LSU vs Arkansas: 2023 SEC Baseball series preview, prediction

Undoubtedly the top series in SEC baseball this weekend comes in Baton Rouge, where LSU is set to host Arkansas for a top five matchup.

LSU vs Arkansas: 2023 SEC Baseball series preview, prediction

When:

• Friday, March 24 at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN2
• Saturday, March 25 at 2:00 PM ET on SEC Network
• Sunday, March 26 at 1:00 PM ET on ESPN

Where: Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field, Baton Rouge, LA

Led by head coach Jay Johnson, LSU comes into this weekend ranked as the nation’s No. 1 team according to D1Baseball.com, with the Tigers currently sitting at 19-2 overall, as well as 2-1 in the SEC. The Tigers got back on their winning ways during the midweek with a 10-4 win over Central Arkansas on Tuesday night, and are currently undefeated at home this season, holding a perfect 14-0 record in Baton Rouge.

The Tigers, who are hitting for a .331 AVG as a team, are led by defending SEC Co-Player of the Year Dylan Crews, who currently owns a .515 AVG with a team-high 10 doubles, six HR, and 25 RBI. LSU also has one other .400+ hitter in Tommy White at a .409 AVG, with Gavin Dugas and Paxton Kling also owning a .300+ AVG in addition to Jared Jones, who currently leads LSU with seven HR.

LSU’s pitching staff is led by the favorite for the SEC Pitcher of the Year Paul Skenes, who owns a 0.59 ERA and 59:4 K:BB ratio across 30.1 IP so far this season. Thatcher Hurd has also been a key name in LSU’s rotation this season owning a 2.57 ERA, while the Tigers top relievers have been Christian Little, Garrett Edwards, Nate Ackenhausen, and more.

Led by head coach Dave Van Horn, Arkansas is ranked as the nation’s No. 5 overall team according to D1Baseball.com, currently sitting at 19-2 overall, as well as 3-0 in SEC play. The Razorbacks are also currently one of SEC baseball’s hottest teams, having won 14 consecutive games.

The Razorbacks lineup is led by Jared Wegner, who currently leads Arkansas with nine HR and 35 RBI this season, while also ranking second with a .390 AVG. Arkansas’ top hitter via AVG is Jace Bohrofen at .406, while Kendall Diggs, Tavian Josenberger, and Peyton Stovall are also batting north of .300+ this season.

Arkansas’ rotation is led by the trio of Hagen Smith, Hunter Hollan, and Will McEntire, with both of Smith and Hollan currently owning an ERA under 3.00. The Razorbacks bullpen is also anchored by names such as Dylan Carter and Cody Adcock, both of which have impressed this season.

As to who wins this highly anticipated series, the pick goes to LSU. I’ll say that the Tigers take at-least two-of-three games on their home field, but an LSU sweep would not surprise me entirely either.

Series Prediction: LSU 2-1