The Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team is gearing up for an exciting conclusion to their fall practice season. With a fresh roster and high expectations, the Diamond Hogs will host the Little Rock Trojans and Dallas Baptist Patriots in a pair of exhibition games. These matchups provide a valuable opportunity for head coach Dave Van Horn and his staff to assess the team’s progress, evaluate new talent, and fine-tune strategies ahead of the 2026 season. The games will offer a glimpse into the future of Arkansas baseball and highlight the team’s potential on the diamond.
This article delves into the key storylines surrounding these fall contests, including insights into the pitching rotation, position battles, and overall team development. We’ll explore how the Razorbacks plan to utilize these games to prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season and what fans can expect from the new-look Diamond Hogs.
Diamond Hogs Wrap Up Fall Practice
The Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team is set to conclude its fall practice season with two highly anticipated games against in-state rivals, the Little Rock Trojans, and the formidable Dallas Baptist Patriots. Friday’s game against the Trojans is scheduled for 6 p.m. (CDT), while Saturday’s contest against DBU will commence at 1 p.m. (CDT). Head Coach Dave Van Horn emphasized the importance of these games, particularly in evaluating the team’s ability to rebound quickly with an MLB-style schedule, testing their resilience with a night game followed by an afternoon matchup.
These games will be full nine-inning contests, providing ample opportunity for the coaching staff to assess the depth of their pitching arsenal. Coach Van Horn has implemented a strategy of free substitutions and the use of pinch runners for players not at full speed, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the roster’s capabilities.
Lefties to Take the Mound
Coach Van Horn has announced that junior Colin Fisher and sophomore Cole Gibler, both left-handed pitchers, will be starting for the Razorbacks this weekend. While he refrained from specifying which pitcher would start which game, he acknowledged that their impressive performances throughout the fall have earned them this opportunity. “They’ve both pitched really well… Start someone that has a little experience,” Van Horn stated, emphasizing the value of giving experienced players the chance to showcase their skills.
Acknowledging that the Razorbacks may face a pitching disadvantage this weekend, Coach Van Horn aims to acclimate his pitching staff to handle uncomfortable situations. He intends to divide the squads evenly for both games, ensuring that each contest features a balanced mix of veteran players who will shoulder the majority of innings. Pitchers will generally be limited to a maximum of two innings each, unless their pitch count remains exceptionally low. Gabe Gaeckle will be the only pitcher unavailable this weekend, as he focuses on strength training in the weight room, following a similar routine to Hagen Smith’s pre-season preparation.
Outfield Competition Heats Up
With the departure of all three starting outfielders from the 2025 season, the competition for outfield spots is intensifying. Coach Van Horn highlighted the strong performances of Maika Niu and Damian Ruiz this fall, with Niu continuing to build on his impressive showing in the prestigious Cape Cod League over the summer. Van Horn expressed his desire to incorporate both players into the lineup, acknowledging their exceptional talents.
Kuhio Aloy is set to return this weekend after missing a significant portion of fall practice due to a lingering hand injury and a possible mono diagnosis. Aloy’s strength and energy levels were noticeably lower upon his return from summer ball, prompting the coaching staff to shut him down and allow him to rest. Aloy has shown improvement in the outfield as he continues to adapt to the position. The coaching staff recognizes his offensive capabilities and is committed to providing him with opportunities to play right field and enhance his draft prospects.
Additional Insights
Steele Eaves has emerged as a standout pitcher this fall, displaying remarkable consistency and dominance. His velocity has increased from 90-91 mph to an impressive 93-94 mph, while maintaining the same sinking action on his fastball. Eaves’ ability to consistently locate his fastball within the strike zone at the higher velocity makes him a valuable asset to the bullpen, likely as a late-inning closer.
While the team portion of fall practice will conclude with the game against DBU on Saturday, the team will continue group and positional work through Thanksgiving. The team will also dedicate four days a week to strength training in the weight room over the next six weeks leading up to the Thanksgiving break. Coach Van Horn expressed his appreciation for both Little Rock and Dallas Baptist for making the trip to Fayetteville this weekend, adding that Little Rock has announced plans to build a new facility.
The Razorbacks are eagerly anticipating their upcoming trip to Arlington to kick off the 2026 season. They are scheduled to face three Big 12 teams and will stay over on Monday to play Tarleton State. Coach Van Horn has been trying to add an extra game on Monday following the Arlington tournament for a while.
The extra game will provide three to five pitchers with the opportunity to throw at the Rangers’ venue, and the team will not have to have an off day between the tournament and a midweek game on Tuesday. Van Horn mentioned that he is already exploring the possibility of scheduling a Monday game for the team’s return to Arlington in 2027.
Key Takeaways and Future Outlook
As the Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team concludes its fall practice season, several key takeaways emerge. The Diamond Hogs have a promising blend of returning veterans and talented newcomers, creating a competitive environment for position battles and solidifying the team’s overall depth. The pitching staff, led by left-handers Colin Fisher and Cole Gibler, showcases both experience and potential, while Steele Eaves’ increased velocity adds a valuable dimension to the bullpen. The development of outfielders like Maika Niu and Damian Ruiz provides optimism for the future of the Razorbacks’ offense.
Looking ahead, the Razorbacks are focused on continued growth and refinement as they prepare for the 2026 season. The team’s commitment to strength training and positional work, even after the conclusion of fall practice, demonstrates their dedication to improvement. With a challenging schedule on the horizon, including a trip to Arlington to face tough Big 12 opponents, the Razorbacks are poised to test their mettle and compete for championships.
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