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Farr sets indoor best in 400-meter in first day at Tyson Invitational on Friday

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Farr sets indoor best in 400-meter in first day at Tyson Invitational on Friday

FAYETTEVILLE — Razorback freshman Jeremy Farr won an impressive 400-meter title on the first day of the Tyson Invitational, setting an indoor best of 46.05 seconds at the Randal Tyson Track Center.

In the 60-meter, Kristoffer Hari broke his Danish national record with a runner-up finish in 6.62 seconds.

Farr, who competed for Wolmer’s High School in Kingston, Jamaica, ran in the third section of the Invitational 400m and defeated LSU’s Tyler Terry (46.21) and Rutger’s Taj Burgess (46.39).

Freshman Randolph Ross of North Carolina A&T, who entered the meet with a world-leading 45.44 set in Lubbock, won the final section in 46.14 to place second overall.

“In my recent races I haven’t been going out fast enough,” said Farr, who has an outdoor best of 45.65. “So, today was about doing things coach asked me do. Today was the first time I did that, and I got the time I wanted.

“I’m very pleased. I didn’t expect to be the overall winner, but I’m happy I was. It means I’m in the league with those guys now. That’s where I know I can be, so I’m extremely happy.”

Farr’s effort is fifth best on the collegiate list this season and moves him to No. 8 on the Arkansas all-time indoor list.

Hari, who shared the national record for Denmark at 6.65 with Benjamin Hecht, finished second to a 6.59 by Jaylan Mitchell of North Carolina A&T in the 60m final while LSU’s Akanni Hislop ran 6.68 for third.

Hecht first set the record in 1999 while Hari matched that performance in 2017. During the Razorback Invitational two weeks ago, Hari repeated his 6.65.

The 6.62 effort moves Hari to No. 3 on the Arkansas all-time list behind Kenzo Cotton (6.56) and Jarrion Lawson (6.60).

“Moving in the right direction is always something I’m proud and happy about,” noted Hari, who ran 6.68 in the prelims before setting the record in the final. “Honestly, the times are always a cool thing, but I’m just happy that I’m getting better each meet.

“The big thing for me is the competition and the championships are what matters. I’m excited going into these big meets coming up with SECs and nationals. I’m definitely happy that I finally got to take this record, though.”

Tre’Bien Gilbert matched his career best in the 60m hurdles from two weeks ago. His 7.79 placed fourth with teammate Carl Elliott, III claiming fifth in 7.80. Iowa’s Jaylan McConico won the race in 7.60.

Razorback Jalen Brown placed eighth overall in the Invitational 400m with a 46.66 as he finished fourth in the fourth section. Teammates Lesley Mahlakoane (47.30) and Hunter Woodhall (47.86) were 11th and 12th overall.

The Tyson Invitational continues Saturday with prime events taking place in the 1 to 4 p.m. time frame. Field events start at 11:30 a.m. with running events beginning at 1 p.m.

Information from Razorback Sports Communications is included in this story.

Hambrick wins third straight all-around, but Hogs drop meet with Tide

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Hambrick wins third straight all-around, but Hogs drop meet with Tide

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Sophomore Kennedy Hambrick earned her third-straight and fourth career all-around title, finishing with a 39.400, but Arkansas came up short, falling to Alabama, 196.625-196.100.

Rotation One | Bars

Redshirt-freshman Bailey Lovett was the highlight of the first rotation for Arkansas, scoring a team-best 9.875, ranking second among all routines. Her 9.875 ties her career high and makes it seven-straight meets with a 9.825 or better in the event. Her ray and bail handstand helped the Gymbacks to an overall 49.050 in the first rotation.

Rotation Two | Vault

After a shaky start on the vault, the Gymbacks bounced back with three-straight 9.800s over better from Sarah Shaffer, Hambrick and Amanda Elswick. Elswick has only been in the vault lineup for two weeks and her Yurchenko full has led the Razorbacks both times. Arkansas trailed 97.875-98.575 after scoring a 48.825 on the vault.

Rotation Three | Floor

The Gymbacks’ highest team score came on the floor tonight, finishing with a 49.175 in the event. It makes 17 consecutive meets in which Arkansas scored a 49.000 or better on the floor. Lovett helped cut away at Alabama’s lead with a title-earning 9.925, executing her sky-high double layout with ease. Hambrick and Carter scored a 9.850 and 9.875 respectively, leaving the Hogs just .050 points behind the Tide (147.100-147.050).

Rotation Four | Beam

Arkansas would outscore Alabama 49.050-48.525 on the beam, posting four-straight 9.800s to close out the night. Hambrick earned her fourth career beam title with a 9.875, putting on a show for the fans with her back handspring and sticking her cartwheel gainer-full dismount.

