Live Blog: Arkansas and Cal State Fullerton at College World Series

By Harold McIlvain II

Keep refreshing for live updates from the first game in Omaha, Neb., between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Cal State Fullerton Titans in the College World Series.

11:50 a.m. Pregame:  It’s a huge day in Razorback nation. Arkansas will throw Dallas Keuchel (7-3, 4.04 ERA) while Cal State Fullerton will counter with Noe Ramirez (10-1, 2.86 ERA). The game will be televised on ESPN at 1 p.m. CST.

First inning 1:18 p.m.:  The players are on the field and the first batter is up for Arkansas. The College World Series has officially started. Arkansas starts the game with a walk by Chase Leavitt. A slight breeze knocks down a ball hit to center, but it deep enough to score a runner, 1-0 Arkansas.

1:22 p.m.:  After working a full count, Ben Tschepikow comes through with a hit that moves Leavitt to second with no outs. A bunt by Scott Lyons moves the runners over a base now with Andy Wilkins up. A Zach Cox single clears the bases with two down, 2-0 Arkansas. A routine fly to right is caught to end the inning.

1:29 p.m.:  Two quick ground outs for Arkansas in the bottom half inning. Another grounder gets Keuchel out of the inning with less than 10 pitches thrown. Through an inning, Arkansas leads 2-0.

Second inning 1:41 p.m.:  After working a full count, Brett Eibner watched a third strike for the first out in the inning. Catcher James McCann powers a ball, but it is caught on the run. Andrew Darr has a ball run inside and hit him in the hands, putting a runner on with two outs. Leavitt strikes out to end the inning.

1:50 p.m.:  After getting an out, Cal State Fullerton gets a bloop hit to fall in right field. A stolen base moves the runner over. But a pop up to second base leads to two outs. A strike out ends the inning for the Titans. Through two, Arkansas 2, Cal State Fullerton 0.

Third inning 2:22 p.m.:  Another base runner is on for Arkansas to start the inning as Tschepikow hits a single. A fly to center results in the first out. A strike out of Wilkins nets two outs. A deep fly to right lands several rows into the stands for a Cox home run, 4-0 Arkansas. Bo Bigham ends the inning with a ground out.

2:10 p.m.:  A walk gets a runner on to start the inning for Cal State. A grounder is turned to get the lead runner by Bo Bigham, who had to dive away from the bag and throw the runner out. With runners on first and second, Cal State pulls a double steal to move runner up 90 feet. A fly to right then advances the runners and scores the first run of the game for Cal State, 4-1 Arkansas.

2:17 p.m.:  A clean ball hit to first but Wilkins can’t make the play, scoring another running, 4-2 Arkansas. A pick off move gets the Hogs out of the inning. Through three innings, Arkansas 4, Cal State 2.

Fourth inning 2:35 p.m.:  With a runner on first and one out, Darr walks to put another runner on base. There is action in the Cal State bullpen. Leavitt skys one to left for out number two. Ramirez is done for the day as Cal State brings in a new pitcher. Lyons gets a big hit that scores two more Razorbacks, 6-2 Arkansas. Wilkins hits a blast to right for a three-run home run. Arkansas now leads 9-2 with two outs. A ground out ends the inning.

2:40 p.m.:  With an even bigger lead, Keuchel is throwing more strikes and gets a quick out to start the inning. Another quick inning for Arkansas. After four innings, Arkansas leads 9-2.

Fifth inning 2:52 p.m.:  A strike out starts the inning for Cal State Fullerton. A 3-0 cut from Eibner lands in center field for a single. A fly to center gets the second out in the inning. Eibner moves to second with a Darr single. A pick off move to second sails into center field. But the throw doesn’t hurt the team as they get out of the inning.

2:58 p.m.:  The Titans get the first two runners on with no outs to start things down seven. A single over the head of the third baseman scores a runner, 9-3 Arkansas. After moving the runners over with a bunt, a fly to center scores another, 9-4 Arkansas. But the Hogs get out of the inning with a fly to right. After five innings, Arkansas leads 9-4.

