WHS: The Legacy of Toops' Grand Slam

This story originally appeared on WholeHogSports.com on June 6, 2014.

FAYETTEVILLE — When Arkansas was down to its final out of the 2004 NCAA Fayetteville Regional against Wichita State, its players never lost confidence that they could come back.

With two outs, the bases loaded and the Razorbacks down by two runs, Brady Toops, the starting catcher, stepped to the plate.

“I just thought, ‘Could Brady do it one more time?’” said Clay Goodwin, a junior on the team. “He had so many walk-offs and big hits in his career.”

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WHS/HI: Late Surge Saved Down Year

This article originally appeared on WholeHogSports.com and HawgsIllustrated.com on June 2, 2014.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Arkansas’ season came to disappointing end with a 9-2 loss to Virginia Sunday night in the Charlottesville Regional.

It was not the way coach Dave Van Horn had hoped to end the season, but he said he was proud of his team for making it as far as it did after being on the bubble most of the year.

“I appreciate the effort that they’ve given us the last couple of months,” Van Horn said. “There was a time where we could have gone either way. Guys just kept fighting and we started winning.”

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WHS/HI: Charlottesville Regional coverage

These articles originally appeared on WholeHogSports.com and HawgsIllustrated.com on June 1, 2014.

Beeks, Anderson Keep Hogs Alive

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Dave Van Horn hoped to get a couple innings out of the bullpen from Jalen Beeks at the Charlottesville Regional.

Instead, the left-hander gave the Razorbacks a start and five innings as Arkansas beat Bucknell 10-0 in an elimination game. He also gave up only three hits and struck out nine batters, while walking two. His nine strikeouts tied a career-high.

“It was a tremendous job by Jalen coming out there and throwing a lot of strikes,” coach Dave Van Horn said. “A lot of times you just don’t know what you’re going to get. He did a tremendous job.”

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Virginia Eliminates Arkansas

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — For the second time in as many days, Virginia pitchers shutdown Arkansas' lineup in the Charlottesville Regional.

Brandon Waddell struck out four batters and gave up seven hits in 6 2/3 innings in the Cavaliers' 9-2 win over the Razorbacks Sunday night. The loss ended Arkansas' season with a record of 40-25.

“I think we ran out of gas a little bit,” coach Dave Van Horn said. “It told the team after the game (that) I appreciate the effort they’ve given us the last couple of months.”

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WHS/HI: Virginia shuts out Arkansas

This article originally appeared on WholeHogSports.com and HawgsIllustrated.com on May 31, 2014.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Nathan Kirby was too much for Arkansas Saturday night in the Charlottesville Regional.

The left-hander allowed only one hit in eight innings of work and Virginia beat the Razorbacks 3-0. He also struck out nine batters, including the last five he faced.

“He did a good job throwing strikes,” Arkansas first baseman Eric Fisher said. “He did a good job mixing things up, throwing fastballs when he was ahead in the count and throwing curveballs when he was behind in the count. He just kept us on our toes.”

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