Dave Van Horn and his band of studs put on a clinic this past weekend at the NCAA Regional held in Fayettenam, much to the chagrin of Creighton University and N. Dakota St. (the Jayhawks of Kansas were also invited but lost twice and were eliminated from the party before having to face mighty Arkansas). It was simply the best and most complete weekend of hardball the Razorbacks have displayed, since they swept the Texas Longhorns at Baum Walker Stadium last month.
The Hogs dominated every statistic necessary to degradingly dismantle the opposition – from pitching to hitting to base running to fielding – they handed out thorough beatdowns to the Bisons and Blue Jays up and down the box scores with the utmost of ease, style, grace and impunity, as stunning springtime evening skies in the Ozarks unfolded in the background, setting the scene for the utmost in picturesque Razorback dominance.
Here are some of the lofty stats from the three games – 26 runs scored, 31 hits, 10 taters, 19 BBs, four stolen bases; all those pair quite nicely with the stingy pitching that nine Hog hurlers served up that resulted in a paltry – five earned runs,16 hits and two HRs, while ringing up 41 Ks and issuing a mere seven BBs. Essentially, an utter mastery of their craft was on full display in front of the rowdy home crowd, and this squad should continue to compete at this elite level for the duration of the College World Series, culminating in Omaha, where the state-line sign reads simply – Home of the Good Life.
Without a doubt, these three dubs were team wins, through and through. In Game 2 every Razorback batter reached base enroute to a 12-1 rout over Creighton, as the impressive arsenal of arms continued its run of unhittable nastiness. But if I had to come up with one MVP, my hat’s off to the Hog receiver, who earns a few votes based solely on his name – Ryder Helfrick.
He sounds like a dangerous cat, and believe you me, he is. He launched three big flies and threw out the only two baserunners brave enough to attempt to steal a base, in addition to bunting for a base hit and promptly stealing second base. Meanwhile, Major League scouts are salivating over the sophomore from Discovery Bay, Calif., and his total package of skills, predicting he will be the first catcher selected in the MLB draft, whenever he decides to leave college for the greener pa$tures of pro ball. Big league teams agree that his athleticism and bat speed are otherworldly, and at 20 years young, the lad’s stock and game will only improve with time and age.
These three dubs were not only timely and beautiful in nature, considering the Hogs really never trailed in any of the matchups, but also just what the doctor ordered to kick off the postseason. Pundits have spoken about this Razorback team in revered tones all year long, and it certainly appears that they are now rounding into their finest form of the season.
I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to honor the eldest Aloy on the Arkansas roster, Wehiwa, as he was named SEC POTY a few weeks ago and is only the second Hog, behind the great Andrew Benintendi, to procure the award. Kudos, thanks for choosing to come to Arkansas to play for coach Van Horn and also convincing little brah, Kuhio, to do the same. You guys have brought tons of island riz and clout to the line up, and it is much appreciated.
Arkansas welcomes the Tennessee Volunteers to town for a three-game, Super Regional series, beginning on Saturday at 4 with the winner advancing to the eight-team field at the CWS.
Finally, on Sunday, Scottie Schefler polished off the second of his back-to-back victories on the PGA tour – with a win at Jack Nicklaus’ prestigious event – The Memorial – held at Muirfield CC, located in a town of the same name in Ohio.
With the U. S. Open right around the corner at fabled Oakmont CC, guess who is the odds-on favorite to bring home his first national title? Yeah, you guessed it. At this rate, Scheffler is rapidly approaching the rarified air of the Tiger Zone. Only time will tell…
Enough about golf. Now, let’s go score some runs!