Wilkins, Razorback offense heating up
Harold McIlvain II
Issue date: 3/6/09 Section: Sports
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The No. 21 Arkansas Razorback baseball team opened up its offense in the first inning Tuesday by scoring more than three runs for the first time all season.
And the offensive production didn't stop after that.
The Razorbacks (7-1) combined to score 16 runs in a series sweep of the Crusaders and scored in nearly every inning in a 9-6 win Wednesday.
"We just keep finding a way to score," Van Horn said. "We had some rallies started in different ways with a walk, a hit or a stolen base. We kept a lot of pressure on them."
But despite the midweek offensive production, Van Horn said the team will need more hitters to step up if the team wants to win this weekend against California at Baum Stadium.
"I think the offense is picking up," Van Horn said. "But it hasn't been real consistent with six guys hitting. It's been more two or three guys hitting enough to win. If we are going to win this weekend, we are going to have to hit well throughout the lineup."
Arkansas projects to start Dallas Keuchel on Friday and T.J. Forrest on Saturday. But Van Horn said he wasn't sure who would start on Sunday.
Sophomore first baseman Andy Wilkins helped Arkansas in the midweek series at the plate, finishing 5-for-8 with two runs, a home run and six RBIs.
"Andy has hit all fall and early spring," Van Horn said. "He is confident and is seeing the ball well. We've needed him. He has some pop and is an RBI producer that can change the game with one swing. And he has a couple times already."
Wilkins on the season is hitting .413 and leads the team with four home runs, 10 runs and 13 RBIs.
Although Wilkins has showed power with eight extra base hits, he has been able to draw a team-high nine walks.
"If you don't swing at strikes, you are in trouble," Van Horn said. "And he has been staying in the strike zone. That's probably the difference in a young hitter and a little bit more mature hitter."
Wilkins - who added to his team RBI lead with four Wednesday - said he is doing whatever it takes to score runs.
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