Former Watson Chapel standout Markevian “Tink” Hence set to start against Arkansas Travelers on Friday

Area baseball fans will have the opportunity to see Pine Bluff (Watson Chapel) native Markevian “Tink” Hence in action this Friday at Dickey Stephens Park in North Little Rock as Hence and the Springfield Cardinals will be in town to take on the Arkansas Travelers.

Hence is slated to be the starting pitching for the Cardinals against the Travs.

The 21-year-old from Pine Bluff originally signed to play college baseball for the Arkansas Razorbacks before he was drafted as the 63^rd overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals.

Hence recorded 4 wins and 6 losses in 2023 with a 4.31 ERA in 21 games played. He pitched 96 innings with 99 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.33.

Hence pitched for the Cardinals in spring training games, where he had a phenomenal outing against the Florida Marlins where he sat the Marlins down in order with just 12 pitches in his first inning of play. He recorded one more inning against the Marlins where he had three strikeouts while giving up a single and a stolen base.

Hence mixed up his speeds beautifully, throwing an 83.5 MPH changeup, and 86.7 MPH cutter, and a 97.4 MPH sinker against the Marlins.

First pitch for Friday night’s contest at Dickey Stephens Park is slated for 7:05 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on the Travelers website by Clicking Here.