Sixth inning 3:07 p.m.: A pop up in foul territory gets Tschepikow out to start the inning. Lyons grounds out for the second out. But the next batter walks to get a runner on for Cox, who grounds out for the third out.

3:18 p.m.:  A fly out in foul ground records another out for Keuchel, who has pitched very, very well today. Tschepikow makes a great backhand grab and throw to get the second out. A strike out ends the inning for Keuchel. After six full innings, Arkansas leads 9-4.

Seventh inning 3:37 p.m.:  Nothing doing for either team in the seventh. With Bolsinger on the mound, Arkansas gets three straight batters. After seven, Arkansas leads 9-4.

Eighth inning 3:43 p.m.:  Levitt bunts his way on with a single with one down. Tschepikow is on again with another hit for Arkansas, moving the runner to second base with one down. After another runner reaches, Cal State goes to the bullpen for the third time today. But Wilkins takes the first pitch for his fifth RBI in the game, 10-4 Arkansas. Cox strikes out to end the inning.

3:58 p.m.:  A single gets past a diving third baseman for a lead off hit. After the runner moved up after a high throw from McCann, a Titian walks with Stephen Richards working in the bullpen for Arkansas. A single loads the bases with no outs. But Bolsinger blows a fastball past a hitter for a strike out. The Titans get one run, but that’s all they get. After eight full innings, Arkansas leads 10-5.

Ninth inning 4:13 p.m.:  With a 3-2 swing, Bigham starts the last inning with a single. After getting a ground out, Cal State Fullerton turned two to end the inning with an opperunity for one last chance to make up five runs.

4:19 p.m.:  With Bolsinger still on the mound, Arkansas gets two straight outs. But a double  and single scores another run and extends the game. But the Razorbacks get the final out to finish with a 10-6 victory over Cal State Fullerton. Arkansas will play again on Monday in the College World Series. Check back to see coverage of the Razorbacks while in Omaha, Neb.

Rotation could carry Diamond Hogs

Rosenblatt Stadium has seen its fair share of outstanding pitching performances. Could a Razorback add to the resume?

By Harold McIlvain II

It was the offense of the Arkansas Razorbacks that led them to a College World Series birth for the first time since 2004.

But it could be the pitching that is the difference for the Razorbacks when they start play Saturday in Omaha, Neb., against No. 2 Cal State Fullerton at 1 p.m. CST.

After averaging over 10 runs a game, the Razorback pitching staff just had to keep it close to secure wins for the team.

However, the Arkansas staff did much more than that.

Junior Dallas Keuchel, who was drafted in the seventh round by the Houston Astros, has been the staff ace all year and has been recording scoreless innings despite not striking out many hitters.

During his last two postseason starts, Keuchel has struck out only one batter in 11 innings of work.

But he also has allowed only four earned runs.

Sophomore Brett Eibner hasn’t been lights out since regional play started by allowing 10 earned runs over two starts. However, the talented righty can turn things around quickly.

After losing a rotation spot earlier in the year, Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn didn’t know who would get the ball Sunday during a Sunday against Georgia.

Eibner started the game. And he finished it, too, as he pitched a complete game, one hitter while striking out 12.

Even if the struggles continue, Arkansas has plenty of arms in the bullpen that are coming off season-best performances.

T.J. Forrest pitched his way out of a rotation spot earlier in the year after usually taking the ball every Saturday.

But turned things around during the Super Regional clincher against Florida State when he pitched 2.2 perfect innings.

And after getting a near no-hitter from redshirt freshman Drew Smly during the Norman Regional, Arkansas hasn’t had to use what Van Horn is calling his big game pitcher.

Adding in the arms of closer Stephen Richards and Mike Bolsinger, the Arkansas pitching staff could be peaking at the right time for a College World Series run.

Note:  Make sure to check out our live blog during the game Saturday at the main paige between Arkansas and Cal State, who will be playing the first game of the College World Series.

MLB Draft: Hogs represent during day two

It took the second day to get a Razorback drafted, but several Razorbacks were taken.

