Arkansas goes from triumph to heartbreak

The College World Series was definitely one for the ages. Arkansas took Game 1, and had game two in their grasp before one play. One play.

It. Changed. Everything.

With two outs in the top of the ninth inning in game two, closer Matt Cronin in the game, he got to two strikes on Caydn Grenier, and got him to pop up to foul territory. That was it, the Razorbacks would capture their first title and Dave Van Horn would cement his legacy.

The foul ball dropped in between three people, Eric Cole the right fielder, Jared Gates the first baseman, and captain Carson Shaddy, who over ran the ball. Oregon State got extra chances, and they did not miss. On the next pitch, Grenier singled to score the tying run from third. The next batter, Trevor Larnach gave the Beavers the lead with a two run home run, his 19th of the season. Oregon State literally snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, and evened the series.

Game 3 was all Beavers. True freshman Kevin Abel started and threw a complete game, holding the Razorbacks to two hits and giving the Beavers their third national championship, all under Pat Casey. Adley Rutschman and Larnach both set new records for hits in a CWS, with 17 each.

The Razorbacks had their hearts broken, but they should not feel bad. Heston Kjerstad and Casey Martin are freshmen, both back. Jax Biggers and Grant Koch return next year, providing some veteran leadership. The Hogs can definitely get back next year, and Dave Van Horn will always have his guys ready to play.