If you were expecting the No. 3 national seed, the Arkansas Razorbacks (44-13, 20-10 SEC), to blow the North Dakota State Bisons (20-33, 13-15 Summit) out of Baum-Walker Stadium, then you were likely shocked or underwhelmed by the Hogs' 6-2 win. However, the Bisons have tested themselves this season with a challenging schedule, including traveling to battle SEC teams on the road. Therefore, they didn't arrive in Fayetteville fearing the Razorbacks and stunned by the team's talent.
The present writer asserted that Arkansas needed to establish its dominance early in this game to put the rest of the teams on notice that it means business this season about winning the College World Series. Unfortunately for Razorback Nation, the Hogs didn't truly separate themselves from the North Dakota State until the fifth inning, when Cam Kozeal hit a two-run homer, driving in Kuhio Aloy. Kozeal's homer drew the loudest reaction of all plays from fans in attendance at Baum-Walker Stadium. Overall, though, Arkansas' bats were relatively quiet, which has to change as the Hogs will encounter much stiffer competition than the Bisons.
While the underwhelming hitting should trigger concern for Razorback Nation, the Hogs' excellent pitching should give it reason to believe that Arkansas will win its elusive first College World Series. Aiden Jimenez got the start for the Arkansas Razorbacks. In 3.2 innings, Jimenez only allowed two earned runs and five hits and delivered three strikeouts. In relief for Jimenez, Parker Coil gave the Hogs 3.1 scoreless innings and had four strikeouts. Landon Beidelschies pitched the final 2.0 innings; he allowed only one hit and had four strikeouts.
While the Razorbacks must improve their hitting to advance past the Fayetteville Regional, the excellent pitching against the North Dakota State Bisons was truly a positive sign. The Arkansas Razorbacks handled their business against the Bisons, which pleased many fans.
Arkansas baseball vs. North Dakota State: Fayetteville Regional social media reactions
Cam Kozeal praise
Daniel Shi, an Arkansas Razorbacks beat writer at Sports Illustrated, noted that Cam Kozeal "takes over second bomber spot" with his two-run homer.
Cam Kozeal asserted that the first game of a regional is "no place for the timid."
Jacob Morris, a Pig Trail Nation journalist, wrote, "Cam Kozeal: built for the postseason."
Pig Trail Nation stated, "Cam Kozeal have a day!"
RazorbackHobbs, an Arkansas fan, mentioned that Kozeal only needed a triple to complete the cycle.
General praise for the Arkansas Razorbacks
John Nabors, the Owner of Inside Arkansas, was happy with the win.
Steve Sullivan, an Arkansas KATV sportscaster, celebrated Parker Coil's performance.
Arkansas Razorbacks on Sports Report was excited about the Hogs defeating the North Dakota State Bisons.
MaryEllen Brown, a Hog fan, loved the double play Brent Iredale turned.