Posts Tagged ‘baseball’

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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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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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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Diamond Hogs bring drama to Little Rock

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

By Harold McIlvain II

FAYETTEVILLE – It might have been 24 years since the Razorback baseball team played in central Arkansas, but the game might have been well worth the wait for fans from the area.

Junior first baseman Andy Wilkins used a walk-off single to give the No. 12 Razorbacks a 5-4 come-from-behind win in the 10th inning over Louisiana Tech at Dickey-Stephens Park in what should be considered a positive night for the program.

In front of a sold-out crowd and ballpark record of 9,426 fans, Arkansas baseball returned to Little Rock for the first time since 1986 when the Razorbacks beat Memphis in the 10th inning. The excitement and buzz that was created down in the area displayed how much Razorback sports means to the region—and how much the Diamond Hogs were missed.

The central region of the state has always been important to the Arkansas program, and it shows with football still playing two games a year in Little Rock while basketball schedules a game every season.

Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn said the Razorbacks (37-11) were excited to play a game in Arkansas outside of Fayetteville and to get an opportunity to play in a pro ballpark.

But with the popularity and the attention that the Louisiana Tech game was able to draw, it won’t be the last time. The Razorbacks hope to plan a game there every year and already have a game worked out with Memphis which will be played at Dickey-Stephens Park.

The game was able to attract fans who usually might not be able to see the Diamond Hogs play, including recruits who didn’t have to drive extra miles to get an opportunity to watch the Razorbacks play.

“It seemed like a good fit because we are recruiting kids from all around down south,” Van Horn said. “A lot of the kids I know are going to the game. It’s a chance for their parents to get to a game and be around the Razorbacks in spirit. They can get an idea of how strong our fan base is.”

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Inside the series: Razorbacks take care of Rebels

Sunday, May 9th, 2010

By Harold McIlvain II

There was no question how big this series was for the No. 14 Arkansas Razorback baseball team (37-11, 16-8 SEC) against No. 11 Ole Miss (34-15, 15-9 SEC) with the two tied atop the Western Division standings. Arkansas was coming off two SEC series losses while Ole Miss had won seven straight conference games. But the Razorbacks pulled away with two of the three games and now lead the West by a game.

Below are some notes and newsworthy items that happened over the weekend for the Diamond Hogs:

Rotation help is on the way: Van Horn has admitted that constant success from Saturday and Sunday starters has been an issue for the team recently. The Razorbacks have yet to have the same rotation in an SEC series this year, starting five different combination of pitchers.

But senior Mike Bolsinger stepped up for the Razorbacks and pitched a gem Sunday during the 7-0 win to clinch the series. The McKinney, Texas, native and former ace pitched eight scoreless innings while striking out 11 and allowing only two hits.

And senior TJ Forest, who started 11 games last year, pitched 4.1 innings of scoreless relief Saturday after DJ Baxendale was pulled in the second inning and allowed three earned runs. With the performance, Forest could be in the mix for a conference start perhaps.

Wilkins breaks out of slump: The Broken Arrow, Okla., native showed Sunday that he could still hit, as he led the Razorbacks at the plate going 3-for-4 with two runs, a home run and three RBIs. Entering the day hitless in the series, the junior hasn’t found much success at the plate recently, as he was 4-for-31 in the last three conference series and dropped his average to below .260. With a long ball today, Wilkins now has the fourth most home runs in program history with 40.

Kuhn continues to get hit…again: The Razorback lead-off man has taken a couple pitches for the team this year at a record pass. The outfielder was hit by a pitch Sunday for the 23rd time this year, which is now a school record.

New closer shows promise in role: With Baxendale in the rotation this weekend, junior Jordan Pratt was moved to the closer role and picked up a save Friday night while striking out four in 1.2 scoreless innings. Pratt came back Sunday to pitch the ninth, lowering his ERA to 3.40 and now has 39 strike outs in 29.1 innings this season.

Cox is still really, really good: It wasn’t a surprise to see Cox to keep producing this weekend at the plate. The sophomore third baseman finished 3-for-3 on Friday with two runs scored, including hits off one of the best pitchers in the nation in Drew Pomeranz. He then went 2-for-4 with a run, home run and RBI during the Saturday loss before not getting a hit Sunday, which was the second time for that to happen all season.

Friday Night not a problem: Arkansas picked up another win to start the conference series. But it isn’t a surprise despite playing a talented Ole Miss team. The Razorbacks have won 11 of 12 Friday night games this year, only dropping a 12-8 game against Kentucky when Bolsinger pitched his last Friday night start, allowing seven earned in 2.1 innings. Starter Drew Smyly took over the ace role since then and has picked up six straight wins.

Tom still terrific: It might not have been a walk-off hit, but the home run by Tom Hauskey during the ninth inning of a 3-2 Saturday loss just goes to show how clutch the Springdale, Ark., native has been this year when given an opportunity. The senior has already produced with two game winning hits this season for the Razorbacks.

What’s next: The Diamond Hogs will travel to North Little Rock, Ark., to take on Louisiana Tech this Tuesday. With a 9-3 loss on Sunday to Kentucky, No. 6 South Carolina dropped the series and will be the next opponent for Arkansas at home next weekend. The Razorbacks are now one game back of the overall SEC lead.

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Hogs don’t need to test the scales too often

Saturday, May 1st, 2010

FAYETTEVILLE — When Tom Hauskey stepped up to the plate with two outs and Arkansas trailing by a run with Andy Wilkins and Brett Eibner in scoring position in the bottom of the ninth, the same question ran through every Hog fans’ mind in attendance: Can he do it again?

