Weekend matchup
Posted on Friday, May 9, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Sports/225203/
KEY MATCHUP S. Carolina’s Reese Havens vs. Arkansas’ Justin Wells It’s crucial for Arkansas to start fast this weekend, and tonight’s pitcher, Justin Wells, gets the first look at a South Carolina lineup that boasts four players with 13 or more home runs. Wells is one of the Razorbacks’ surprise impact players, a bulldog on the mound who competes hard despite not being blessed with a lot of velocity and gives the bullpen rest by working deep into games. He’ll have to be sharp against South Carolina leadoff batter Reese Havens, a shortstop who has hit 13 home runs and finds ways to get on base and set up Gamecocks sluggers Justin Smoak, James Darnell and Phil Disher. Havens works the count doggedly, drawing a team-high 47 walks with a. 504 on-base percentage. If Wells and the other Razorbacks pitchers keep him from reaching base, it lessens the damage the other batters can cause. SERIES BREAKDOWN If the Razorbacks don’t make the SEC Tournament and are left out of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in Coach Dave Van Horn’s six-year tenure, they’ll look back at their less-than-stellar play at home in conference games. Arkansas has won only one of four SEC series at Baum Stadium and blew big leads in damaging losses to Georgia and Auburn. In past seasons, Baum Stadium’s big crowds were motivating factors and at times seemingly willed the home team to victories. The Razorbacks haven’t taken advantage enough so far, but this a must-win series. Arkansas probably has to win a minimum of four of its final six SEC games to play any postseason games. South Carolina’s prolific offensive numbers are better at its home park, cozy Sarge Fry Field, and the Razorbacks are improved on the mound. The Gamecocks need to improve their chances to host a regional for the NCAA Tournament, but this weekend should feel more urgent for Arkansas, which dug itself out of a hole with a successful April and is again in a precarious spot after dropping a home series to Alabama. PREDICTION Arkansas wins series 2-1