61), but their pitching has been a major weakness. Grambling has allowed the second-most earned runs (60) in the conference and will need a strong effort on the mound to slow down the Razorbacks.

The Tigers will send senior right-hander Carlos Peguero (0-1, 54.00 ERA) to the mound. Peguero had a rough season debut, giving up six earned runs on four hits in just one inning against Louisiana-Monroe last Tuesday.

Final Thoughts

With Arkansas’ deep pitching staff and potent offense, the Razorbacks are expected to handle business against Grambling. If they can capitalize on free passes and avoid stranding runners, the Hogs should have no trouble continuing their unbeaten streak against the Tigers.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT at Baum-Walker Stadium.