Posts Tagged ‘Arkansas Razorbacks’

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Screw replaced in the foot of Mallett

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

By Harold McIlvain II

Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett will not be able to put weight on his left foot following a procedure that replaced a screw in the injured leg.

But Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino said he expects the signal caller to be back to normal after he takes some time off with the injury.

“He will be non-weight bearing for the next two weeks and I expect Ryan to return fully after that time period,” Petrino said in a statement. “I am completely confident in our athletic trainers and medical staff and the plan they have put in place for Ryan.”

The Petrino said procedure was expected to be done at about this time in the recovery process and was planned to be apart of getting the quarterback ready for the season opener against Tennessee Tech on September 4.

“We fully anticipated this would need to be done in early to mid-June and the timing of it was intentional to allow him to prepare for the season as much as possible during the summer months,” Petrino said.

Mallett, who led the Razorbacks to a 8-5 record last year, finished with 3,624 yards and 30 touchdowns in his first season as a Razorback.

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MLB Draft: Razorbacks could headline event

Monday, June 7th, 2010

By Harold McIlvain II

FAYETTEVILLE―The Razorback baseball team will be fighting for a shot at a Super Regional tonight at 7 p.m. against Washington State at Baum Stadium.

It will be the game of the year for the Diamond Hogs, as the do-or-die game will determine if many Razorbacks get to continue to be just that―members of the Razorback baseball team.

The MLB Draft starts tonight with the first 50 picks of the first round and compensation selection, and many Arkansas baseball players will be taken in the draft that continues until Wednesday.

But Razorback outfielder Brett Eibner said he hasn’t really worried about the MLB Draft, as the team has been focused on making it to another Super Regional.

“It doesn’t bother me,” Eibner said before the Fayetteville Regional. “I went throughout it in high school and it didn’t affect me then. I’m just doing the same thing now having fun playing baseball. The draft will take care of itself.”

Below are some potential players who could be taken in the draft tonight:

  • Sophomore third baseman Zack Cox: The Kentucky native originally was taken in the 20th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of high school. He is likely a top-10 pick this time around.
  • Junior outfielder/pitcher Brett Eibner: The two-way Texas native was taken in the fourth round by the Houston Astros, but he turned down the money to be a Razorback. He could be a late first round pick.
  • Junior first baseman Andy Wilkins: the slugger was a 25th round pick coming out of high school.
  • Redshirt sophomore Drew Smyly: wasn’t taken in the MLB Draft out of high school. But with a great year and Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn saying scouts obsoletely love the left-hander, he could be taken pretty high.
  • Senior pitcher Mike Bolsinger: The senior was taken in the 34th round by the Cleveland Indians out of high school and then in the 33rd round last year by the Oakland Athletics. He couldn’t come to terms with the team and came back for another shot to be selected even higher.

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Fayetteville Regional: Grambling State rally falls short

Saturday, June 5th, 2010

By Harold McIlvain II

FAYETTEVILLE―After being down by as much as 9-1 in the fifth inning, Grambling State Tigers fought back and never gave up against the Kansas State Wildcats during a 9-8- eliminating loss.

After being scoreless at the plate for five straight innings and allowing at least a run in each inning, the Tigers gunned down a runner at home to end the sixth and then put the first run on the board in the bottom of the inning.

“The turning point in the game was when our runner was thrown out at the plate,” Wildcat head coach Brad Hill said. “They then got furious at the plate and did whatever they could to get the ball in play.”

Grambling State then put together a four-run rally in the seventh, scored two more in the eight and ended the inning with the tying runner on second base down by one.

“They got on a roll,” Hill said. “Momentum swings is what it is all about. They started answering with some runs, but we never answered back. From the sixth inning on, it was on their side.”

Despite being on the road, the Tigers got plenty of support later innings of the game as fans cheered on the team fighting for a come-from-behind win, as they even modified an Arkansas school cheer.

“Everybody loves an underdog,” Grambling State head coach James Cooper said. “We just wanted to come away with a win. We noticed how they changed the pig sooie chant into a Grambling chant. We appreciated the hospitality.”

A one-out hit in the ninth made things interesting, but the Wildcats shutdown the Grambling State bats in the ninth, eliminating the Tigers while setting up a game at 2:05 p.m. Sunday against the loser of the Washington State and Arkansas game.

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 vs. Washington State – 7:05 p.m.

Sunday, June 6

Game 5 – Winner Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4 – 2:05 p.m.

Game 6 – Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5 – 7:05 p.m.

