Stetson Looks to Ride Momentum Into Series Finale at Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (Interstat) — The Stetson Hatters will aim to build on their most impressive win of the season when they face the eighth-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks in the finale of a four-game series Monday afternoon at Baum Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. under clear skies with temperatures near 56 degrees.

Stetson (6-10) snapped a six-game skid with a 4-1 victory Sunday, powered by a sterling combined one-hitter. The Hatters will look to secure a series split after dropping the first two games 7-1 and 13-1.

Arkansas (12-4), which saw its seven-game winning streak end Sunday, seeks to rebound and claim a 3-1 series advantage before opening Southeastern Conference play this weekend.

A key matchup will feature Stetson right-hander Trace Hartman, who delivered a dominant performance Sunday. Hartman tossed 6 2/3 hitless innings, allowing one earned run while striking out three to earn the win. Over his last two starts, he has pitched 12 2/3 innings, surrendering just one hit and one earned run.

The Razorbacks are expected to counter with left-hander Cole Gibler out of the bullpen. Gibler has been effective in relief, throwing three scoreless and hitless innings with two strikeouts in Sunday’s loss. In his last three appearances, he has allowed just one hit over 10 2/3 innings.

Stetson’s offense, which managed only two total runs in the series’ first two games, broke through Sunday behind right fielder Jayden Hylton, whose three-run homer provided the decisive blow.

Arkansas’s lineup, which averages 7.4 runs per game, was stifled by Stetson’s pitching Sunday after scoring 20 runs in the prior two contests.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Arkansas is projected to win 7-4.

Following Monday’s game, Stetson returns home to host Prairie View on Wednesday. Arkansas begins a pivotal SEC series against Mississippi State on Friday.