Lonoke's Martin makes big splash for Hogs baseball team

Arkansas' Casey Martin, left, of Lonoke is congratulated by teammates after hitting a home run against the Bucknell Bison on Saturday. (Photos courtesy of Mike Harris)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

FAYETTEVILLE — Former Lonoke Jackrabbits all-state performer Casey Martin showed the country what he’s capable of doing for the the No. 3 Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team on Saturday.

Martin, the 2017 Arkansas Preps Player of the Year, went 4 for 6 with and five runs batted in with three runs scored, including a home run in the Razorbacks 32-4 win over the Bucknell Bison. 

Martin singled in the second inning of his first collegiate start. He stole second base and scored. He was a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. 

His four hits led the Razorbacks, which finished with 22 for the game. He was tied for first on the team with five RBIs. 

“It just helps you carry over to the next at-bat,” Martin said after the game. “It gives you a little bit of a push to be able to do what you want and do what’s best for the team.”

Razorbacks senior second baseman Carson Shaddy was impressed by the play of Martin. 

“Casey did his job today,” Shaddy said. “I’m really proud of him. Superstar!”

Martin’s play was not lost on Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn.

“Casey Martin stood out,” Van Horn said. “He got four hits and played three different positions. He showed you how fast he was and stole a base.”

Martin made his collegiate debut Friday night in the Razorbacks’ 14-2 win over the Bison. He was 0 for 1 but was hit by a pitch in his first plate appearance. 

Casey Martin hits his first collegiate home run.