Monday, June 7 (if necessary)

Game 7 – Both teams from previous game – 7:05 p.m.

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Fayetteville Regional: Arkansas set to face Washington State

Friday, June 4th, 2010

By Harold McIlvain II

FAYETTEVILLE―It was a record setting day for the Diamond Hogs, as the Razorbacks used a school record nine home runs to beat Grambling State 19-7 in the first game of the Fayetteville Regional.

Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn said he expected his team to bounce back with a little rest after a lot of travel to end the season. And the Razorbacks did just that, blasting their way into a contest with Washington State at 7:05 p.m. Saturday night.

With the 19th come-from-behind win of the season, the Washington State Cougars will be coming back from a hard fought 8-6 win against Kansas State.

But it’s just the match up Cougar head coach Donnie Marbut and the team wanted, facing the same Razorback team that swept them to start the season last year and helped eliminate them from the Normal Regional.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for a full preview of the game that will feature Arkansas throwing top starter Drew Smyly (8-1, 2.54 ERA) with Washington State countering with their ace―Adam Conley (5-3, 3.13 ERA).

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Razorbacks to host regional at Baum Stadium

Sunday, May 30th, 2010

By Harold McIlvain II

It’s official: The Diamond Hogs are hosting a regional.

Arkansas will be hosting for the fifth time in program history and first time since 2007. Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn made it pretty clear he thought the Razorbacks deserved a spot as one of the 16 teams hosting next weekend. But it was made official today, as Arkansas was one of four Southeastern Conference teams―along with Auburn, Florida and South Carolina―picked.

The rest of the field, including which teams will join the Razorbacks in Fayetteville, will be announced tomorrow. Be sure to check back then for the breakdown of the news and detailed analysis throughout the upcoming week of each and every team heading to Arkansas for the regional.

Below is a media release regarding ticket information for the event:

FAYETTEVILLE– The University of Arkansas is one of 16 NCAA baseball regional host sites for the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship, the NCAA announced on Sunday.

The Razorbacks, 40-18, are hosting an NCAA Regional for the fifth time. The other teams in the Fayetteville Regional will be announced on Monday. Game times and any television coverage will be announced once determined.

The Fayetteville Regional is scheduled for June 4-6 with an “if necessary” game on June 7. Tickets are on sale to the general public at the Razorback Ticket Office.

Tickets are sold in packages for the complete regional. The packages are $70 each.

Fans may order by visiting the UA Ticket Office, by calling 479-575-5151 or 800-982-4647, or by visiting ArkansasRazorbacks.com.

The Ticket Office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Any tickets ordered in advance may be picked up at the Ticket Office through Thursday. Beginning Friday, all ordered tickets will be at will call, which is west of Gate C at Baum Stadium.

Single-game tickets, if available, will be sold for $15 each, but they will not be available until two hours before each game at the Baum Stadium ticket windows near Gates A and B. Single-game tickets must be purchased with cash or check only.

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Brief tournament appearance gives rest to Razorbacks

Friday, May 28th, 2010

By Harold McIlvain II

The No. 15 Arkansas Razorback baseball team no doubt would have liked to have stayed at the Southeastern Conference Tournament for more than two straight losses.

With injuries that kept third baseman Zack Cox and outfielder Brett Eibner from making plate appearances, the Razorbacks were swept out of Regional Park in Hoover, Ala.

But it affords Arkansas plenty of extra resting opportunities―which is something the team needs plenty of right now heading into regional play.

Eibner, who was used as a pinch runner in the loss to Florida, could be back starting in centerfield when the Razorbacks next take the field. Cox―who is still dealing with a back injury―is getting closer to being healthy again.

It was anticipated that Arkansas top starter Drew Smyly wouldn’t make an appearance during the week, as he has developed another blister that has caused problems.

But the Little Rock native was able to make an appearance and show signs of improvement, pitching five innings while striking out six and allowing just an earned run.

With all the injuries heading into the conference tournament, the last thing the Diamond Hogs needed was another injury while on the road. But a collision on the field while trying to make a play caused third baseman Andy Wilkins to leave the last game early.

One thing is for sure: the Razorbacks will need Cox, Eibner and Wilkins to all be healthy if another College World Series run is going to happen for this team.

