OMAHA, Neb. — Upstarts Stony Brook and Kent State may be providing intrigue to the College World Series, but the powerhouses still are prevailing.
Arkansas starting pitcher DJ Baxendale ruined the Golden Flashes’ first-ever game in the College World Series, allowing one run over 6 1/3 innings while leading the No. 2 seed Razorbacks to an 8-1 win yesterday at TD Ameritrade Park.
Baxendale (8-5) did not allow a hit until there were two outs in the fifth, the deepest a pitcher has taken a no-hitter at the College World Series in nearly six years, and recorded five strikeouts while allowing three hits and one walk.
“I thought DJ was incredible,” Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said. “I knew after the first inning he had it because he threw every fastball right where he wanted it, and that’s a tell tale sign for him. Been watching him pitch for three years. It’s been a big pleasure. And hopefully we’ll get him out there again before this is over with.”
Southpaw David Starn (11-4) started for No. 3 seed Kent State and battled with control from the first at-bat, walking three batters in a one-run first inning and six in the game.
Arkansas catcher Jake Wise, the No. 9 hitter, gave the Hogs a 2-0 lead in the second inning with a solo home run, the first allowed by Starn in 70 innings.
Kent State shortstop Jimmy Rider stuck back in the sixth inning with a solo shot off of Baxendale to cut the deficit to 3-1, but the Golden Flashes (46-19) would never get closer.
“If they play like that, they have a chance to win a national championship,” said Kent State coach Scott Stricklin. “No question about it. If they have that offensive approach and play clean defense with that pitching, they have a chance to win it all.”
Arkansas (45-20) will play an SEC foe tomorrow night, the winner of last night’s battle between overall No. 1 seed Florida and two-time defending national champion South Carolina. Kent State will face the loser in an elimination game at 5 p.m. tomorrow.