FAYETTEVILLE - Count Cliff Springston as a starter when Arkansas opens SEC play next weekend against Georgia. Springston (3-0 ) made his 1 case Saturday with 6 / 3 solid innings in a 17-2 victory over Siena at Baum Stadium. It was the first start for the junior left-hander

1 after four appearances and 12 / 3 innings in relief. Arkansas is searching for some stability in its starting rotation after losing Nick Schmidt, Jess Todd and Duke Welker from last year's team, and it may have found some Saturday.

"Springston got a little tired at the end, but he did an outstanding job," Arkansas Coach Dave Van Horn said. "We're not so caught up this year in having a No. 1 [pitcher ]. We have a good offense and just need a guy to get us through four or five innings.

" Whether he throws Friday or Sunday, they all count the same, and it looks like we've got a guy who can help us on the weekend."

Springston, a transfer from Baylor, earned his first start after pitching six innings in relief last weekend during an 8-6 victory over Ohio State. He allowed 5 hits and 1 run Saturday against Siena with no walks and 4 strikeouts. He pitched to two batters in the seventh before being replaced by Kendall Korbal. "You always want to pitch a complete game, but I thought I threw strikes well and got ahead of the batters," Springston said. "Defense helped me out today, and it was good to get the win. " I've been anxious for the SEC to start and it's almost here. Hopefully, I'll be able to come out next week and throw a little bit longer." Springston and right-hander Mike Bolsinger were given their first starts this weekend to go along with Shaun Seibert, who'll make his third start today against Siena. Bolsinger didn't help his

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1 cause much after pitching 4 / 3 innings in a 14-5 victory over the Saints on Friday. Bolsinger gave up 6 hits, walked 2 and hit 1 batter before being relieved by Dallas Keuchel.

Springston was mostly in command Saturday and held Siena scoreless until the sixth inning, when the Saints scored after doubles by Nick Messinger and Jason DeFilippo into the corner in left field.

"Springston is a little older guy and he knows how to go about his business," Arkansas pitching coach Dave Jorn said. "He threw some good sliders today, and that's a pitch that's been giving him a little bit of trouble.

" He's been working hard and deserves the success he's had lately."