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WHAT: No. 3 Arkansas vs. Bucknell
WHERE: Baum Stadium, Fayetteville (Ark.)
WHEN: Friday 3 p.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m., Sunday 12:00 p.m.
TV: SEC Network+, WatchESPN app
The Diamond Hogs launch their 2018 campaign with a three-game home series starting Friday afternoon against Patriot League-favorites, the Bucknell Bison.
Arkansas enters this season with numerous preseason accolades, both team and individual. The Hogs boast a dominant pitching rotation of Blaine Knight, Isaiah Campbell and Keaton McKinney as well as clutch, veteran hitting and a number of impact freshmen.
Bucknell is coming off a 21-28 season, but the Bison were picked to win the Patriot League by the conference’s coaches and sports information directors. Bucknell head coach Scott Heather is a former Arkansas pitcher.
Razorback ace Blaine Knight is expected to start against Bucknell’s Connor Van Hoose in Friday’s matchup. Look for Isaiah Campbell to take the mound on Saturday for the first time since last season’s surgery and he’ll battle Bison lefty Jack Grabek. Sunday’s contest will most likely pit Keaton McKinney, also fresh off an injury, against Jack Simpson of Bucknell.
Here are three things to know about the Bucknell Bison:
Bucknell expects to be remarkably better this season.
As previously stated, the Bison went a disappointing 21-28 (10-10 in conference) last year, but have their hopes set much higher this season. The Patriot League coaches voted Bucknell to win the league (six first-place votes) in their preseason predictions.
2014 Patriot League Coach of the Year, Scott Heather, leads a Bison team with key senior leadership. Just like the Razorbacks, Bucknell expects to win their conference and make a postseason run.
Two senior leaders run the show.
Senior RHP Connor Van Hoose and senior shortstop Luke Johnson are the two players to watch for Bucknell this weekend.
Van Hoose (2.28 ERA, 97 strikeouts in 2017) was tabbed as the Preseason Conference Pitcher of the Year to go along with Johnson’s (.282 avg, 27 RBIs in 2017) Preseason All-Conference selection.
Sunday’s projected starter is an imposing presence on the mound.
Sophomore Jack Simpson is expected to take the rubber for Bucknell on Sunday. His 6-8 frame will probably cause some double-takes from spectators.
While Simpson did most of his damage from the bullpen in 2017, he still led Bucknell with 17 appearances.