By Harold McIlvain II

It was quiet day for the Arkansas Razorback baseball team during the MLB First-Year Player Draft.

But it didn’t take too long for a Razorback name to come off the board.

Staff ace Dallas Keuchel, a junior, will lead the team atop the rotation against Cal. State Fullerton Saturday at 1 p.m. CST in the College World Series, but he also was the first taken in the 2009 draft when he was selected in the seventh round (No. 221 overall) by the Houston Astros.

“This has been an amazing experience,” Keuchel said to the Arkansas Razorback official Web site.  “Houston is a good organization, and I am happy to be with them.  It is close to home so that is a bonus.”

Keuchel (7-3) posted a 4.04 ERA while striking out 62 and walking 28 this year.

Junior Stephen Richards went one road later in the eighth (No. 248) to the Florida Marlins.

“This is lifetime dream fulfilled” Richards said. “I just want to thank my family who has supported me throughout my baseball career.”

He posted a 1.82 ERA in 34.2 innings while striking out 50. He picked up nine saves for Arkansas this year.

It looks like senior infielders Scott Lyons and Ben Tschepikow could be teammates again next year as both were taken by the Kansas City Royals.

“I am obviously excited,” Lyons said.  “But I was more excited to see that Ben was drafted by the same team.  That surprised me a little, but hopefully we can continue our careers for years to come.”

Lyons was selected in the 15th round while Tschepikow went in the 17th round.

But those were not the only names from Arkansas that were taken.

Jake Sullivan and Adam Champion, who both played for the University of Arkansas-Little Rock baseball team, were taken 679 and 687 overall, respectievely.

Live Blog: Arkansas at Florida State Super Regional baseball

After a day of over six hours of weather delays, the Arkansas Razorbacks and Florida State Seminoles should enjoy a delay free game.

by Harold McIlvain II

Keep refreshing for live updates from the second game of a three game series in Tallahassee, Fla., between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Florida State Seminoles. The Razorbacks are one win away from punching a ticket to the College World Series.

Pregame  10:44 a.m.:  Florida State will throw lefty freshman Brian Busch (6-2) while Arkansas will counter with sophomore Brett Eibner (5-4).

First inning 11:09 a.m.:  A strike out with a sharp curve from Eibner to start the game. A low fast ball gets another Seminole for a strike out. Eibner clearly has his breaking ball as he is throwing it for a strike. A third strike is called looking for a three pitch strike out. Nothing doing for Florida State.

11:16 a.m.:  Arkansas outfielder Chase Leavitt takes a first pitch for a double to start the inning. A swing and a miss at a ball in the dirt retires Ben Tschepikow. Florida State use a 4-6-3 double play to get out of the inning. After one, Florida State 0, Arkansas 0.

Second inning 11:23 a.m.:  A deep fly can’t quite make it to the short fences in right field for out number one. A bloop single gets Florida State its first hit with one out. The Razorbacks use a double play of their own to end the inning.

11:32 a.m.:  A single is lined hard to right field, but Florida State makes the play to start the inning. A breaking ball is lined into center field, bringing up Arkansas freshman Zach Cox. A strike out brings up Andrew Darr with two outs. A first pitch fast ball is hit the other way for a single, putting runners on first and second. A booted ball loads the bases for Arkansas. A line drive to the left side of the infield ends the inning. After two, Florida State 0, Arkansas 0.

Third inning 11:40 a.m.:  A slow roller to second base is the first out of the inning for Florida State. A grounder to short stop is the second out for Eibner, who is throwing some heat by touching 92 m.p.h in the last at bat. After falling behind 3-0, Eibner gets a swing and a miss on a breaking ball to end the side.

11:50 a.m.:  Leavitt took the ball the other way but it is caught in left field for the first out of the inning. A grounder to the mound retires another. A swing and a miss ends the inning in order. Through three, Florida State 0, Arkansas 0.