Next meet

Arkansas returns to Barnhill Arena on Feb. 21 against Auburn for Women’s Empowerment Night.

Information from Razorback Sports Communications is included in this story.

When Noland’s on, bats get hot this Razorback team could be really good

Andy Hodges
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When Noland’s on, bats get hot this Razorback team could be really good

Connor Noland had a pretty good opening day, Heston Kjerstad had a pair of homers, but Christian Franklin blasted the longest homer and Arkansas started the 2020 season with a 5-1 win over Eastern Illinois on Friday afternoon.

It may have been more impressive than the final score that over 9,100 sat in 41-degree weather

Just about everybody played really well for an opener. Casey Opitz behind the plate threw out a couple of runners and basically managed the pitchers, especially Noland, masterfully

“We didn’t call pitches today,” Dave Van Horn said later. “We didn’t need to.”

Noland finished giving up one unearned run, striking out 11 and walking one.

“With Connor pitching the way he did, we never felt that we were in trouble,” Van Horn said. “It was a really good opener.”

Arkansas scored first with Braydon Webb walking to start the game, then scoring on an RBI single by Kjerstad, who was 3-for-4 with a pair of homers and three RBU.

“I’ve had a little bit different approach,” Kjerstad said. “A little bit more tuned in and everything and just keep it rolling. It’s always good to be in the lineup we have. It’s really easy to hit in it because you’re not pitching around guys because there’s a lot of good hitters in it.”

It was that kind of day, but Eastern Illinois pitcher Will Klein was throwing in the mid-90’s and after the lead-off batter for the Razorbacks scored, he shut them down until the fifth inning.

“I’m sure the lingo has it that he probably made a little money today,” Van Horn said. “He went through a pretty good lineup a few times. We finally got him. But, he showed that he could land his breaking ball a little bit and first time through the lineup it was mostly fastball.”

But the eye-popping part was Noland’s dominance in the opening game.

“I had all three pitches, fastball, curveball and slider,” Noland said later. “I didn’t throw too many change-ups, but they have a right-handed heavy lineup, so that’s too be expected. But I felt like I could move the ball inside-outside and just control the at-bats when I needed to.”

Van Horn was obviously pleased later, although you got the feeling there may have been some normal nerves before the game.

“You never what you are going to get,” he said. “You never know. You get guys that are a little nervous, new guys in the dugout that are just getting a feel. As a coach, you just kind of watch to see how they react. We have some veterans that kind of kept it calm.”

Oh, and started a season that has high expectations from the fans with a win over a team with a good starting pitcher.

“It was a really good opener,” Van Horn said.

The Hogs will face Eastern Illinois again Saturday in a game scheduled for a 2 p.m. first pitch.

You can hear the game on ESPN Arkansas 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home or streamed online at HitThatLine.com. CLICK HERE to listen.

Franklin, Kjerstad, Noland recapping opening 2020 season with win Friday

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Arkansas center fielder Christian Franklin 1-4, homer), right fielder Heston Kjerstad (3-4, 2 homers) and pitcher Connor Noland (6.2 innings, 11 strikeouts) on getting 5-1 win over Eastern Illinois.

Van Horn didn’t have lot to criticize after Hogs open season with 5-1 win

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn pointed out a few mistakes to “clean up,” but mostly liked the way his team played in the season opener against a good Eastern Illinois pitcher in Will Klein and got win.

???? Halftime Pod Presented by Jeff’s Club House — Opening Day!

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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???? Halftime Pod Presented by Jeff’s Club House — Opening Day!

It’s gameday for Hogs to kick off 2020 season against Eastern Illinois

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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It’s gameday for Hogs to kick off 2020 season against Eastern Illinois

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas kicks off the 2020 season with a three-game series against Eastern Illinois starting Friday at Baum-Walker Stadium.

Friday and Saturday’s games start at 2 p.m. and Sunday’s finale will have a 1 p.m. first pitch.

You can listen to the game on ESPN Arkansas 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.

The game will also be carried live on HitThatLine.com by CLICKING HERE.

Pregame starts at 1:30 p.m.

It is the second-straight year the Razorbacks and Panthers have opened the season against each other, making it the first time Arkansas has played the same opponent in back-to-back openers since the 2001-02 seasons.

Last year, the Razorbacks swept Eastern Illinois, outscoring the Panthers by a total of 30-12. Arkansas is 29-2 all-time against Eastern Illinois, with all 31 games coming in Fayetteville.

The Razorbacks have won their last 18 opening weekend series dating back to 2002, including all 17 seasons under Dave Van Horn.

Arkansas has never lost opening day under Van Horn, outscoring opponents 143-41.

