Hogs name pitcher tonight, game changes networks

FAYETTEVILLE — No. 5 Arkansas will try to get back on the winning track tonight when they host No. 17 Tennessee.

Dave Van Horn has opted to start Aiden Jimenez tonight against the Vols and their ace Liam Doyle. Jimenez (4-1) on the season has appeared in 17 games all out of the bullpen. He has a 2.51 ERA pitching 32.1 innings striking out 34 and only walking seven.

Tonight’s game is a big one for the Razorbacks after losing the opener 10-7 Thursday night. Arkansas is hoping to earn a national Top-8 seed, but has lost four of its past five SEC series. Only a sweep over Texas has seen the Hogs come out on top of a series. The Vols entered this series having lost five of six as well.

Arkansas (41-12, 18-10) may qualify for a national seed if they manage one win in this series, but two victories would get them to 20 SEC wins which would virtually assure them of staying home for the playoffs. Tennessee (41-13, 16-12) is hoping to host a regional and winning this series should almost assure them of that.

Tonight’s game will begin at 6:30 p.m. and it has been moved to the SEC Network. Originally the game was slated to be on SEC Network+.

Van Horn has already said that Gage Wood would start Saturday’s game.