Editor’s Note: This article was originally intended to be published on June 2, 2019. Due to an error in the publishing system, it was not visible. We are sorry for any confusion.

In a fantastic turn of karma, Cal didn’t even get the opportunity to receive a beat down like I wanted, as TCU earned a first game win and a date with the boys from Baum. It was a Duel of the Fates between pitchers, and goodness, did Isaiah Campbell deliver one for the ages. He turned in 8 (!) innings and held TCU to 1 run. TCU’s Nick Lodolo turned in a hell of a game as well, but the Razorbacks were able to make enough contact to pull off a 3-1 win.

This all took place in front of 10,967 or more fans, by the way. Kudos to those that waited for the Hog Pen to open up. Y’all are amazing.

Ezell Excels

There wasn’t much available for Hog batters today, but Ezell had a day despite the pitching success. He went 4 for 5 (his first 4 hit game this season), had three doubles, and one RBI. He’s batting a scorching .700 (!!), and has driven in 4 runs over the course of the Regional. According to our stat guy— that’s pretty dang good.

Heston Kjerstad got a hit, and Jack Kenley got a couple off as well. Casey Opitz had probably the biggest hit of the day, as he opened the scoring. Casey Martin still couldn’t get a hit, but with the way Lodolo was dealing, it’s probably not that big of a deal. He’ll break through.

Campbell’s Super

Campbell is so good. There aren’t enough superlatives. The win put him at 11-1, as he threw 108 pitches through 8 innings. It really begs the question: WHY ISN’T HE A GOLDEN SPIKES FINALIST?!?! We’re not biased. Either way, he got a great ovation, because Hog fans know the true king:

Matt Cronin earned his 12th save of the season, as he made sure to finish what Zay started. Having that kind of closing power is important, especially with a Super-Regional berth on the line.

Looking Ahead

It’s Finals time for Arkansas. They’ll play the winner of TCU and Regional darlings Central Connecticut State (not Cal— ha) at 8pm, but it’ll take two Hog losses for elimination. God forbid we reach that point, but it’s encouraging to think that we’ve got that cushion. See y’all soon!