HOOVER, Ala. - Senior third baseman Jacob Mahan and sophomore designated hitter Joe Serrano should be back in Arkansas’ lineup when the Razorbacks play Ole Miss today in the SEC Tournament.
Mahan (quadricep) didn’t play in the Razorbacks’ past two games at Auburn last weekend and Serrano (groin) was limited to one pinch-hit appearance in the series.
“Unless something happens before the game, they’ll be in the lineup,” Arkansas Coach Dave Van Horn said after Tuesday’s practice. “They’re not 100 percent.
“I’ve also told them if they hit a routine ground ball, I don’t want them running 100 percent down the line and getting hurt again. When they [run full speed], I want it to be ifthey’re trying to stretch a single into a double or score from second base. Then they’re obviously going to have to get after it a little bit. But we’ve got to be smart about it.”
Mahan, who has started 43 games, is batting .291 with 2 home runs and 20 RBI.
Serrano, also with 43 starts, is batting .280, including .312 in SEC games.
“It’s nice to have your experienced guys in the lineup,” Van Horn said.
“They played in this tournament last year, played in regionals, super regionals, the College World Series.
They’ve been around a little bit, so I think it’s definitely going to help us a lot.
“You don’t want to go out and play without your best team, especially in this situation.”
Mahan’s return means Dominic Ficociello can move from third base back to first base.
Down to 48
Arkansas’ NCAA Ratings Percentage Index - a formula used to rank teams based on records and strength of schedule - fellfrom No. 44 to No. 48 this week after the Razorbacks’ lost two of three games at Auburn last weekend.
Arkansas is ranked 11th among SEC teams but has a 14-10 record against the eight conference teams with higher RPIs.
The Razorbacks finished third in the SEC with an 18-11 record and appear to be a lock to make an NCAA regional even the RPI raises the question of whether they’ll be one of 16 hosts.
“I feel fortunate that we’ve done well in league play or we’d probably be in a little bit of trouble,” Arkansas Coach Dave Van Horn said. “But I feel we’re in good shape as far as getting into a regional.
“I sure would like to win some games here, and I’d love to win the tournament.”Another shot
Arkansas will get a chance to even its season record against Ole Miss this season when the teams play today.
The Rebels opened SEC play in March by winning 2 of 3 games at Arkansas,including a 6-4 victory in 13 innings in the series finale.
“We definitely want to get back at them after they came into our home and beat us,” Arkansas closer Colby Suggs said. “We want to go out there and give them our best shot.”
Ole Miss is 39-34 all time against Arkansas.
“They’re one of our big rivals,” Razorbacks outfielder Matt Vinson said. “We always want to beat them.”
Arkansas Coach Dave Van Horn said he was impressed watching the Rebels beat Kentucky 4-1 on Tuesday.
“They’re awfully good,” Van Horn said. “They’re an older team, and they’ve played pretty well down the stretch.
“Offensively, they’ve got some speed up top, they’ve got some power in the middle. They’ve got a very good lineup. Excellent starting pitching, two or three experienced guys out of the pen.
“It’s a typical, older SEC team that’s good enough to get the College World Series.”
Sports, Pages 24 on 05/22/2013