Defense a winner for Hogs

FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas has committed five errors in its past 12 games, one of the underlying reasons the Razorbacks went 10-2 in those games and are pushing to host an NCAA regional rather than struggling just to get in one.

Defense hasn't just been an asset lately either. The Razorbacks have a season fielding percentage of .979 to rank sixth in the country and second in the SEC behind NCAA leader Florida, which is fielding .986.

"This year it feels like every routine play we have we make it, and we're even making extraordinary plays," said right fielder Tyler Spoon, who has one error, tying him with fellow outfielders Andrew Benintendi and Joe Serrano.

The Razorbacks have made either no errors (23 games) or one error (14 games) in 78.7 percent of their 47 games. They have made more than two errors in only two games, with three coming in a 15-5 loss to Gonzaga on March 11 and five coming in a 13-6 loss to Maryland on Feb. 22.

"Our defense has been steady all year," Arkansas Coach Dave Van Horn said.

Van Horn is quick to credit the Fowler Center, Arkansas' new indoor workout facility, for helping the Razorbacks improve from a .971 fielding percentage last season, which tied for eighth in the SEC.

"With the new facility we've got over there, it's just really easy to get some work in," third baseman Bobby Wernes said. "I mean, we probably didn't take any ground balls in January or February last year because of the weather. Now we can take as many as we want, so it's made a huge difference."

The Razorbacks are fielding at a .982 clip in SEC play, which is tied with LSU for third in the conference behind Florida (.987) and Mississippi State (.983).

"When you're fielding .982, you're not making very many mistakes," Van Horn said. "That's why we're winning a lot of games, because we're making all the routine plays and we're not giving them too much. That always wins.

"If you can pitch and play defense, you're going to win a lot of games."

Wernes has almost made a habit of appearing on ESPN's SportsCenter with defensive gems, including a jumping throw for an out from several steps outside of third base and other assorted dives, back-hand stops and bare-handed throws on the run.

"You're not going to find a better defensive third baseman in the country than Bobby," Van Horn said. "You might not find too many in the big leagues, to be honest with you. ... That glove has saved us some runs. That's like driving them in to me."

Wernes couldn't pick out his favorite defensive play this season.

"It's just cool because I watch SportsCenter every day," Wernes said. "Just getting to see myself, I mean that's real cool. My favorite part is teammates texting me about it."

Wernes said he was unaware of Van Horn's high praise.

"He's my coach and he's always on me, which is awesome," Wernes said. "I'm extremely honored to hear him say that. I don't think he'd ever say that to me personally, but I appreciate it a lot."

Wernes enters the weekend series against Tennessee with three errors in 112 chances, a fielding percentage of .974 that is tied with middle infielder Michael Bernal. Brett McAfee, the primary shortstop, has five errors and a .958 fielding percentage, second baseman Rick Nomura has two errors and a .988 percentage, and Eagan has four errors and a .987 percentage.

"The infield has done a tremendous job defensively," Van Horn said.

Arkansas' pitchers have appreciated the solid backing.

"You want to be able to pitch to contact and have confidence in your guys behind you," junior right-hander Trey Killian said. "In all of my three years I have, but especially this year it seems like we've played outstanding defense almost every single game."

Pitching coach Dave Jorn has emphasized the importance of being around the plate and initiating contact.

"You just trust those guys and trust what you're doing on the mound, throwing those two-seam sinkers and just let your defense work," senior right-hander Jackson Lowery said. "Those guys are unbelievable out there."

Sports on 05/07/2015