From @masonchoate
The No. 1 Arkansas Razorbacks (30-3, 11-1 SEC) are set to host the Arkansas State Red Wolves (14-17, 5-7 Sun Belt) for an in-state showdown Tuesday evening at Baum-Walker Stadium in Fayetteville.
Fresh atop the college baseball mountain with their new top ranking, the Diamond Hogs are coming off a dominant series sweep of Missouri that featured them out-scoring the Tigers, 51-9, across 21 innings.
RELATED: Arkansas Baseball Notebook - Latest Gage Wood Update
"Yeah, I mean, it means there’s nowhere to go but backwards," Van Horn said Tuesday. "That’s really about it. I’ve never talked to the team this year about a ranking, not one time where we were, where we are in the standings. I haven’t said one thing. I just tell them everyday, ‘Just stay humble, keep working and it’ll all end up what you’re looking to do.’ Whether that’s individually or as a team.
"But I think the rankings are… It’s good for the fans. It’s good for college baseball. It’s good for internet you-know-what talk, and fun banter. Whatever, but it’s nice. It’s respect for your program, so I appreciate that. I’m not all about it."
Arkansas State lost a series at Coastal Carolina over the weekend, but the Red Wolves did pick up a 2-0 shutout win over the 21st-ranked Chanticleers on Sunday to give them momentum entering Tuesday's matchup.
"I'm sure they're talking about that (win) right now," Van Horn said. "I think they flew straight into here from over there (in Conway, South Carolina) instead of going from there to Jonesboro and bussing over. I may be wrong. I think they're going to work out today at our park, so they're probably talking about 'Hey, let's get us another ranked team and knock them off too.'"
ALSO READ: Arkansas takes over No. 1 spot in D1Baseball poll
The Red Wolves were defeated by Central Arkansas, 3-2, last Tuesday on their own home field in Jonesboro. Arkansas defeated that same UCA teams, 9-2, back on March 11 in Fayetteville. The Razorbacks are 21-2 overall against in-state opponents since 1960, including a perfect 4-0 mark in meetings against Arkansas State.
Below are details on how to watch, BetSaracen betting lines, links to stream and links to all of our coverage leading up to the game...
How to Watch/Listen
Who: No. 1 Arkansas Razorbacks (30-3, 11-1 SEC) vs. Arkansas State Red Wolves (14-17, 5-7 Sun Belt)
When: Tuesday, April 8 at 6 p.m. CT
Where: Baum-Walker Stadium - Fayetteville, Arkansas
TV/Stream: SEC Network / Watch ESPN (Derek Jones and Todd Walker)
Radio: Learfield Razorback Sports Network (Phil Elson and Bubba Carpenter)
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Starting Pitchers
Arkansas State – RHP Kole Turner (1-3, 3.47 ERA)
Arkansas – RHP Tate McGuire (1-2, 3.52 ERA)
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BetSaracen Odds
Below are details on the betting odds for the game and Double R Prop bets. To get in on the action, visit BetSaracen.com and click on the Arkansas Specials tab.
(Lines and odds are subject to change at any point after the publishing of this story. HawgBeat does not guarantee any bet as a winner or loser. You must be at least 21 years of age to use BetSaracen. If you have a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net)
*All odds accurate as of the publishing of this story. They are subject to change.*
Moneyline/Spread
- Arkansas: TBA
- Arkansas State: TBA
Double R Props (More available in the BetSaracen app)
- Charles Davalan and Wehiwa Aloy each OVER 0.5 singles (+115)
- Colin Fisher OVER 1 1/3 innings pitched and OVER 6.5 batters faced (+135)
- Arkansas to win and Tate McGuire OVER 4.5 strikeouts (+275)
- Kuhio Aloy OVER 0.5 home runs (+210)
- Cam Kozeal OVER 2.5 hits and OVER 1.5 RBIs (+600)
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