Fourth inning 12:13 p.m.:  A single starts the inning for the Seminoles. A pitch out is well timed, but the runner still takes the base on the first pitch. A slow roller to third base is an out that can’t move the runner up a base. After working a full count, Florida State gets a single to score the first run of the game. Arkansas pitching coach Dave Jorn comes out to check on Eibner, who has labored a little on the mound this inning with lengthy plate appearances. A five pitch walks puts runners on second and first with one down. A grounder back to Eibner might have been two outs, but he only gets one. A fly to center ends the inning with just the run scored.

12:23 p.m.:  A first pitch fastball is taken for a home run for Arkansas sophomore Andy Wilkins to tie the game. Another hit for Arkansas puts a runner on second base for a double with no outs. A strike out looking for Cox is the first out in the inning. Another strike out and a pop up to second ends the inning. After four, Florida State 1, Arkansas 1.

Fifth inning 12:48 p.m.:  A quick ground out for Eibner starts the inning. But he then follows that out with a hit that looped into left field. A bloop single puts runners on second and first with one down. A hit bounces off the very top of the wall, bringing in just one as they hold the runner on third. Men on second and third with T.J. Forrest getting work in the bullpen. A grounder brings in another run, 3-1 Florida State. A deep fly to center leaves the yard, putting Florida State atop 5-1. Eibner looked to get out of the inning with a ground out. But for some reason time was called by the first base umpire. And with the out not counting, Florida State draws a walk to extend the inning.  Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn comes to the mound and Forrest will be coming into the game. A deep fly is caught to end the big inning for Florida State.

12:59 p.m.:  After allowing a walk to start the inning, the Florida State bullpen is starting to get some action with Leavitt at the plate. Busch gets his sixth strike out of the game after falling behind 3-0 to start the count. Another strike out for Florida State, but the Hogs take second base with two down. A loop into foul ground is caught to end the frame. After five, Arkansas 1, Florida State 5

Sixth inning 1:03 p.m.:  Another bloop is caught in foul ground for a one-pitch out for Forrest. A fast ball is blown by the hitter for the second out of the inning. A fly to right is another out. A quick one, two, three inning for the Razorbacks.

1:08 p.m.:  A fly out for Wilkins is the first out. Busch gets his eighth strike out of the afternoon with a swing and a miss. Another fly out puts six straight Hogs down in a row. After six, Arkansas 1, Florida State 5.

Seventh inning 1:15 p.m.:  Another one-pitch out for Forrest retires five straight Florida State batters. A two-pitch out is fielded by Cox at third to retire two. A fly in foul ground has Cox falling on top of catcher James McCann, but the out is recorded.

1:45 p.m.:  Darr put a charge in a ball and with the wind it left the yard. Home run for Arkansas brings a new pitcher to the mound for the Seminoles. McCann draws a walk from the new pitcher with no outs in the frame. A grounder to the pitch records an out at second. But that’s all they get. A runner is still on first with now one down. Leavitt draws a walk, putting the tying runner at the plate. Another pitching change for the Seminoles.

With the bases loaded, Scott Lyons hits one hard to third that turns into an error, scoring two runs for Arkansas. The Hogs are now within one with one down, runner on the corners. A grounder can’t bring the runner home, but that’s all they get. Two outs and runners on second and third for freshman Bo Bigham. But a new pitcher is coming in for Florida State. Arkansas takes the lead with a Bigham hit, 6-5. Cox ends the inning. But Arkansas comes from behind after being down 5-1. After seven innings, Arkansas 6, Florida State 5.

Eighth inning 2:05 p.m.:  A short fly ball to center field gets the first out of the inning for Forrest. But that will be the last out for him. Van Horn is putting in a rested closer in Stephen Richards. What an performance from Forrest, who came in and shutdown Florida State and allowed the bats of Arkansas to get back into the game. A full count pitch is taken to left for the second out this inning. But Richards allows a two-out walk. After a balk moved the runner to second, Richards strikes out the batter looking to end the inning. Arkansas is three outs away from going to the College World Series for the first time since 2004.

