2018 College World Series

From The Better Late Then Never Dept...the CWS will be decided tonight as Oregon State and Arkansas battle it out in Game 3 at 6:30 ET espn2. It's been a great final series and it took my sister (OSU alum) calling me screaming last night to finally get the thread going. The Razorbacks were within 1 strike of clinching their first baseball title when a pop-up in foul territory eluded 3 Hogs defenders. The 2nd baseman called off the 1st baseman and Right Fielder off (the RF looked to have a fairly routine catch), but overran it and it dropped between all 3. Oregon State took advantage by singling to tie, then hitting a 2 run shot (hence the phone call from Sis) on the way to a 5-3 win. Ironically it's the Arkansas D that has been a highlight reel of stellar defensive plays that will be remembered if they can't bounce back later today.

 

What's the old expression? 'Momentum in baseball lasts as long as the next day's starting pitcher'. Well Oregon State had both Uncle Mo and the great starter, as freshman Kevin Abel threw a 2 hit complete game shutout to win it's 3rd National Title in 12 years. Pat Casey has to be on the short-list of best coaches irregardless of the sport in the country with what he's done in a remote place like Corvallis, OR. Especially with resources that are mere drops in the bucket compared to arch-rival Oregon aka U of Nike.

 

I wasn't able to watch it, but I figured the Beavers would take care of business against the Hogs. Congratulations to them and all their fans. Man, that's a tough haul, just getting there, much less winning it. A lot of really good teams out there. Makes it all the more impressive.