Twice earlier in the season in one-run victories over New Mexico and Alabama, Hauskey stared down the pressure and came through for his teammates with game-winning hits. Asking the walk-on from Springdale to do it again, proved to be to much.

Hauskey struck out on a check swing and Auburn defeated the Razorbacks 8-7 thanks to an eight-run fifth inning when the Tigers tallied four home runs.

The Razorbacks can’t complain, though. The Hogs have counted on the big inning all season to carry them to the top of the SEC West. The Razorbacks retained their lead in the West Saturday, but lost a chance to move a half game ahead of South Carolina, which lost to Alabama.

The Razorbacks, who have lost three of their last five games, are a fine baseball team, one that no team would look forward to running into in the postseason, but they aren’t invulnerable. And they don’t always fall over bad calls like they did last Sunday at Florida.

Auburn outslugged the Hogs and earned the victory Saturday, and if the Hogs don’t respond with their best effort of the weekend, the Razorbacks might find themselves on the wrong end of the stick again in Sunday’s 1:05 p.m. matchup. The Hogs have played many games close to the edge this season and won the majority of them. Some, like today’s, will get away. Arkansas just need to make sure they aren’t playing by the law of averages because the scales could begin to even out.

The Razorbacks do have the advantage of throwing Eibner on Sunday. He is one of the SEC’s most dynamic players, and he has come through for the Hogs on the mound and at the plate very consistently all season. Given the circumstances, the ball probably couldn’t be in a better player’s hand. But even the most clutch player aren’t going to find success in every outing. The game is weighted against them.

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Van Horn’s Hogs keep things interesting

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

FAYETTEVILLE — While Hog fans are anticipating what should be a very exciting football season and possibly dreading what will be the 2010-11 basketball season, Dave Van Horn’s No. 7 Razorbacks baseball team continues to craft what could be an outstanding season.

It’s already been pretty good.

The Hogs are 34-8 after Tuesday’s 5-4 gut-check victory over Missouri State. They lead the SEC West by two games at 13-5and are just one game back of South Carolina, the SEC’s overall and Eastern Division leader at 14-4 in SEC play and 32-8 overall.

The Razorbacks are a shoo-in to host a Regional — season ticket holders go their order forms this week — and if they finish SEC play as strong as they have performed up until now, they will be in the hunt to be a national seed to the NCAA Tournament,which would give them right to host a Super Regional if they make it that far.

While there is a long way to go, this Razorback squad is stacking up to be one of the best if not the best in the Dave Van Horn era. It has just the right combination of power and consistency at the plate and pitching and fielding on defense.

No matter how you size the Hogs up or with whom you match them, they will be a hard out of tournament play. Yes, the Razorbacks have lost two key road series at LSU and Florida, but each and everyone of those games were close, and could have been victories had a play or two or a call at the gone their way.

There have been Razorbacks teams in the past that would have wilted after such setbacks, but this Hog baseball team keeps plugging away. There is a quiet confidence about them that doesn’t let them get shook up. They know they are good and they don’t let a loss or an atrocious anticipated call knock them off their stride.

That’s a great quality to have in a sport like baseball in which no one game or no one performance during the regular season can make or break a team.

This Razorback team, too, is mature enough to not get caught up in the trivialities of the game. A 5-4 victory over a squad like Missouri State could worry a less confident team coming off back-to-back losses to Florida.

It might make another team tighten up for a pivotal series like the one the Razorbacks have with Auburn (28-14, 10-8 SEC) this weekend. But don’t expect that to be the case when the Tigers invade Baum Stadium. The Hogs fully understand midweek games this late in the season are just meant to be survived. It’s a good opportunity to work the bullpen and avoid a day of practice.

In the end, whether the Hogs run a midweek opponent out of the stadium or clip them by a single run, a victory is still a victory. The main thing is to stay healthy for the weekend.

The Hogs accomplished that Tuesday night with no muss and very little fuss.

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Hogs play two-game series with McNeese State Tuesday, Wednesday

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

FAYETTEVILLE —Dave Van Horn’s Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team is spending its spring break on the road. Instead of returning home after their weekend series at LSU, the Hogs rode a bus to Lake Charles, La., where they face McNeese State in a two-game series. Both Tuesday and Wednesday’s games begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be carried on the Arkansas Baseball Radio Network.

The Hogs (15-5, 1-2 SEC) return to SEC play Friday when they host Alabama for a three-game series. Friday’s game is set for 6:35 p.m., Saturday’s is at 2:05 p.m. and Sunday’s at 1:05 p.m. Cox ports will televise Friday and Sunday’s games. The Crimson Tide (16-2, 2-1 SEC) swept the Razorbacks 3-0 last year and lead the all-time series 38-21.

Brett Eibner is off to a strong start for the Razorback on the mound and at the plate.The 6-4 junior from Houston. Eibner his three of his five home runs against LSU. He is second on the team in home runs, and he has the Hogs’ second-best ERA at 2.18, despit absorbing the loss Sunday at LSU.

Mike Bolsinger pitched seven innings last Friday against LSU and picked up the victory in his longest SEC performance. Bolsinger is now 3-0 on the season and has retired 15 of the last 18 hitters to whom he pitched.

Zack Cox will also look to extend his 18-game hitting streak against the Cowboys.

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