Connor Noland, lefty Patrick Wicklander and Blake Adams will start on the mound this weekend against the Panthers.

Noland made the most starts last season for the Razorbacks with 19, working 78.1 innings with a 4.02 ERA and 55 strikeouts.

Wicklander rung up 90 batters, the second-most on the squad last year, putting together a 6-2 record and a 4.32 ERA in 15 starts.

Adams is a freshman from Springdale, who played his prep ball at Har-Ber High School and had a high school ERA of 1.64.

Pitching rotations

• Friday: RHP Connor Noland vs. RHP Will Klein
• Saturday: LHP Patrick Wicklander vs. LHP Trevor Nicholson
• Sunday: RHP Blake Adams vs. LHP Foster Anshutz

Three Razorback juniors have been blessed with the honor of 2020 Preseason All-America status from the various outlets that cover college baseball.

Outfielder Heston Kjerstad and infielder Casey Martin have garnered praise from five outlets, twice both landing on the first team, with Kjerstad earning first team accolades from all five.

The duo has also been joined by catcher Casey Opitz, who earned third team honors from Baseball America.

Arkansas begins the year ranked in the top 11 of all six polls, sitting as high as No. 4 from Perfect Game.

It is the second time in three years the Razorbacks have found themselves inside the top five to start the year. Last season, Arkansas began the year in the mid-teens in most of the polls.

2020 preseason rankings

Perfect Game – No. 4
USA Today Coaches – No. 5
NCBWA – No. 6
D1 Baseball – No. 7
Collegiate Baseball – No. 9
Baseball America – No. 11

Arkansas hass players from nine different states. Ten players on the 35-man roster hail from inside the state, the second-most state representation on this year’s team behind 11 from Texas.

Six position player starters and two rotation pieces return from last year’s College World Series team, as a total of 16 newcomers join the fray to make up the 2020 unit.

Information from Razorback Sports Communications is included in this story.

Musselman on getting past bad game with Vols, facing Bulldogs

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Razorbacks coach Eric Musselman talked Thursday about getting back to practices after loss to Tennessee and facing Mississippi State with Reggie Perry on Saturday .

Neighbors hoping Hogs hit stride again after early February point

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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After February 9, Arkansas has usually picked up momentum heading to the postseason and coach Mike Neighbors talked about that Thursday afternoon ahead of Sunday’s game with Ole Miss.

???? Halftime Pod Presented by Jeff’s Club House — Opening Day is tomorrow- Guests Bob Holt and Ben McDonald

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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???? Halftime Pod Presented by Jeff’s Club House — Opening Day is tomorrow- Guests Bob Holt and Ben McDonald

Martin, Kjerstad, named to ‘USA Baseball’ preseason watch list for top player

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Martin, Kjerstad, named to ‘USA Baseball’ preseason watch list for top player

FAYETTEVILLE — Heston Kjerstad and Casey Martin have been named to the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List, given to the top amateur baseball player in the country.

Arkansas has had 10 players land on the preseason watch list in the award’s history, as the duo was also named to last year’s opening watch list.

One Razorback has won the accolade, as Andrew Benintendi took home the 2015 edition.

A junior from Amarillo, Texas, Kjerstad put together a .327 batting average last year over 65 starts, leading the team in hits (87) and home runs (17).

It was the second consecutive season he’s tallied 87 knocks, as he drove in 51 RBIs and scored 53 runs in 2019.

With his 58 RBIs in 2018, the feat made him the first Razorback to have 50 or more in his first two seasons since Rodney Nye in 1988 and 1999.

He finished the year with 24 multi-hit performances, good for third on the team, with half of his multi-hit games consisting of three or more. Kjerstad finished the 2019 season as a Second Team All-SEC honoree.

Martin, a junior from Lonoke, Arkansas, finished his sophomore season with a .286-.548-.364 line at the plate, starting all 66 games.

He tallied 81 hits, 40 for extra bases with 21 doubles, four triples and 15 homers. Martin also recorded 57 RBIs and scored 67 runs, both figures ranking second on the squad last season.

He earned All-SEC Second Team honors as a sophomore after hitting .295 in conference play with 38 hits, 28 runs and a team-high nine homers and 22 RBIs.

Martin tied for the team lead in multi-hit performances with 26 and was second in multi-RBI games with 16. Overall, his 155 total bases were good enough for 15th in the NCAA last season.

Both Kjerstad and Martin were picked to the SEC Coaches Preseason All-SEC First Team and were slotted as Preseason All-Americans by all five outlets.

The 2020 schedule starts with Eastern Illinois for the second-straight season, beginning on Friday, Feb. 14, at 2 p.m. at Baum-Walker Stadium.

Information from Razorback Sports Communications is included in this story.

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