Advertisement

Arkansas baseball vs. Auburn at the College World Series: Our predictions

christina long, fort smith times record
·2 min read

OMAHA, Neb. — Arkansas baseball faces elimination in the College World Series Tuesday against Auburn. After a 13-5 loss to Ole Miss on Monday, the Razorbacks will have to battle through the losers' bracket.

First pitch between the Tigers and Razorbacks is set for 6 p.m. CT on ESPN.

Auburn (43-21) will likely start righthander Mason Barnett against Arkansas (44-20). The junior struck out 10 in 5⅓ scoreless innings against UCLA in the regional, then fanned five in 4⅓ against Oregon State in the Corvallis Super Regional.

Arkansas' probable starter is righthander Will McEntire. He was a late addition to the rotation but threw 5⅔ scoreless innings in his start at the Chapel Hill Super Regional. Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn noted Monday that Arkansas could start McEntire or another arm. Lefty Hagen Smith and closer Brady Tygart have yet to pitch here.

MORE: What lies ahead for Arkansas baseball after first loss at 2022 College World Series

BETTING: What are the Auburn vs. Arkansas baseball betting line, over/under in College World Series

Christina Long, Arkansas beat writer

Arkansas 7, Auburn 5: Arkansas will give up a few early runs, but the Razorbacks' offense will bounce back from Monday's loss and hit Auburn's worn-out bullpen enough to maintain a lead.

Auburn slugger Sonny DiChiara will get his first home run of the College World Series, but it won't be enough to overcome strong pitching from Arkansas' two well-rested relievers.

Bennett Durando, Auburn beat writer

Auburn 6, Arkansas 4: Mason Barnett has been a big-game pitcher as of late. Expect more of the same from him and the rest of an Auburn team that seems to excel under the pressure of suspenseful elimination games.

Auburn's offense might be trending upward again after a three-game slump (plus part of a fourth game). I'll ride that wave. The Tigers will score a lot early then hold on for a 6-4 win to reach the semifinals. Sonny DiChiara will hit his first home run of this College World Series.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas baseball vs. Auburn at the College World Series: Predictions