2:26 p.m.:  A ball is lined down the third base line for a lead off double for Andrew Darr. A grounder moves Darr over to third. Arkansas gets another base runner with a walk. Another pitching change for Florida State. Another walk for Arkansas puts a runner at every base. Another walk brings a runner home. Arkansas is up by two with another pitching change.  A double play gets Florida State out of the inning. But Arkansas has done its damage by adding another run. After eight, Arkansas 7, Florida State 5.

Ninth inning 2:49 p.m.:  With three outs left to get for a College World Series appearance, Richards gets a fly out to center. But Florida State gets a runner in the form of a walk. A nasty outside slider gets a strike out. One out away from winning this Super Regional. A double by Florida State puts the tying run on second base. With Florida State being down to one strike, Richards watches a double tie the game at seven runs. A walk puts runners on first and second with two out. Richards is over 50 pitches now.  Florida State takes a 8-7 lead with a single. The Razorbacks finally get the out they needed to get out of the inning.

2:54 p.m.:  Wilkins hits a towering fly ball to second base for the first out. Bigham gets on for Arkansas with a walk. A smash hit to the right side of the infield is good for a single from Cox, who moves the runner to second base with still one out. Darr comes up big and wins the game with a double. Arkansas wins 9-8 and is going to the College World Series.

Live Blog: Arkansas at Florida State Super Regional baseball

Rain, rain and more rain. After over six hours of rain delay, the Super Regional in Tallahassee, Fla., continues.

By Harold McIlvain II

Note:  Make sure to check out our coverage of game two at the main page, http://atnsports.wordpress.com/

Keep refreshing for live updates from the first game of a three game series in Tallahassee, Fla., between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Florida State Seminoles.

Pregame 10:50 a.m. CST:  The game has started, but it looks like weather could be a factor today.

First inning 11:25 a.m.:  Arkansas gets a couple runners on but all are thrown out at second base, ending the inning. Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn hinted at the team pitching a little backwards today. And Dallas Keuchel looked good by getting hitters to swing and miss on a pretty nasty change.

But with a runner on for Florida State, a lighting delay has put at least a 30 minute delay to this ball game. It still looks like rain might be on the way for another delay, too.

11:56 a.m.:  Good news:  tarp is off. Baseball is set to start in a little bit with both starters warming up again.

12:10 p.m.:  With play resuming with a 3-2 count, Florida State draws a walk and puts runners on first and second with one out. Grounder moved the runners into scoring position with two down for Florida State.  Warning track power is just short of a home run for the last out. Arkansas 0, Florida State 0.

Second inning 12:29 p.m.:  Freshman Zach Cox hits one deep to center to put Arkansas up, 1-0. Florida State gets a couple of runners on and gets one home with a single. Through two, Arkansas 1, Florida State 1.

Third inning 12:45 p.m.:  Nothing doing for Arkansas and Florida State in the third frame. The Seminoles were aggressive early in the count and Keuchel put a scoreless inning after allowing a two-out single. Another deep warning track power final out has Arkansas center fielder Brett Eibner limping back to the dugout. Through three, Arkansas 1, Florida State 1.

Fourth inning 12:53 p.m.:  Senior Ben Tschepikow leads the Razorbacks off with a single as rain starts to fall. Another single is added by another senior, Scott Lyons. With the rain really picking up, Wilkins gets another single. But the rain is too much to keep playing. Another delay for the Razorbacks and Seminoles.

1:58 p.m.:  After the pause in action, Florida State turns two. But the Hogs get a runner home. A strike out looking ends the inning.  Three grounders get Arkansas out of the inning. Through four, Arkansas is up 2-1.

Fifth inning 2:09 p.m.:  The Razorbacks get one on, but the runner was again thrown out at second base trying to make a play.  Arkansas is scoreless in the inning. Back-to-back hits put Florida State in a good situation to score, but the rain is back for the third delay of the game.

6:30 p.m.:  After over six hours of delays, the game between Arkansas and Florida State is ready to start again. It is currently being aired on ESPN Classic. Mike Bolsinger is now the pitcher for Arkansas.

