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.