Great is overrated. Good is usually good enough.
That was the case for Arkansas baseball on Friday as the Razorbacks knocked off Santa Clara in the opening game of the Fayetteville Regional, 13-6. The top-seeded Diamond Hogs stayed on the winner’s side of the four-team bracket and will play either Texas Christian or Arizona on Saturday.
But things weren’t easy against the fourth-seeded Broncos. Santa Clara outhit Arkansas 13 to 10 and even had more extra-base knocks. The difference was when those hits came.
Well, that and Santa Clara’s separate issues on the mound.
Let’s take a quick look at the details that allowed the host team to open the NCAA Tournament with a win.
Arkansas worked the count
Arkansas second baseman Peyton Holt forces out LSU base runner Tre’ Morgan then wheels and throws to third to catch LSU runner Hayden Travinski off the base for a 6-4-5 double play during the SEC Tournament elimination game Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the Hoover Met.
During the regular season, Arkansas sat in the middle in the pack of the SEC when it came to walks, registering 301 on the season.
But against Santa Clara, the patient approach was paramount as the Diamond Hogs reached base 10 times via base-on-balls.
Arkansas' lineup was clutch
Feb 17, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; Arkansas outfielder Tavian Josenberger (12) celebrates after hitting a single against Texas in the sixth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Santa Clara actually outhit Arkansas in just about every category. The one the Broncos didn’t was huge.
The Razorbacks went 15 for 27 in at-bats with an opportunity to advance. Santa Clara was 10 of 26 in such cases.
Arkansas pitchers spread it out
Jun 21, 2022; Omaha, NE, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks pitcher Will McEntire (41) throws against the Auburn Tigers in the first inning at Charles Schwab Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
The day was far from perfect for the Arkansas staff as it allowed 13 hits and five walks. But they also kept out of trouble by scattering Santa Clar’s six runs over four different innings and forced the Broncos to leave 12 runners on base.
