Is Arkansas Baseball downward trend the same as Arkansas Softball?

Arkansas baseball had an excellent regular season, winning over 40 games. However, one thing has kept this team from excelling to heights that coach Dave Van Horn wants: hitting. So far, the Razorbacks have overcome the lack of production at the plate with the best pitching staff in the country. But now, the Diamond Hogs seem to be trending in the same fashion as Arkansas softball.

The softball team had a great season, going 37-18, but the last three weeks were absolutely terrible. They lost to last-place Ole Miss in their final regular season game, went 0-fer in the SEC tournament, and only squeaked out one game in the Fayetteville regional. Arkansas baseball has now done two of those three things. However, there are some subtle, although important, differences.

Arkansas didn't lose to the worst team in the conference. It lost to Texas A&M, which is one of the best in the country. Also, the SEC tournament doesn’t mean as much for the baseball team. Going 0-2 in the SEC Tournament might even be a benefit.

Of course, coach Van Horn wants to win. Every competitive person does. But the only thing missing on his résumé is a College World Series championship. That's what matters the most.

However, the downward trend for the Razorbacks is concerning. Baseball is a mental game, and they need to be on top of it to win at a high level.  Arkansas has already done enough to host a regional and possibly a super regional, but all it takes is two losses in either to end the season.