Razorbacks Look to Preserve Dominance Over In-State Rivals as They Host UCA Bears
As the early season unfolds, the No. 2 Arkansas Razorbacks are set to continue their longstanding tradition of in-state dominance when they host the UCA Bears on a crisp Tuesday afternoon at the revered Baum-Walker Stadium. Fans are gearing up for an exciting matchup, with the first pitch scheduled for 3 p.m. on SEC Network+. The familiar voices of Brett Dolan and Troy Eklund will once again bring the action to life, providing play-by-play and analysis to audiences tuning in.
The Razorbacks, boasting an impressive 9-2 record, have historically maintained a firm grip over their in-state adversaries. The team’s record of 16-2 against such opponents is a testament to their unyielding prowess, and the Bears have felt the sting of this dominance firsthand. The Hogs hold a perfect 4-0 record against UCA since they first met in 1960, and they are unfaltering in their resolve to extend this success.
The encounters between these two Arkansas institutions have become a regular fixture since 2021, with the Razorbacks and Bears clashing every season. In the 2022 campaign, they faced off twice, once in Fayetteville and once in North Little Rock, at the Dickey-Stephens Park. The Hogs emerged victorious on both occasions, further solidifying their status as the preeminent baseball force in the state.
On the mound, the Razorbacks will be looking towards their left-handed pitcher, Colin Fisher, to maintain his remarkable 0.00 ERA. With a 2-1 record, Fisher has been a revelation, keeping his composure and delivering shutout innings that have been crucial to Arkansas’s success. His counterpart from UCA, right-hander Bryce Parlin, will be searching for redemption after a challenging start to the season that has left him with a 10.94 ERA and a 0-1 record.
Arkansas enters this game not only with the confidence of their historical record but also with the momentum of a team that has started the season strong. They are a formidable opponent, especially at Baum-Walker Stadium, where they have yet to lose a game against UCA.
As the Razorbacks look to continue their winning streak against in-state rivals and maintain their high national ranking, the Bears are set to take the field hoping to upset the natural order and carve their own mark in the annals of this burgeoning rivalry. It’s a day set for collegiate baseball at its most captivating, where pride, history, and the quest for victory collide under the Arkansas sky. Fans from across the state and beyond are eager to see if the Hogs can uphold their legacy or if the Bears can author a new chapter in this storied matchup.
