The Memphis Tigers (8-16, 0-3 American Athletic Conference) will play at AutoZone Park on Tuesday to face No. 5 Arkansas Razorbacks (17-7, 4-2 South Eastern Conference). The Tigers are coming off a weekend series against the Houston Cougars in which they lost all three games.
The Tigers lost their first three games in conference play. After playing well against strong competition this season, they did not have a strong performance against the Cougars. They were shut out in the first two games, and the total score of the three games was 14-3.
A look at the opponent
The Razorbacks are 14-3 at home and 4-2 in SEC play. The Razorbacks faced No. 4 Kentucky Wildcats in a series two weekends ago and swept the series. In the final two games of the series, the Razorbacks posted a combined 30 runs. They also beat No. 2 Florida on Friday with a score of 6-3 before losing the next two games of the series.
What to watch
Once again, the Tigers will face a team with a strong offense. Memphis could rely on their pitchers again to try to slow down the bats of the Razorbacks. After getting shut out in back-to-back games, they should look to get hits early.
Players to watch
Memphis outfielder Tyler Webb
After a disappointing series this weekend, Webb could get back on track. Webb is the team’s leader, and where he goes, the Tigers usually go. If he starts off the game well, the Tigers could see production.
Despite the tough series over the weekend, Webb still leads the team with a .315 batting average, 28 hits, 15 runs, and 10 doubles. He also has 14 RBIs, a home run and a triple.
Memphis infielder Kyle O’Keefe
The senior infielder played well against Houston. He had hits in the final two games, including a home run Sunday. He could provide a spark for the Tigers. He has 15 hits and 7 RBIs this season.
Arkansas outfielder Heston Kjerstad
The freshman outfielder has put up strong numbers for Arkansas this season. He is leading the Razorbacks in batting average and RBIs, and he is second on the team in home runs. His .398 batting average is high for a freshman, and the Tigers should try to slow him down to win this game.
Tyler Webb takes a swing. The Texas native is one of five seniors on the 2018 roster
Alex Hicks gets set to pitch. In the 2018 season opener, Hicks allowed only one run on three hits.
