Razorbacks in sweet spot heading into SEC opener

Arkansas second baseman Jacob Mahan waits in the on-deck circle Wednesday, March 13, 2013, during the second inning of play against Alabama A&M at Baum Stadium.

Arkansas second baseman Jacob Mahan waits in the on-deck circle Wednesday, March 13, 2013, during the second inning of play against Alabama A&M at Baum Stadium.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

FAYETTEVILLE - Arkansas’ final tuneup for SEC baseball play couldn’t have been scripted any better.

The Razorbacks had a season-high 18 hits, didn’t commit an error and gave up just two hits Wednesday in a 13-0 victory over Alabama A&M at Baum Stadium.

It was the sixth consecutive victory for Arkansas (13-5) following four consecutive losses two weeks ago in Surprise, Ariz. The Razorbacks’ SEC opener is Friday, when it hosts Ole Miss.

“We did what we needed to do on our end,” Razorbacks Coach Dave Van Horn said. “We played solid baseball, pitched well and didn’t make too many mistakes. I felt good about the way it went the past couple of days.”

Sophomore Chris Oliver started on the mound and picked up his first victory of the season. Oliver (1-0) worked 3 scoreless innings, allowing 1 hit and striking out 5. He was the first of seven Arkansas pitchers who worked at least two-thirds of an inning against the Bulldogs (2-17).

“I thought Oliver threw extremely well,” Van Horn said. “It’s the best he’s thrown since he’s been here. His velocity was outstanding, at about 93, 94 [mph] in the first inning. He was locating the fast ball and threw a nice breaking ball.

“He had something to prove today … and did a nice job.”

Tyler Wright, Colby Suggs, Trent Daniel, Michael Gunn, Jalen Beeks and Barrett Astin followed Oliver and walked just one batter over six innings while striking out a combined eight.

“I’ve worked quite a bit at having a more consistent pitch delivery, and I think it paid off,” Oliver said. “It was a consistent, solid outing.”

The Razorbacks had their most hits in a game since piling up 15 on Feb. 24 against Evansville. Arkansas had a season-high six extra-base hits with five doubles and one triple.

Five players had at least two hits, and Brian Anderson was 4 for 5 with 2 RBI.

“Anytime we can go up there and put up numbers like that, it gives us confidence,” said Matt Vinson, who returned to the Arkansas lineup and went 2 for 4 after missing four games with a sprained wrist.

A double by Joe Serrano helped Arkansas take a 2-0 lead in the first inning. After single runs in the third and fourth innings, the Razorbacks blew open the game with a five-run inning off six hits. Jake Wise had an RBI triple and Eric Fisher had a two-RBI double as Arkansas took a 9-0 lead.

“I thought we did a good job of being patient,” Anderson said. “We stayed within ourselves and didn’t try to get anything out of the zone. It’s something we have worked on.”

The Razorbacks used 13 position players Wednesday and didn’t commit an error. Van Horn said he’d use a practice today to finalize the starting lineup for Friday’s conference opener.

“Any time you can have a zero in the error category, it’s good for us,” Van Horn said. “We’re going to have a really good practice [today] and get it lined up.

“The guys have done a good job of finding a way to win six games in a row.”

Van Horn said Wednesday his starting rotation for the Ole Miss series would be freshman Trey Killian (2-1, 0.86 ERA) on Friday, followed by senior Randall Fant (0-0, 0.90) on Saturday with senior Ryne Stanek (1-1, 3.71) scheduled to start Sunday.

“We’re ready to get our mind right and get ready for Ole Miss,” Van Horn said. “Killian has been our hottest pitcher, so we’re going to go Up next OLE MISS AT ARKANSAS WHEN 6:35 p.m. Friday WHERE Baum Stadium, Fayetteville RECORDS Ole Miss 17-1; Arkansas 13-5 RADIO Razorback Sports Network, which includes KABZ-FM, 103.7, Little Rock; KQSM-FM, 92.1, Fayetteville; KURMAM, 790, Bentonville-Rogers; KASRFM, 92.7, Conway; KHGG-FM, 103.1, Fort Smith; KELD-FM, 106.5, El Dorado; KOMT-FM, 107.5, Mountain Home. Not all games will be carried by affiliates. Check local listings.

INTERNET www.arkansasrazorbacks.com PITCHING MATCHUP Ole Miss: RHP Bobby Wahl (4-0, 1.99); Arkansas: RHP Trey Killian (2-1, 0.86).

SHORT HOPS Friday’s game against Ole Miss will be the SEC opener for both teams. Arkansas is ranked No. 15 by Baseball America and No. 22 by Collegiate Baseball. Ole Miss is ranked No. 6 by Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball. … The final game of Arkansas’ series with Ole Miss will be televised by Cox Sports Television. … The Razorbacks have won six consecutive games.

THE WEEK AHEAD TODAY off FRIDAY vs. Ole Miss 6:35 p.m.

SATURDAY vs. Ole Miss 2:05 p.m.

SUNDAY vs. Ole Miss 1:05 p.m.

MONDAY off TUESDAY off WEDNESDAY off

Sports, Pages 19 on 03/14/2013