University of Tennessee Athletics
Vols Face Arkansas Seeking Third Straight SEC Series Win
April 24, 2009 | Baseball
April 24, 2009
The Tennessee baseball team returns to Southeastern Conference play this weekend with a three-game series against Arkansas, ranked No. 7 by Collegiate Baseball, at Robert M. Lindsay Field at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Game times are set for 7 p.m. Eastern Time Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.
Tennessee (19-23, 5-13 SEC) has won its last two league series, including last weekend at then-top-ranked LSU. The Volunteers now have won seven of their last 10 games, including four of six in conference play. As a team, UT batted .269 during the LSU series with five doubles, four home runs and 15 RBIs. SEC Player of the Week P.J. Polk led the team with a .455 average, two doubles, a home run and three RBIs over the weekend.
First baseman Cody Hawn continues to lead the team with a .349 batting average, 51 hits, 15 home runs and 59 RBIs. Hawn ranks third in the SEC in RBIs and fourth in home runs.
Arkansas (27-11, 11-6) is batting .274 as a team and has fashioned a 4.29 staff ERA this season. The Razorbacks are in first place in the SEC West with a half-game lead over LSU and Ole Miss heading into the weekend. Outfielder Chase Leavitt leads the team with a .345 average and .503 on-base percentage. First baseman Andy Wilkins paces the club with 11 home runs and 30 RBIs.
The all-time series between Tennessee and Arkansas is tied at 23-23, dating back to 1992. Tennessee holds a 12-7 edge in Knoxville, but Arkansas has won seven of the last 10 meetings. In 2008, the Razorbacks won the series, 2-1, in Fayetteville, Ark. UT batted .328 as a team during last year's series but stranded a combined 32 runners, including a season high in Sunday's 7-6 win.
UT senior Ty'Relle Harris (4-2, 5.66 ERA) will take the mound Friday against Arkansas left-hander Dallas Keuchel (5-1, 4.45). Junior left-hander Nick Hernandez (2-4, 5.53) will start for the Vols on Saturday opposite Razorback right-hander Brett Eibner (4-, 2.60). Neither Arkansas nor Tennessee has announced a starting pitching for Sunday.
All three games are slated for radio broadcast in the Knoxville area on WNML-AM 990, 99.1 FM and 99.3 FM. In addition, live video streaming featuring a free audio stream of the play-by-play for Friday and Sunday's games can be accessed online at UTsports.com.
This weekend's ballpark promotions are highlighted by Friday's Dollar Hot Dog night. On Saturday, fans can receive free admission to the game with the donation of a children's book.
Sunday is Fan Appreciation Day. All children ages 17 and under will receive free admission to the game and a voucher for a free hot dog and drink. Kids also can run the bases after the game and get autographs from Tennessee coaches and players.