6:38 p.m.:  Senior Chase Leavitt dives on the slip and slide field and can’t make a catch, causing a run to come in with the bases now loaded with one out. A strike out by Bolsinger puts Arkansas within an out of getting out of the inning. A grounder gets the Hogs to the plate. After five, Arkansas 2, Florida State 2.

Sixth inning 6:48 p.m.:  Three up, three down for Arkansas. Two hitters were baffled with changes while Florida State ended the inning with a strike out. A single gets past Arkansas third baseman Zach Cox, who then watched the ball splash into the outfield with one out. It’s safe to say it is wet out there. A slider inside punches out a Seminole for out number two. A foul out ends the inning. After six, Arkansas 2, Florida State 2.

Seventh inning 7:08 p.m.:  After three straight walks for Arkansas to start the inning, Eibner walked, scoring a run for Arkansas. A leaping catch against the right field wall scores another with one down, 4-2 Arkansas. A bunt gets a runner home now with two down. Leavitt is the second batter hit this inning, putting runners on first and third with two outs. A grounder gets  Florida State out of the inning.

7:25 p.m.:  After getting a lead off runner to second, Florida State is scoreless in the inning after leaving two runners on. Through seven innings, Arkansas 5, Florida State 2.

Eighth inning 7:35 p.m.:  Arkansas starts the inning with a strike out but a throw gets away from Florida State, allowing a runner to reach first with one down. Another throwing issue causes  Arkansas sophomore Andy Wilkins to take second and third with still one down. A ball in the dirt gets Wilkins home, 6-2 Arkansas. Freshman Bo Bigham gets on after the second baseman fielded the ball clean and sliped on the slick grass. A bases loaded ground out scores another for Arkansas with two down, 7-2. A grounder ends the big inning for Arkansas.

7:58 p.m.:  After a quick out,  Bolsinger walked two straight, bringing out pitching coach Dave Jorn. But a couple of ground outs get Arkansas out of the small jam. After eight, Arkansas 7, Florida State 2.

Ninth inning 8:04 p.m.:  Arkansas is quickly down one, two, three with Florida State coming to the plate being down by five runs.

8:10 p.m.:  Bolsinger looks like he will try to finish the game for Arkansas. A swing and a miss strike out starts the inning for Florida State.  Another strike out for Bolsinger. One out away for a 1-0 series lead for Arkansas. A fly out to center ends this one. It’s been a long day for Arkansas, but this 7-2 win was well worth it for the Razorbacks. Game two is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. CST tomorrow and will be aired on ESPN 2.

Diamond Hogs face impressive staff

By Harold McIlvain II

When looking at the year statistics for the Florida State Seminoles, Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn was taken back a little bit.

The freshmen pitching duo of Sean Gilmartin and Brian Busch had allowed fewer hits than innings pitched.

“If you have guys giving up less hits than innings pitched, that’s rare with aluminum bats,” Van Horn said. “I don’t care how good you are. I’m concerned about their pitching. The pitchability must be incredible.”

Van Horn admitted he hadn’t seen much of their resent performances, but he could tell by just a couple pitches off the news that they could pitch.

“One of there guys could probably throw a breaking ball in his sleep for a strike,” Van Horn said with a smile.

But with the Razorbacks scoring 10 or more runs in a Norman (Okla.) Regional sweep, the offense could be up to the challenge when the two faces off Friday at 11 a.m. CST on ESPN.

Van Horn said the new found offensive surge was important for the team after dropping eight of nine Southeastern Conference game to end the season.

“I think we are playing our most confident baseball,” Van Horn said. “I think we just ran out of gas [during the end of the season]. When the postseason came around, our guys just felt like they have been given a new life. It’s going to have to carry on for us to continue.”

“We want to stay confident, but we don’t want to get too confident and ahead of ourselves. Arkansas is a great team and we can’t overlook them. If you do that kind of stuff, a team like that can take it to you. We are just going to come out this week and practice and work hard like we have all season.”

