Arkansas doesn’t get to host an NCAA Regional, but the Razorbacks will get a chance to settle a year-old score.
The Hogs are the No. 2 seed in the Tempe Regional, hosted by Arizona State – the team that knocked Arkansas out in a Super Regional slugfest last season.
“There’s a little unfinished business there from last year,” sophomore starting pitcher DJ Baxendale said. “It’s not so much a revenge factor with Arizona State as it is getting back there and getting to Omaha. We were very disappointed last year. We just really look forward to getting back there and getting this road to Omaha started.”
That was a common theme for players.
“It’s something I take to heart, knowing that we got knocked out by Arizona State last year,” junior catcher James McCann said. “We get to go back there and I feel like we have some unfinished business there. I’m looking forward to getting back to Tempe.”
The Razorbacks (38-20) were hoping to host a regional after winning the SEC Western Division championship and making it to the semifinals of the SEC Tournament. The Hogs and Baum Stadium were overlooked despite leading the nation in regional attendance last year.
“I’m more disappointed we’re not hosting for our fans,” Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said. “It’s difficult to get to Tempe. I was disapointed because I truly thought we were going to host. When our name didn’t pop up, initially I was kind of shocked. I thought we were for sure hosting. Then I moved on.”
The Hogs were a candidate to host a regional, but were hurt by their 15-15 mark in conference play, said Tim Wesier, NCAA Tournament Committee Chairman.
“They made it extremely deep into the discussions (to host),” Wesier said. “We had a number of committee members that felt strongly about Arkansas. I think those that were unsure about Arkansas probably pointed to a couple of things. One was their 15-15 conference record and the other was that they only won four of the ten league series that they played in. I know at least for a couple of members that was something that was pointed to.
“So I, again, would say that they were given lots of consideration, and that was probably one of two or three very difficult decisions that we had down the stretch.”
The players were disappointed they didn’t get another opportunity to play at Baum Stadium.
“We felt like we did everything we could to host,” McCann said. “We didn’t get that host, so it’s a bitter feeling that we have that we’re not able to stay here and play in Baum, but we’re going to go on the road and do what we can.”
Arkansas is matched up against Atlantic 10 foe and No. 3 seed Charlotte (42-14) Friday in the first game.
The Razorbacks will match up with Arizona State if both teams win Friday. Van Horn hasn’t decided if Baxendale (9-2, 1.75 ERA) will start Friday or Saturday.
“He got a little sore in the (SEC) Tournament,” Van Horn said. “We’ll probably make our decision on pitcher Tuesday because Tuesday is when you get a bullpen for a Friday start. There are some options. Obviously, D.J. has been the guy, but I think Randall (Fant’s) had some great outings as well.
“We’ll just look at the lineup and see if these guys hit right-or left-handed.”
Temperatures are forecast to be around 100 degrees this weekend.
“I actually remember loving the weather last year,” Baxendale said. “It’s a little different hot than it is here. It’s a real dry heat. You don’t sweat much, but it feels like a heater is constantly blowing in your face. The temperature’s not going to be that big of a deal, I don’t think.
“It just takes maybe a day and a half to get used to. Once you get used to it, it’s kind of nice. When the sun goes down, the weather’s perfect.”