Preview: Arkansas Looks to Continue Momentum at Missouri

COLUMBIA, Mo. (Interstat) — The Arkansas Razorbacks open a crucial Southeastern Conference road series against the Missouri Tigers on Thursday afternoon at Taylor Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. under cloudy skies with a temperature near 66 degrees.

Arkansas (27-15, 10-8 SEC) enters the three-game set with momentum after a 12-4 midweek win over Missouri State on Tuesday. The Razorbacks have won seven of their last 10 games overall.

Missouri (20-21, 5-13) seeks to halt a four-game skid, including a 11-5 loss to SIU Edwardsville on Tuesday. The Tigers have struggled in conference play, losing five of their last six SEC contests.

A key player to watch for Arkansas is shortstop Camden Kozeal. He is coming off a 3-for-5 performance with a home run and two RBIs against Missouri State. Over his last 10 games, Kozeal has three homers and 11 RBIs.

For Missouri, right-handed reliever Dane Bjorn will be a critical arm. He provided three scoreless innings of relief in Tuesday’s loss, allowing just two hits and striking out three. On the season, he holds a 3.12 ERA in 17 appearances.

The Razorbacks’ offense, averaging 7.4 runs per game during its recent 7-3 stretch, will test a Missouri pitching staff with a 5.98 team ERA in SEC games.

Arkansas took two of three games from Missouri last season in Fayetteville.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Arkansas 7, Missouri 2.

The series continues Friday at 6 p.m. and concludes Saturday at 2 p.m.