‘I’m just knocking around the zoo on a Thursday afternoon
There’s bars on all the windows and they’re counting up the spoons.
If I’m feelin edgy, there’s a nurse who’s paid to be my slave,
She’ll hit me with a needle, if she thinks I’m tryin’ to misbehave.” James Taylor
The Razorbacks bowed outta the NCAA CWS, by unexpectedly losing to Kansas St. and SEMO at home over the weekend. The two neighboring-state schools came into the friendly confines of Baum Walker Stadium with zero business of competing with the Hogs, much less conquering them. But those two teams refused to blink when it mattered most and sent the host team packing early from their own party.
The Razorbacks kicked things off on Thursday with a 17-9 drumming of SEMO. Hudson White, Wehiwa Aloy, Kendall Diggs and Ben McLaughlin all homered for the Hogs and led a balanced attack in the eight-run victory over the RedHawks. The multi-homer rout seemed to be a perfect remedy to help the Razorbacks snap outta the offensive funk they’ve been bogged down in most of this season and rally behind their ace, H. Smith, the next day.
But once again, the hits came sporadically at best, as Arkansas continued to strand ridiculous numbers of runners on base and in scoring position. There were ample opportunities to generate plenty of offense in both games – but no can do.
Instead of mixing in some small ball stuff – like a hit and run here or a sacrifice bunt there, anything to advance runners into scoring position – these Hogs kept right on, swinging mightily for the fences.
Pitching wins championships, but only if you can outscore your opponent. Arkansas continually failed to do so down the stretch and consequently, were left holding the bag. My dad was worried about the lack of hitting all year, while I wrongly presumed it wasn’t that bad and definitely would come around by the SEC Tournament to help carry us through the CWS.
Guess father still knows best.
And I thought that no basketball postseason was rough. The baseball team not advancing beyond the 1st round is an unexpected heartbreaker that will weigh heavier as the warmer daze roll on. Everyone had such high hopes, including DVH. As always, he held his cards tightly against his chest and gave away zero tells. No doubt he had been licking his chops, pondering the vast potential of this team and perhaps even had visions of a Natty dance in his head on occasion. He figured with all these arms available, he could simply dial up a win whenever, but as the year wore on that seemingly-once-unbeatable formula began to disintegrate.
In the end, the only guarantee was H. Smith would dominate, but even he struggled in his last outing as a Hog. To make matters worse, the team lost his last coupla starts for the first time all year. Still, nothing can detract from his unbelievable season, and he deserves all the accolades and $$$$ will come his way. Next stop – The Major Leagues
My faith in this team held out until the final pitch on Saturday but was quickly followed by dismay, bewilderment and frustration.
Man, what a drag.
This seemed like the year DVH might pull it all together and finally bring home the grand prize. It really did. What a shame H. Smith has thrown his final pitch as a Razorback. And what a shame the team lost his last outing to Southeast Missouri State.
Tragic.
Here’s to what coulda been …
Enjoy these three months away from Razorback athletics, but please be prepared to return, fully charged, the first week in September for football season.
WPS!