Dave Van Horn reacts to Texas throwing an eephus pitch during SEC battle

Following an injury to Jared Spencer, somebody new has taken the mound for series openers. Ruger Riojas went out there against Arkansas, hoping to get Texas a win against an old rival. While the results did not go to plan, there was a moment that caused a buzz around Baum-Walker Stadium.

Riojas threw a couple of eephus pitches, registering under 60 miles per hour. Almost unheard of in today’s game, even Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn laughed on the matter during his postgame press conference.

“I can’t remember the last time I saw one,” Van Horn said. “In little league, I think. I probably threw it, who knows. Goofing around. But it caught me off guard. He threw the first one… it looked like the ball slipped out of his hand but we weren’t sure. And then he threw two more. One of them of them worked, it was an interesting pitch. I guess if you get a guy out front like that and get a swing — even if you don’t get it over the plate — it’s in the hitter’s head that he’s got that pitch.”

Van Horn was in good spirits because Arkansas wound up performing well against Riojas. He was gone from the game before the fourth inning was over, only getting 11 outs. All nine of Arkansas’ runs were charged to his name, allowing seven hits and walking another while striking out just four. The Razorbacks got two home runs off Riojas as well.

The odds of Arkansas seeing Riojas again this season remain slim. He is out for the final two games of this series, needed next Friday for Texas’ penultimate SEC series of the series against Florida. Maybe if there is a postseason matchup between the two squads whether it be in Hoover for the SEC Tournament or in Omaha in the College World Series.

The eephus will be at the top of mind for Arkansas if they do get to face Riojas a second time, though. Van Horn admitted it can get into a batter’s head considering how awkward the pitch is. Well over 40 miles per hour below what guys usually see inside the box.

Starting this series off with a win was massive for Arkansas. Chasing down Texas for the SEC regular season championship is not going to be easy. No better way to make ground than beating them head-to-head. Two more massive games remain in Fayetteville.