After Florida State scored 37 runs against Ohio State in the regional championship game, the junior Jason Stidham said the Seminoles  will look to stay confident in their  ability to keep producing at the plate.

“We want to stay confident,” Stidham said. “But we don’t want to get too confident and ahead of ourselves. Arkansas is a great team and we can’t overlook them. We are just going to come out this week  and work hard like we have all season.”

Inside the Super Regional:
Friday, June 5 – 11:00 a.m. CST
Florida State – LHP,  Sean Gilmartin (12-3) vs. Arkansas – LHP, Dallas Keuchel (7-3)

TV:  ESPN

Saturday, June 6 – 11:00 a.m. CST
Florida State – LHP,  Brian Busch (6-2) vs. Arkansas – RHP, Brett Eibner (5-4)

TV:  ESPN2

Diamond Hogs to host Super Regional?

Dick Howser Stadium could the be the location for the Arkansas-Florida State Super Regional, but Arkansas has made a bid to host despite being the lower seed.

By Harold McIlvain II

It appeared as if the Arkansas Razorback baseball team would be heading to Tallahassee, Fla., to take on Florida State in a Super Regional this weekend.

But that might not be the case if the NCAA Baseball Committee decides Fayetteville is a better hosting site. Arkansas reportedly doubled the Florida State offer to host.

Baum Stadium, the home for the Razorbacks, can seat 4,000 more  people than Dick Howser Stadium, the home for the Seminoles. And Razorback fans have shown they can fill the seats – 11,014 fans showed up on a Wednesday night to watch Arizona State.

Florida State coach Mike Martin said he wouldn’t be shocked if it happened.

“The committee has a very difficult job,” Martin said to the Tallahassee Democrat. “Whatever they decide, I’m always going to support. If  they tell us we’re going to Arkansas, we’re going to Arkansas.”

Florida State was 33-6 at home this year while 9-8 on the road.

UPDATE:  The NCAA Baseball Committee announced around 10:20 p.m. CST that the Super Regional will take place in Tallahassee, Fla., and not Fayetteville. ESPN will air all of the games with the first starting Friday at 11 a.m. CST.

Super Hogs: Near no-hitter for Smyly

By Harold McIlvain II

The Arkansas offense did its job again against Oklahoma for the third time this weekend in a 11-0 win.

But it was the near no hit effort from redshirt freshman Drew Smyly that helped the Hogs shutout the Sooners and secure a Super Regional birth for the first time since 2004.

Smyly, who left with one out in the ninth after allowing a soft ground ball to short for his first hit allowed in the game, struck out 12 and looked like the dominate pitcher early in the season before struggling in Southeastern Conference play.

But the Little Rock native didn’t even know for sure if he was getting the start until today.

“I told coach (Dave) Jorn last night that I wanted the ball,” Smyly said. “He said they weren’t sure yet.”

Smyly said he just wanted to throw strikes and be aggressive with the baseball in a championship game. However, the memorable night didn’t start the way he wanted when he hit the first Sooner at the plate.

“When I hit the first batter, I was just thinking settle down, throw strikes, you can get out of it,” Smyly said. ” I know when I throw strikes I’m good. I always beat myself. They don’t really beat me.”

Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn said he had a hunch to go with the left-hander who struggled in Southeastern Conference play, allowing 17 earned runs over 13.1 innings.

“To be honest with you, it was kind of a gut feeling,” Van Horn said. ” When Drew throws strikes, he’s hard to hit. When he’s on a roll he can be pretty good.”

It has been an up and down season for Smyly, who was coming off an elbow surgery that kept him off the mind for more than eight months. He started the year as the Hogs third starter, but he lost the job after poor outings in conference play.

“Early in the season, he was pretty good,” Van Horn said. ” Then he went backward.  There were two games this year where he didn’t make it out of the first inning.  Today, he was lights out, change up, breaking ball, explosive fastball, in and out.  He really kept them off balance.”

Could this be a starter putting things together late in the season and becoming an ace while in the postseason?

“Maybe he’s that big-game guy that every coach likes to have,” Van Horn said. “Right now I’m going to say he is. I’m just really proud of him; he did a great job.”

