Arkansas is back at Baum-Walker Stadium for Game 2 of its weekend series against Xavier. The Razorbacks won the first game on Friday night and now look to take control of the series.
The Hogs beat Xavier 5-2 in the opener. Arkansas scored early and stayed in front the rest of the night. That fast start helped set the tone.
Camden Kozeal hit a three-run home run to give the Razorbacks a quick lead. The big swing came in front of a large home crowd. It gave Arkansas energy right away.
Xavier answered with a solo home run later in the game. Still, the Hogs added two more runs to stay ahead. They did enough on offense to protect the lead.
Arkansas is now 4-1 on the season. Xavier enters Game 2 with a 2-3 record. Both teams are still building rhythm early in the year.
Game 2 is set for Saturday at 1 p.m. in Fayetteville. Fans can watch the game on ESPN+. It will also air on the Razorback Sports Network on of ESPN Arkansas 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home
Phil Elson and Bubba Carpenter will call the action on that will be streamed on HitThatLine.com in broadcast markets. That gives fans a chance to follow along even if they cannot watch on TV.
The Razorbacks will send left-handed pitcher Hunter Dietz to the mound. He started Friday’s game and will look to improve after a tough outing last weekend at the Shriner’s Children’s College Showdown.
Xavier plans to start right-hander Jack Nobe in Game 2. He will try to help the Musketeers even the series.
Betting odds and player props for Game 2
BetSaracen has released betting lines for Saturday’s matchup. Arkansas is listed as a strong favorite on the moneyline at -800. Xavier is set at +500.
The run line favors the Razorbacks by 4.5 runs at -145. Xavier is +4.5 at +115. The total runs line is set at 13.5, with both sides listed at -115.
There are also player prop bets available. Hunter Dietz has a line of over 12.5 batters faced. He also has a prop for under 1.5 earned runs allowed.
Kuhio Aloy has a prop for over 0.5 hits and over 0.5 runs scored. Ryder Helfrick and TJ Pompey each have props for over 0.5 hits and over 0.5 runs scored as well.
These odds can change before first pitch. BetSaracen reminds users they must be 21 or older to place wagers.
The Hogs will try to build off Friday’s win. Arkansas showed it can score early and pitch well enough to hold a lead.
Xavier had some bright spots in Game 1. Ashton Chronister threw three strong innings in relief. But the Musketeers could not close the gap late.
The Razorbacks hope their pitching staff can stay steady. They also want to keep getting timely hits like Kozeal’s early home run.
If Arkansas wins Saturday, it will secure the series before Sunday’s finale. Xavier will try to respond and force a rubber game.
For now, the focus is simple. The Hogs take the field at Baum-Walker Stadium at 1 p.m. CT, ready to compete in Game 2.