Ticket information now available

Arkansas will know Sunday if it has been selected as one of the 16 teams to host a regional. But with the Razorbacks expecting to host a regional this season, the program has released a statement about ticket information which is below:

FAYETTEVILLE– In preparation for the possibility of hosting an NCAA baseball regional at Baum Stadium next week and for the convenience of fans, tickets are being put in the mail this week by the University of Arkansas Ticket Office for fans who have pre-ordered.

Regional sites are announced on Sunday and the complete tournament field is announced on Monday. The dates are June 4-6. Arkansas is 40-18 and ranked No. 12 in the nation, but host sites are not announced until Sunday. The Razorbacks played host to NCAA regionals in 1999, 2004, 2006 and 2007.

Anyone who has not pre-ordered tickets may do so and have them mailed, as long as the order is in by noon on Friday. Any tickets ordered past noon on Friday will be left at the UA Ticket Office will call window. The will call window is located west of Gate C at Baum Stadium.

Fans may order by calling the Ticket Office at 479-575-5151 or 800-982-4647, or by visiting ArkansasRazorbacks.com. Tickets are sold in packages for the complete regional. The packages are $70 each.

If Arkansas is a host site, game times and the schedule will be announced next week. The Ticket Office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. next Tuesday through Thursday, and accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Ordered tickets may be picked up at the Ticket Office through Thursday. Beginning June 4, they will be at will call. Single-game tickets, if available, will be sold for $15 each, but they will not be available until two hours before each game at the Baum Stadium ticket windows near Gates A and B. Single-game tickets must be purchased with cash or check only.

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All-SEC honors announced for three Razorbacks

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

By Harold McIlvain II

FAYETTEVILLE—The wait is over for the baseball program—the Razorbacks have All-Southeastern Conference representatives once again.

Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn said after finishing third nationally, it was a little different not having any selections to the team last year. But that didn’t happen again this season, as third baseman Zack Cox made the first team All-SEC while outfielder Brett Eibner and pitcher Drew Smyly made second team All-SEC.

“That’s going to be nice to have some of those finally because we didn’t have any last year,” Van Horn said during a Monday press conference. “We didn’t have one all-conference player and made it to Omaha. It left a little bitter taste in our mouth. I think those guys are well-deserving of that.”

Oddly enough, all three could miss the SEC Tournament because of a back injury (Cox), a hand injury (Eibner) and a blister (Smyly).

Cox was the 13th person in program history to earn first-team honors while all three added to the total of All-SEC players, which is now 20 for the program. It was the first time that more than one Razorback was honored since Nick Schmidt and Jess Todd were honored as first-team members in 2007.

First team All-SEC:

C – Micah Gibbs, LSU

1B – Hunter Morris, Auburn

2B – Anthony Gomez, Vanderbilt

3B – Zack Cox, Arkansas

SS – Josh Rutledge, Alabama

OF – Taylor Dugas, Alabama

OF – Trent Mummey, Auburn

OF – Brian Fletcher, Auburn

DH – Kevin Patterson, Auburn

P – Blake Cooper, South Carolina

P – Drew Pomeranz, Ole Miss

RP – Kevin Chapman, Florida

Second team All-SEC:

C – Ryan Jenkins, Auburn

1B – Preston Tucker, Florida

2B – Chris Bisson, Kentucky

3B – Austin Maddox, Florida

SS – Austin Nola, LSU

SS – Nolan Fontana, Florida

OF – Matt den Dekker, Florida

OF – Brett Eibner, Arkansas

OF – Jackie Bradley Jr., South Carolina

DH – Matt Gaudet, LSU

P – Drew Smyly, Arkansas

P – Grant Dayton, Auburn

P – Sonny Gray, Vanderbilt

RP – Matt Price, South Carolina

RP – Brett Huber, Ole Miss

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Razorbacks enter SEC Tournament play with injuries

Monday, May 24th, 2010

SEC_BASEBALL_2010By Harold McIlvain II

FAYETTEVILLE—After finishing the season in second place in the Western Division, the No. 15 Arkansas Razorback baseball team is preparing to head to the Southeastern Conference Tournament to face a familiar foe—Vanderbilt.

The Commodores (40-15, 16-12 SEC) dropped two of three at home against the Diamond Hogs (40-16, 18-12 SEC) last weekend. But the Razorbacks could very well be a different team when the two face off again Wednesday night.

Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn said top starter Drew Smyly (blister) would not pitch to open the tournament and could not pitch until the regional while Zack Cox (back) and Brett Eibner (hand) could likely be out of the batting order as well.

“Those are the guys that have been in this program two years with Zack and three years with the other guys,” Van Horn said. “And they’re our frontline guys. You’re talking about a couple of middle-of-the-order hitters and our No. 1 pitcher.”

