Editor’s Note: This article was originally intended to be published on June 3, 2019. Due to an error in the publishing system, it was not visible. We are sorry for any confusion.

Now that’s more like it! The Hogs jumped out to an early lead, and never relinquished it, as Patrick Wicklander followed Connor Noland and Isaiah Campbell in delivering an outstanding pitching performance. Casey Martin broke his duck, as did Dominic Fletcher, as the team pulled together a great performance at a crucial time.

It’s worth noting that Arkansas never trailed during the Regional. That’s impressive. Hopefully that’s a trend that can continue well into the summer. I’d take it in the Super Regional, and I’d take it in Omaha. Back to back Super Regional appearances is a heck of a statement of intent, and hopefully the kind of consistency that will spell long term success for the program. It’s a great testament to the excellence of Dave Van Horn.

Whole Hog Hitting

It was a team effort to see off TCU, as the hits came from all over the lineup. Ezell, Martin, Goodheart, Fletcher, Kenley, and Nesbit all grabbed hits, and sent the Hogs one step closer to Omaha. Goodheart in particular had a shining moment, as his two run homer in the fifth served as the final dagger in TCU’s Super Regional dreams.

Seeing Casey Martin and Dominic Fletcher come back into form was a relief. Hopefully more home cooking for the Super Regional will bring them back for good. Goodheart did finish with the best day, as he went 3 for 4. It’s really nice to see bats all over the lineup. This feels like a complete team that can get things done, even if there are struggles in some parts of the lineup. That can be the difference between booking hotels and staying home come Omaha time.

Pat Wicklander 3: Pitchabellum

It’s been a fantastic weekend for pitching. Noland and Campbell set a gold standard, and Patrick Wicklander followed the trend, holding TCU scoreless and registering 7 strikeouts. This has probably been the best pitching weekend on the year, and it’s happening at a time when you want your players to play their best. The Razorback starters had a combined 0.99 ERA (!!!). That is filthy, and will provide plenty of confidence for the team. Ole Miss won their final Regional game against Jacksonville State 19-4, but if our pitchers can have the same consistency that they did this weekend, the hits will be much harder to find.

Cody Scroggins and Jacob Kostyshock played mop up duty, and maintained the scoring drought to see off TCU.

Award Time

This was the announced All-Regional Team:

NCAA Fayetteville Regional All-Tournament Team

Catcher – Casey Opitz (Arkansas)

First Base – Trevor Ezell (Arkansas)

Second Base – Jack Kenley (Arkansas)

Third Base – Buddy Dewaine (CCSU)

Shortstop – Adam Oviedo (TCU)

Outfield – Heston Kjerstad (Arkansas)

Outfield – Johnny Rizer (TCU)

Outfield – Dave Matthews (CCSU)

DH – Hunter Wolfe (TCU)

Starting Pitcher – Isaiah Campbell (Arkansas)

Starting Pitcher – Connor Noland (Arkansas)

Relief Pitcher – Matt Cronin (Arkansas)

Relief Pitcher – Jake Eissler (TCU)

Tournament MVP – Isaiah Campbell (Arkansas)

A whole lot of Arkansas Razorbacks made that list. Obviously, winning all three games helped, but it shows just how deep and talented this year’s team is. There’s strength all over the field, and as Dave Van Horn observed: “we haven’t accomplished yet what we’re really trying to do.” You’ve gotta think Martin’s bat will come back, and if the team maintains this pace, things could get really fun. What a year for baseball in Arkansas.

Looking Ahead

As stated above, Ole Miss is coming to town for a SOLD OUT Super Regional showdown. I can only imagine how crazy the Hog Pen will be, and quite frankly, that may be a bigger advantage than anything at the moment. The fans have come out in droves this year, and have made their presence known at every single game.

There’s a little silliness to the Hog Call, but man it must be intimidating to face a crowd of 10,000+ people all willing Arkansas to victory. One or two mistakes get pounced upon, and it’s all over. I truly think fans can make a difference in that way. We’ll be releasing an MLB draft recap when presumably this whole team gets drafted, and will have an in depth preview of the Super Regional up later this week. What a fun weekend. Go Hogs!