STARKVILLE — The so-called Cannizaro Effect — an homage to Mississippi State baseball coach Andy Cannizaro’s offensive-minded approach in its first year at MSU — refers partly to the fact the Bulldogs have 40 stolen bases in 18 games this season after swiping 51 bases last season.
The Bulldogs also have hit 19 home runs and are on pace to surpass last year’s total of 47.
Despite MSU’s fast start on the bases and at the plate, it is still looking up at Arkansas.
MSU (12-6) will open Southeastern Conference play at 6:30 tonight (SEC Network Bases Loaded) against an Arkansas team that leads the conference in home runs (25) and plays in a park that favors power left-handers.
“I know historically the ball kind of flies to right field at Arkansas, especially from the scoreboard over to the foul pole,” Cannizaro said.
Arkansas’ home run production is distributed throughout its lineup. Grant Koch and Dominic Fletcher have five home runs, while Jake Arledge, Carson Shaddy, and Luke Bonfield have three.
Arkansas’ ability to hit home runs didn’t have any bearing on MSU’s pitching approach entering the series.
“I think you pitch to your strengths,” Cannizaro said. “Each guy does something a little differently. I don’t think you change your approach based on where you’re playing. Those guys are going to be out on the mound (because) they have one or two or three pitches they’re going to be able to control and throw for called strikes.”
Konnor Pilkington is scheduled to start tonight for MSU. The sophomore left-hander is 2-2 with a 1.73 earned run average. He has walked seven and struck out 33 in 26 innings (four starts).
“He’s been tremendous,” Cannizaro said. “He really is what your Friday night ace in this league looks like. He’s big, strong, physical, his fastball’s going to be up to 95 with a plus breaking ball, (he has a) feel for his changeup, and he’s an innings-eater type of workhorse where you know he’s going to get you six or seven or eight innings and do a really good job of pounding the strike zone and getting ahead in the count.”
Pilkington said he won’t change to adapt to Arkansas’ lineup. He is coming off his best outing of the season in a 2-0 victory against South Alabama on March 10. He allowed four hits and two walks and struck out a career-high 13 in 7 2/3 scoreless innings.
“They got some decent hitters, but it’s nothing I haven’t seen in the past,” Pilkington said. “(I have to) go in there with confidence and throw the ball (and keep) the ball lower in the zone. It’s harder to hit a ball that’s low in the zone than one that’s elevated up to belt high. If I go in there and hit my spots, I think I’ll be fine.”
Pilkington hopes to get more out of his changeup against Arkansas to force more ground balls. He said he didn’t have his changeup against South Alabama and threw it once. First baseman and former New Hope High School standout Wells Davis flew out to the warning track in right field on that pitch.
In addition to Pilkington getting the start today, Cannizaro announced Peyton Plumlee will start Saturday. He didn’t name a starting pitcher for Sunday. He said the rotation for the final game will be based on bullpen usage and who is available.
NOTES: Cannizaro hopes relief pitcher Ryan Rigby and second baseman Hunter Stovall will be available this weekend. Stovall has been nursing a hamstring injury, while Rigby has been nursing a groin injury. … Cannizaro expects catcher Josh Lovelady to be available, while fellow catcher Elih Marrero continues not to be available with an undisclosed off-the-field issue. … Game 2 of the series will be at 7 p.m. Saturday (SEC Network). Game 3 will be at 1 p.m. Sunday (SEC Network+).
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter @Brett_Hudson
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