FAYETTEVILLE―Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn knows the come-from-behind reputation the Washington State Cougars have earned this year.
After picking up a win with a comeback effort against Kansas State on Saturday in the eighth inning, the Cougars tried again by loading the bases in the eighth against Arkansas down 5-4 with no outs.
Enter Razorback closer Jordan Pratt.
The Harrison, Ark., native retired three straight batters to end the scoring threat and helped preserve the 6-4 win in front of 9,016 fans at Fayetteville Regional.
“Jordan came into the game and was lights out,” Arkansas starter Drew Smyly said. “It doesn’t matter what pitcher comes into the game, when you come in with bases load in a regional with no outs it’s tough. He got the job done.”
The junior―while facing the middle of the order―induced a fly ball out, recorded a strike out and another fly out after DJ Baxendale entered the game and allowed three straight hits and Geoffrey Davenport walked home a run.
“He came in and there he was throwing with a one run lead,” Van Horn said. “He had to go though the three, four and five hitters. It was just a great job.”
But well before the scoring opportunity was put together for Washington State, Van Horn said he just had a feeling the Cougars would try for the twentieth come-from-behind win this season.
“I knew they would try to come back,” Van Horn said. “That is what they have been doing all year. They did it against Kansas State and did against us. We were fortunate to have Pratt do an outstanding job.”
Pratt said he wanted to pitch well for his teammates Baxendale and Davenport, who both combined to allow a run, three hits and a walk while not recording an out.
“My adrenaline was pumping a lot,” Pratt said. “There is no better feeling than picking up a teammate. I’ve been in that situation and know how they feel. I was glad I could help them out.”
Washington State head coach Donnie Marbut said the team couldn’t have asked for a better situation, as the hitters who made plate appearances have had success this year.
“I’m proud of our guys for battling back and making it a game,” Marbut said. “You have to tip your hat because Pratt made pitches. We had the guys we wanted to have up. But it didn’t happen.”
Arkansas put together a two-run inning the in the first with RBI hits from outfielder Collin Kuhn and third baseman Andy Wilkins. The Razorbacks then scored two more runs―with the help a throwing error―to take a 4-0 lead after four innings.
Smyly, who pitched seven innings while striking out seven, allowing three hits and three earned, held the Cougars to just two hits throughout four innings.
But the second hit was a two-run home run by Cougar second baseman Cody Bartlett, which cut the Arkansas lead to 4-2.
“It was a nice lift because we were held to just a hit for four innings,” Marbut said. “The home run was big. We wanted to get his pitch count up to get to the bullpen.”
And Washington State did just that, as Razorback relievers loaded the bases and walked home a run in the eighth. But Pratt―who picked up his second save of the season―was too much for the Cougars, pitching two shutout innings.
“We always have a lot of confidence in Jordan because he is a great pitcher,” Kuhn said. “For him to come in to get that first out, it was huge and the fans got into it. He struck the guy out and we knew we just had one more out.”
FAYETTEVILLE REGIONAL SCHEDULE
Friday, June 4
Game 1 – Arkansas 19, Grambling State 7
Game 2 – Washington State 8, Kansas State 6
Saturday, June 5
Game 3 – Kansas State 9, Grambling State 8
Game 4 – Arkansas 6, Washington State 4
Sunday, June 6
Game 5 – Washington State 9, Kansas State 6
Game 6 – Arkansas vs. Washington State – 7:05 p.m.
Monday, June 7 (if necessary)
Game 7 – Both teams from previous game – 7:05 p.m.
