No. 7-seeded Arkansas (37-19, 17-13 SEC) squares off against No. 2-seeded Texas (40-12, 19-10 SEC) in the SEC Tournament quarterfinal round on Friday afternoon at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover, Ala., with first pitch set for approximately 3 p.m.
Fans can catch the game on SEC Network with Dave Neal and Kyle Peterson on the call and Phil Elson will handle radio duties through the Learfield Razorback Sports Network statewide and ESPN Arkansas 95.3 in Fort Smith and the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.
The Razorbacks enter Friday with momentum from an 8-4 win over No. 10-seeded Tennessee to open SEC Tournament play on Wednesday.
The Hogs went deep four times in that game, with Zack Stewart accounting for two of the home runs and TJ Pompey adding another as part of a three-hit evening.
Before the tournament, Arkansas closed the regular season by taking its series against Kentucky. The Wildcats won Game 1 by a 4-3 score, but the Razorbacks bounced back with a 5-4 victory in Game 2 and sealed the series with a high-scoring 16-12 win in the finale.
Longhorns Enter Fresh Off a Double-Bye
Texas hasn’t played yet in this year’s SEC Tournament, coming in with a double-bye after finishing the regular season on a four-game winning streak.
The Longhorns swept Missouri to close things out, winning 6-3, 11-6 and 12-7 across the three games.
Jim Schlossnagle is in his second year leading Texas and has built an 84-26 record in Austin, including a 41-18 mark in SEC play. Last season, his Longhorns went 44-14 with a 22-8 conference record and reached an NCAA Regional.
Dave Van Horn has fared well against the Longhorns throughout his tenure in Fayetteville.
Under Van Horn, the Razorbacks are 11-5 against Texas, including a sweep last season at Baum-Walker Stadium.
The two programs haven’t met at all this season, but Arkansas has won the last five matchups dating back to 2021.
In 93 all-time meetings going back to 1960, the Hogs trail the Longhorns 37-56 overall.
Dietz Gets the Ball for Arkansas
Left-hander Hunter Dietz gets the start for the Razorbacks, carrying a 7-3 record and a 3.32 ERA into the game.
Texas counters with right-hander Cody Howard, who enters at 0-0 with a 7.45 ERA.
Dietz has been one of Arkansas’s most consistent starters this season and he’ll need to keep the Longhorns’ offense in check against a Texas lineup that’s been among the most productive in the conference.
What’s at Stake
Friday’s winner advances to face either No. 3-seeded Texas A&M or No. 6-seeded Auburn on Saturday.
A win puts the Hogs one step closer to the SEC Tournament semifinals and adds to what’s already been a strong postseason showing.
Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover, Alabama serves as the backdrop for this quarterfinal matchup, a venue that’s hosted SEC baseball for decades.
Quick-Look Game Details
• Who: Arkansas Razorbacks (37-19) vs. Texas Longhorns (40-12)
• When: Friday, May 22 at approximately 3 p.m.
• Where: Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, Hoover, Alabama
• TV: SEC Network (Dave Neal, Kyle Peterson)
• Radio: Learfield Razorback Sports Network (Phil Elson) and ESPN Arkansas 95.3 in Fort Smith and the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home
• Starting Pitchers: Arkansas LHP Hunter Dietz (7-3, 3.32 ERA) vs. Texas RHP Cody Howard (0-0, 7.45 ERA)
