Posts Tagged ‘Razorbacks’

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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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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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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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Bolsinger picks up SEC Pitcher of the Week award

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

By Harold McIlvain II

Arkansas senior pitcher Mike Bolsinger could have had his best performance during a 7-0 series clinching win over Ole Miss on Sunday. And in addition to picking up the win, the McKinney, Texas, native later added the Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Week award.

He pitched a career-high eight shutout innings against the Rebels while striking out 11 and allowing just two hits during the critical game that secured a one game lead in the Western Division for the No. 12 Razorbacks (37-11).

Bolsinger was making his first start since April 4 when he lasted just 2.1 innings while allowing seven earned runs against Kentucky in a 12-8 loss. The senior started the year as the top starter for Arkansas but was moved to the bullpen after the performance against the Wildcats.

The right-hander was used primarily as a reliever last year, making 30 appearances while allowing opponents to only hit .201 against him in 69.1 innings.

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2 Razorbacks arrested on drug charge

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

FAYETTEVILLE —Arkansas defensive backs David Gordon and Hunter Miller were arrested Monday night on a charge of possession of a controlled substance by University of Arkansas police.

During a welfare check of two subjects in a vehicle, a UA police officer detected the odor burned marijuana, according to the UA police arrest report. When the officer opened the door a cloud of smoke escaped the vehicle, and an officer saw a plastic baggie containing a leafy substance.

Gordon, a scholarship player from Tulsa who started in three games and played in 10, was initially reported to be David Lopez. Gordon was injured and did not participate in spring practices. Miller is a walkon defensive back.

Both players were released on bond after being booked into the Washington County Detention Center at 8:05 p.m.

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Red-White Game Recap Part 2: Running Backs

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

4550483519_34c79d6a24Photo by Ross Brown: Arkansas running back Dennis Johnson.

FAYETTEVILLE — Going into Arkansas’ spring scrimmage, Arkansas’ coaching staff felt like it had a strong, deep and versatile stable of running backs, and nothing happened on the field that should change that feeling.

Each of the Hogs top four running backs had their moments in the contest that saw the White team score the game’s final 17 points to post a 31-21 victory.

Ronnie Wingo Jr. led in carries with 18 and total yards with 88, but Knile Davis, Broderick Green and Dennis Johnson each average more yards per carry than Wingo’s solid 4.9 average. Davis carried 6 times for 49 yards for an 8.2 ypc. average, while Green had 8 carries for 53 yards for a 6.6 ypc. average and Dennis Johnson had 6 carries for 38 yards for a 6.3 ypc average.

The only truly disappointing aspect of the backs play was the fumbles by Wingo and Davis. Davis actually suffered a broken collar bone on his fumble. He had surgery Sunday. It is expected to take about month for him to recover.

Wingo reeled off the longest run with a 37 yard scamper. He hit the holes hard and seems to have gotten over his habit of trying to dance around in the backfield that tripped him up at times as a freshman. He also caught two passes for 28 yards, one that went for a 31-yard touchdown.

Green seemed to pick where he left off last season. He is a punishing runner that doesn’t mind pounding defenses with is 5-, 245-pound frame.

Johnson is as nimble and tough as ever. He seems to have the best vision and cut-back ability of the group, and he also has nifty hands. He caught two passes for 42 yards with one going for a 38-yard gain.

Like Johnson, Davis has a nose for the hole and has a good combination of speed and strength. His only issue is his proclivity to be injured. This is the second spring that he has been hurt. But Davis did go through all of the 2009 season without being hurt.

The only real issue is that while all four backs had productive springs, none of them truly separated themselves from the pack from my point of view. Johnson did show a great amount of leadership and earned compliments from the coaching staff for doing so. But there is no clear No. 1 from my view, though any of the four would seem to be an improvement over last season when injuries kept Michael Smith from being all he could be as a senior.

Wingo and Davis also had fumbles.

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Red-White Game Recap Part 1: Quarterbacks

Monday, April 26th, 2010
Ross Brown Photo — White quarterback Nick Petrino rears back to pass in Arkansas' spring football game. The Whites won the contest 31-21 on April 24 at Razorbacks Stadium.

Ross Brown Photo — White quarterback Nick Petrino rears back to pass in Arkansas' spring football game. The Whites won the contest 31-21 on April 24 at Razorbacks Stadium.

FAYETTEVILLE — The Arkansas Razorbacks’ Red-White scrimmage last Saturday turned turned out to be a showcase for the Razorbacks’ quarterbacks even though starter and potential Heisman Trophy candidate Ryan Mallett watched from the sidelines as he did all spring.

Mallett foot is expected to be healed by at least mid June and barring another injury he not only is the unquestioned starter under center but also the team’s leader. But, that does not mean his understudies can’t play the game.

Tyler Wilson, Brandon Mitchell, Jacoby Walker and Nick Petrino all acquitted themselves well in the Red-White contest, which the White squad won 31-21.

Wilson, a sophomore, completed 8 of 15 throws for 133 yards and a touchdown, while red-shirt freshman Brandon Mitchell completed 2 of 5 passes for 80 yards, walk-on Petrino was 9 of 17 for 63 yards and true freshman Jacoby Walker was 6 of 11 for 183 yards and two touchdowns.

Behind Mallett, Wilson is the quarterback who is the most ready to play. He has a deeper understanding of the offense, the most accurate arm of the four and the team’s trust. But Mitchell progressed a great deal in the spring and his size (6-3, 230) and natural athletic ability adds a dimension to the offense that neither Mallett nor Wilson can match.

That was evident when he turned a bit of busted play into an 88-yard touchdown. Now, understand, a third-team safety was suckered in on a fake and that allowed Mitchell to go the distance on the run. Things won’t be that easy in SEC play, but Mitchell is an intriguing athlete who is learning how to be a complete quarterback.

The same can be said for Walker, who gave up the second semester of his high school senior year to join the Razorbacks. While Wilson and Mitchell’s play may have suffered a bit by splitting up the teams, Walker’s actually benefited. Walker predominately practiced with the third team in the spring, but got to work with a combination of first- and second-team linemen in the scrimmage and it made a difference. With time to throw, he has a nice arm and like Mitchell has the wheels to make something happen when a play breaks down.

At 5-10, Petrino is a bit small for a SEC quarterback, but his understanding and execution of the offense is nearly on par with Wilson’s. He could play in a pinch, and it would not hinder Arkansas’ play calling at all. That’s saying a lot for a guy who will occupy the fourth spot on the Hogs’ quarterback depth chart behind Mallett, Wilson and Mitchell next fall. In fact, he is ahead of Mitchell in understanding of the offense and execution.

Arkansas’ playable depth at quarterback is a testament to the work done by head coach Bobby Petrino and offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Garrick McGee.

McGee said last week that Arkansas’ program is about developing quarterbacks, and that is evident from watching practice and watching practice and watching the quarterbacks perform.

I would venture to say there is not a program in America that has better coached quarterbacks. That is the reputation Petrino had first as an assistant and later as a head coach. It is that reputation that brought McGee to his coaching staff.

Look out for McGee, too. He will make a fine head coach for a program some day, and it might be soon. A break-out season for the Hogs this year might just do the trick for the Hogs’ impressive offensive coordinator.

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