Offensive explosion for Diamond Hogs

By Harold McIlvain II

The eighth inning, nine-run explosion for the Arkansas Razorback team was important to get past Washington State 10-3 after losing for seven innings of the game.

After struggling for the majority of the game to score runs, Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn said it was big for the team to keep putting runs on the board against the Cougars.

But the offensive bats didn’t cool down against Oklahoma 17-6 to secure a chance to advance to a Super Regional for the first time since 2004 tonight at 7 p.m. against the winner of the Washington State-Oklahoma game.

“I think the nine -run inning [against Washington State] really jump started us,” Arkansas sophomore Andy Wilkins said. “That whole game against Washington State had just been dragging along and not getting a lot of hits. All of a sudden we put a good inning together and scored nine runs. It really carried over [against Oklahoma] scoring in the first.”

The Arkansas bats scored early and often by scoring three or more runs in four innings while only failing to score in two innings.

Senior second baseman Ben Tschepikow said despite the early offensive struggles heading into the regional, the Razorbacks are right where they want to be — in the championship game.

“It’s just one of those things in baseball,” Tschepikow said. “But I can tell you right now we are feeling pretty good about ourselves. We are for a reason and we came here with one goal:  to get out of the regional. We are going to continue to swing the bats, play good defense, pitch and play hard.”

After failing to make it out of a regional during the five years on the baseball team, Tschepikow said it feels good to be so close to going to a Super Regional.

“It is one of those things where you want to reach out and touch it, it is so close,” Tschepikow said. “It is so close, but it is so far away because we have a tough game [tonight] against whoever we play against. We have to come out and strike like we did [during the previous two games], stay aggressive, keep playing hard and keep working hard and everything will take care of itself.”

Diamond Hogs head to Norman

By Harold McIlvain II

The Arkansas Razorback baseball team didn’t get the regional host it might have had if it weren’t for losing eight of the last nine Southeastern Conference.

But the Razorbacks can’t complain about a regional in Norman, which is only a bus ride away, where the team will face a field the team has a 4-0 record over this season.

Arkansas will face Washington State (31-23, 19-8 Pacific-10) in the first round of the NCAA Championship at 1 p.m. CST Friday, a rematch of a series sweep during the season opener for the Razorbacks.

“We are fortunate and blessed to be selected,” Washington State head coach Donnie Marbut said. “We will be competing with three good teams in a tough regional. I am so happy for our kids and I am proud of them. Getting to the postseason is not an easy thing to do, and our guys deserve it.”

The winner of that game will face the winner of the Oklahoma, Wichita State in the double-eliminate regional.

Home sweet home?

Before the season started, Arkansas second baseman Ben Tschepikow, a Fayetteville native, wanted the team to earn a regional host. He said the importance of hosting a regional was something the younger players didn’t need to be underestimated. But with the late season slide, Arkansas fell out of contention for a host.

But a couple of Razorbacks still will be able to play in their home state.

Sophomore firstbase man Andy Wilkins, a Broken Arrow, Okla., native, will be not too far from home when the Hogs compete this weekend.

After missing more than a month with a rib cage injury last year, Wilkins bounced back for the Razorbacks by not missing a game this season while leading the team in runs scored with 43 runs, 15 home runs and 40 RBIs.

Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn said he has been able to find a new confidence at the plate and produce for the team throughout the season.

“He is doing a good job of hitting with two strikes,” Van Horn said. “He sees a lot of different pitches. I think he has handled it pretty well. He has laid off some of the stuff out of the zone.  He uses the whole field and can hit an opposite field home run.”

Junior staff ace Dallas Keuchel, a Tulsa, Okla., native, will have an opperunity to play near his own back yard. Keuchel, who has a 4.14 ERA, is 7-3 this season and has struck out 61 hitters while walking only 25. He by far leads the Razorbacks in innings pitched with 87 this year.

Keuchel allowed two earned runs and fanned five to pick up the win against Washington State in his first outting of the season.