Despite all the projections and expectations, the Hogs aren’t done yet.
No. 12 Arkansas (38-19) has a chance to make a huge statement Saturday afternoon when it faces No. 6 Auburn (38-18) in the semifinal round of the SEC Tournament at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover, Ala.
First pitch is set for 4 p.m. and the game will air on SEC Network.
A trip to the SEC Tournament Championship is on the line.
Arkansas enters Saturday as the lowest remaining seed in the bracket at No. 7, but the Razorbacks have played like anything but an underdog this week.
The Hogs knocked off Texas 8-1 on Friday to advance, while Auburn took care of Texas A&M with a 7-0 shutout to set up this highly anticipated matchup.
For Arkansas, Saturday isn’t just about a championship berth. It’s about redemption.
Auburn took the regular season series from the Razorbacks during the first weekend of April, so Dave Van Horn’s team will have plenty of motivation stepping into the box at Hoover Met.
The Hogs know what’s at stake and they know who’s standing in their way.
Starting pitchers
One significant storyline heading into Saturday’s game is the pitching matchup.
Auburn will send RHP Alex Petrovic to the mound and he’s been one of the better starters in the SEC all season.
Petrovic carries a 9-2 record and a 3.38 ERA into the start, giving the Tigers a proven arm with experience in big moments.
Arkansas has yet to announce its starter for the semifinal.
That’s a storyline worth monitoring as first pitch approaches and Razorback fans will want to keep an eye on any pregame news coming out of Hoover.
How to watch Arkansas-Auburn
If you’re planning to tune in Saturday, here’s everything you need to know to catch the game.
How to Watch-Listen
• When: Saturday, May 23 at 4 p.m.
• Where: Hoover Metropolitan Stadium — Hoover, Ala.
• TV: SEC Network
• Radio: Learfield Razorback Sports Network statewide with Phil Elson on the call including ESPN Arkansas 95.3 in Fort Smith and the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.
The SEC Network is available through most cable and satellite providers.
Fans can also stream it through the ESPN app.
What’s at stake
It’s been a strong tournament run for the Razorbacks, who’ve now won back-to-back games to reach the final four of the SEC Tournament bracket.
A win Saturday puts Arkansas in the championship game and keeps its postseason momentum rolling heading into NCAA Tournament selection.
The Tigers are no pushover. Auburn’s pitching has been dominant this week and Petrovic gives them a genuine ace to lean on in a single-elimination format.
But the Hogs have answered every challenge thrown at them so far in Hoover and they’ll be eager to return the favor after dropping the regular season series to Auburn in April.
Saturday’s semifinal is a measuring stick game for both programs. Whoever advances will have earned it.