Cox, who hurt his back while making a swing against South Carolina, made an appearance last weekend but didn’t finish the game. Van Horn said he hopes extra rest will have him back on the field for regional play.

Eibner is still recovering from a hand injury and pain that has moved around on him, causing him to feel pain when swinging the bat at the plate. Van Horn said he was listed as day-to-day for the tournament and could see action this week.

Smyly, who dealt with a blister issue earlier in the year, had developed another aliment but this time it is on his index finger. Missing some time in the tournament could have him healthy for a regional start.

Time lost from any of the three players could for sure make an impact on the Razorback chances at an SEC Tournament title. But with a pretty certain chance of hosting a regional and the injuries not being too serious, future postseason play is important, too.

“Those three guys are keys, but what we’re talking about is they’re key for us to win a regional and that’s our goal,” Van Horn said. “League play is already over; we can’t do anything about that.”

2010 SEC Tournament Bracket

Wednesday, May 26

Game 1 9:30 a.m. Alabama vs. Auburn (SPSO)
Game 2 TBD Ole Miss vs. South Carolina (SPSO)
Game 3 4:30 p.m. LSU vs. Florida (CSS)
Game 4 TBD Vanderbilt vs. Arkansas (CSS)

Thursday, May 27

Game 5 9:30 a.m. Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2 (CSS)
Game 6 TBD Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4 (CSS)
Game 7 4:30 p.m. Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2 (CSS)
Game 8 TBD Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4 (CSS)

Friday, May 28
Game 9 3:00 p.m. Winner Game 5 vs. Loser Game 7 (SPSO)
Game 10 TBD Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 8 (SPSO)

Saturday, May 29
Game 11 9:30 a.m. Winner Game 8 vs. Winner Game 9 (SPSO)
Game 12 TBD Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 10 (SPSO)
Game 13 5 p.m. Winner Game 11 vs. Loser Game 11 (CSS)
Game 14 TBD Winner Game 12 vs. Loser Game 12 (CSS)

Sunday, May 30

Game 15 1:00 p.m. Winner Game 13 vs. Winner Game 14 (ESPN2)

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Razorback football continues to talk national title

Friday, May 21st, 2010

By Harold McIlvain II

FAYETTEVILLE—It’s been a theme and constant topic recently for Razorback football players—talking about a national championship.

After quarterback Ryan Mallett made an apperance on the ESPN show “College Football Live” talking about national title hopes earlier this month, tight end D.J. Williams made an appearance of his own today and spoke about team goals heading into the season that starts Septemeper 4 with Tennesse Tech at home.

“Our mindset is to do the best we can do” Williams said on the show.“A national title is what every team wants in the beginning of the year, and I think that’s a realistic goal for us this year. I do believe we work hard enough to accomplish that goal. It’s just how bad we want it.”

Only nine days ago, Mallett said the only trophy he was worried about was the crystal ball at the end of the season —not the Heisman Trophy.

Expectations and hype—both nationally and locally—has definitely surrounded the upcoming season for the Razorback football program even before securing a 20-17 bowl victory over East Carolina. But the Razorbacks, as Williams said, believe a national title is a achievable goal.

Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino said earlier in the offseason that he had been hearing talk of the Razorbacks being a dark horse national title contender or a team who could reach 10 wins. But he doesn’t mind the hype at all.

“I like the fact there are expectations out there,” Petrino said. “Obviously, our expectations are very high, but I would rather have people think we’re going to be a good football team.”

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Youngblood, Gordon to transfer from Arkansas

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

By Harold McIlvain II

FAYETTEVILLE – Former quarterback turned tight end Jim Youngblood has been released from his Arkansas scholarship and will look for another school in order to be a signal caller.

The Camden, Ark., native redshirted his freshman year and entered the spring as the third-team quarterback before making the shift to the tight end position last season. Youngblood was in the 2008 recruiting class that included fellow quarterback Tyler Wilson, who is second on the depth chart behind Ryan Mallett.

After totalling 5,562 passing yards, 43 touchdowns and more than 1,600 rushing yards in high school as a quarterback, Youngblood will be looking to return to his old position with a new school—which could be UCA, reports indicate. He never recorded a catch during the season at the new position.

The release was the second of the week after David Gordon declared he would transfer from the program. The Tulsa, Okla., native made 11 total tackles for Arkansas last year while playing 10 games, three of which were starts for the freshman.

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