In one of the most underrated football movies ever made, Adam Sandler's "The Waterboy," Dan Fouts annoys Brent Musburger with the phrase "Last game of the year, Brent. Can't hold anything back now," on the call of the fictional "Bourbon Bowl." Heading into the NCAA Tournament, Arkansas baseball head coach Dave Van Horn seems to be taking a note right out of Fouts' handbook.
Arkansas gambles on the mound with Aiden Jimenez
For tomorrow's game against North Dakota State, the Diamond Hogs are doing something we've only seen once all season. Aiden Jimenez will get the start to begin the Fayetteville Regional for the Hogs.
So far, Jimenez has pitched 34.2 innings this season for an earned run average of 3.37, becoming one of the more trustworthy arms out of the bullpen. Until Arkansas' series against LSU, when he gave up five hits, three earned runs, three walks, and only three strikeouts in 1.2 innings pitched over two outings. He then started Arkansas' second game against Tennessee, pitching 2.1 innings while giving up seven hits and four runs.
Jimenez might be trending down, but if it works out against NDSU, it'll be a genius move. One of the perks of hosting a regional is being able to save your ace in the first game. However, with Jimenez, Arkansas has a chance to save all four of their usual starters: Zack Root, Gabe Gaeckle, Gage Wood, and Landon Beidelschies. It may also help the Oregon State transfer rebound.
Jimenez has struggled as of late, but make no mistake, he has a starting-caliber arm and was one of the most exciting transfers this season despite postseason surgery. Against a team like NDSU, it could be the confidence builder he needs to return to regular form. And with Jimenez firing on all cylinders, that would give Arkansas five elite pitchers heading into the rest of the NCAA Tournament.
Still, it's not without risks. NDSU, although one of the less talented teams in the field of 64, the Bison have shown the ability to score against high-major SEC teams, like LSU and Alabama. Regardless of Jimenez's performance, the bats will need to show up to ensure a win. However, with all the cards laid out on the table, it's a bet I'm willing to accept.