Diamond Hogs Look To Keep Hot Streak Alive

FAYETTEVILLE -- Fresh off an impressive weekend of action against a top-ranked team in the nation, Arkansas now turns its attention to a familiar -- yet less stellar -- opponent.

Having already defeated Oral Roberts 10-2 back on March 13 in Fayetteville, the Diamond Hogs get a chance to complete the two-game sweep in Tulsa today. First pitch between the Razorbacks and Golden Eagles in J.L. Johnson stadium is set for 7 p.m. While Oral Roberts (11-11) sure doesn't look much like a Vanderbilt -- the previously No. 1-ranked team which Arkansas defeated twice this past weekend -- the Golden Eagles can't be confused for a total slouch, either. After all, despite just a .500 record this season and blowout loss to the Razorbacks already on the schedule, ORU does have past credentials which should be taken seriously. Included in those credentials? An NCAA Regional series win in Fayetteville last year, for one. "They didn't play well that night (in our first game)," Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said. "I know they'll be ready. They always are tough. I have a lot of respect for their team and there coaches. "They're always tough." Arkansas (19-7) -- which climbed to No. 7 in the latest Baseball America poll released Monday -- will use the midweek game as a way to take a look at some different players, especially at the pitching spot. Instead of going with a normal starter, Van Horn is expected to send rarely used senior lefty James Gilbert to the mound. After two early season appearances out of the bullpen, Gilbert sat on the bench for much of the next few weeks before making an impressive relief appearance at Centenary last Wednesday. "We'll try and piece it together," Van Horn said. "With losing (Shaun) Seibert, it throws behind a pitcher, a starter. "Normally, that probably would have been a (Dallas) Keuchel who starts on Tuesday, try to maybe get him ready maybe for the rotation, a regional or next year in conference. But Keuchel has been throw into the fire and that's going to help us down the road." Oral Roberts could counter with a left-hander of their own in Michael Jarmen, although the Golden Eagles were still weighing their options as of Monday. "We know we're going to face some good pitching no matter who they throw and a little bit fresher arms," Van Horn said. "We've just got to go over there and try to play well." TODAY'S TICKET No. 7 Arkansas at Oral Roberts WHEN: 7 p.m., today WHERE: J.L. Johnson Stadium, Tulsa, Okla. RECORDS: Arkansas 18-7; Oral Roberts 11-11