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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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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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A trip around the SEC…

Friday, May 7th, 2010

Taking a look at the latest SEC updates …

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Red-White Recap: Defense

Sunday, May 2nd, 2010

FAYETTEVILLE — Until the Arkansas Razorbacks prove their defense can be effective in SEC play, it will be questioned and it will be considered a weakness by most college football pundits and prognosticators. That’s the price the program pays for having one of the SEC’s most porous if not the most porous defense the past two seasons.

But what commentators — particularly ones who aren’t on hand covering the team — believe about a team going into a season doesn’t have to end up being true.

And after watching the Hogs’ spring practice, I believe the Hogs are going to be considerably better on defense this fall than they have been the past two seasons. The Razorbacks were better at the start of spring than they were a year ago, and all they did was improve over the course of 15 practices.

Arkansas’ Red-White scrimmage was a hard-hitting affair, and even without blitzes, the defense held its own against a talent array of offensive performers. The Hogs played faster, hit harder and were more sure of themselves than at any point in the Bobby Petrino era.

Granted that’s not saying a lot, but it is improvement. The Razorbacks are two deep with players who have SEC experience. That’s an advantage the Razorbacks have earned the last two seasons when Petrino and defensive coordinator Willy Robinson had to thrust players into the fray before they were ready. But that experience should pay dividends this season.

Now, with all that said, don’t expect the Razorbacks to be a dominating defense in SEC play. Arkansas does not have the athletic talent to be a dominating defense in the SEC. They don’t have the overall size for that although the Hogs should be a fairly fast defense, but no faster than the larger defenses Alabama. Florida and LSU will deploy.

But, Petrino does not specialize in coaching teams to win 13-10. He’s planning on his Razorbacks’ offense to average scoring two touchdowns a quarter.

I guess the big question is whether or not the Hogs’ defense is good enough to allow the team to challenge the likes of Alabama. Florid and LSU for an SEC championship.

Considering Arkansas’ favorable schedule, it’s possible, but if I were handicapping teams, I would still have to give Alabama, Florida and LSU the nod over Arkansas because their overall defensive talent is better. But Arkansas is closing the gap, and the Hogs’ offense, which was the most explosive in the SEC last season, might be enough to push them to the SEC Championship Game if things fall into place.

Honestly, I doubt Petrino is sweating his defense after the spring. It made progress and even more progress can be made from now until August and from August until the season opener.

But Petrino does have a problem that has to be fixed with place-kicking and punting. If those weakness aren’t corrected or improved to a great degree, the Hogs will not win a SEC Championship. In fact, if the Hogs place-kicking and punting does not improve, they will be susceptible to losing to any SEC team on their docket.

A team can only dodge so many bullets in a season when its kicking game is mediocre to poor, and one SEC loss could take the Hogs out of contention for a Western Division title this season.

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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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Red-White Recap Part 5: Receivers

Friday, April 30th, 2010

FAYETEVILLE — It’s not secret that the Arkansas Razorbacks are well stocked at the receiver position. In fact, when all is said and done for the upcoming football season, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Hogs’ receiving corps doesn’t turn out to be the best the SEC has to offer.

But it seemed to be a fairly uneventful spring at the position, which in a way was good. No one receiver truly stood out, but none regressed either as new receivers coach Kris Cinkovich took over the reins from Paul Petrino.

Jarius Wright seemed to have the most consistent spring and probably not coincidentally he had the best night in the Hogs spring game, catching seven passes for 118 yards for the White squad.

Fellow junior Greg Childs also had a good spring, and he truly stands out physically at 6-3, 215 pounds. He is a proven deep threat and it showed in the Hogs’ April 24 Red-White game when he hauled in a 69-yard pass from Tyler Wilson.

Joe Adams missed nearly a week of spring work for an undisclosed reason, but on the days he was in practice, he usually made and eye-popping catch. Sophomores Cobi Hamilton and Lance Ray both have excellent size and speed that give the Hogs two more players with game-breaking potential.

All that being said there is room for a freshman or two to earn playing time at the spot since Bobby Petrino likes to platoon his receivers and often uses three at a time.

Hamilton, who had one catch for a 44-yard touchdown in the Red-White game, posted today on his Facebook page that he had surgery to repair a broken thumb. The UA has yet to confirm the injury, but one would believe with three full months until preseason camp, he should be recovered.

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