Razorbacks’ Run to CWS Finals Ends in Game 3
OMAHA, Neb. – For the second time in program history, the University of Arkansas baseball team will finish as the national runner-up after Thursday evening’s 5-0 loss to No. 3 Oregon State in Game 3 of the College World Series finals. The finish equals the standard set by the 1979 team that was runner-up in the program’s first-ever trip to Omaha.
The Razorbacks’ appearance in the College World Series finals caps the program’s ninth trip to Omaha, and its fifth under head coach Dave Van Horn. Arkansas ends the season with a 48-21 record, good for the highest win total in the Van Horn era.
All-Tournament Team
Five Razorbacks were named to the 2018 College World Series All-Tournament Team. Arkansas was represented by senior Jared Gates, junior Blaine Knight, sophomore Dominic Fletcher and freshmen Heston Kjerstad and Casey Martin.
What DVH Said
“First, I’d like to thank the city of Omaha and this incredible tournament by the NCAA…was so well run. We’re so appreciative of everything you’ve done for us. Tonight, will be our 15th night in a hotel and it’s been a great experience to be here for so long.”
“I figured it would take eight or nine (runs) today and I thought we’d score some runs. I thought we’d break loose but they didn’t give us that opportunity. (Oregon State) pitched us extremely well for three days in a row so hat’s off to them. In a two-out-of-three series this week, they were the better team.”
The Hitting
Arkansas’ biggest scoring threat of the night came when the team loaded the bases with one out in the third. Junior catcher Grant Koch led things off with a double off the wall in left field. After a walk to Eric Cole and infield single by Martin, the bags were full of Razorbacks. However, Oregon State starter Kevin Abel got his team out of the jam with a strikeout and fly out to right field.
The Pitching
The Beavers jumped out to an early advantage with two runs in the first inning off redshirt sophomore Isaiah Campbell. The relief trio of Jake Reindl (2.1 IP), Cody Scroggins (1.2 IP) and Kole Ramage (2.0 IP) allowed just two runs on five hits over the final six innings.
College World Series Finals | CWS Bracket
Oregon State wins series, 2-1
Tuesday, June 26
Game 1: No. 5 Arkansas 4, No. 3 Oregon State 1
Wednesday, June 27
Game 2: No. 3 Oregon State 5, No. 5 Arkansas 3
Thursday, June 28
Game 3: No. 3 Oregon State 5, No. 5 Arkansas 0
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