OMAHA, Neb. -- Arkansas will be looking for some payback when the Razorbacks open the College World Series against Virginia today.
The Cavaliers knocked the Razorbacks out of the NCAA Tournament last year, beating Arkansas 3-0 and 9-2 at the Charlottesville Regional.
"We definitely have a little bit of a grudge match," Arkansas senior left fielder Joe Serrano said. "We're going to go in there with a chip on our shoulder."
Serrano is among seven Razorbacks in today's lineup who played at Virginia last year along with outfielders Andrew Benintendi and Tyler Spoon, first baseman Clark Eagan, shortstop Michael Bernal, third baseman Bobby Wernes and starting pitcher Trey Killian.
"Playing at Virginia, they were tough," Spoon said. "It's nice knowing we get another shot at them, and fortunately it's in Omaha."
Virginia reached the College World Series last season and finished runner-up to Vanderbilt in a 3-2 loss in the title game.
"This team is certainly different than last year's ballclub," Cavaliers Coach Brian O'Connor said. "A lot of those position players are in professional baseball. Now it gives an opportunity for many new players.
"We probably don't have as much depth this year as we had on last year's ballclub. Last year's club from an offensive standpoint could stand at the plate and just swing more. This ballclub, maybe could manufacture runs more than last year's team."
Sophomore catcher Matt Thaiss has emerged as a star for Virginia after being a backup last season. He's hitting .332 with 9 home runs and 60 RBI.
Among the Cavaliers' returning starters are sophomore shortstop Daniel Pinero (.300, 6 home runs, 28 RBI) and senior third baseman Kenny Towns (.298, 6 home runs, 60 RBI).
Sophomore left-hander Nathan Kirby (5-2, 2.28 ERA), who held the Razorbacks to one hit over eight innings in the Cavaliers' 3-0 victory last season, has been sidelined since April 17 because of a strained elbow. He has been medically cleared to play and could pitch out of the bullpen, O'Connor said.
Sophomore right-hander Connor Jones (7-2, 2.96 ERA) has become Virginia's No. 1 starter with Kirby out.
"Connor has been absolutely tremendously consistent since he's moved into the first spot," O'Connor said.
Van Horn said Virginia was the best team Arkansas played last season.
"They just don't make any mistakes," he said.
Virginia started the season 12-1, endured a 22-21 stretch, and is 5-0 in NCAA Tournament play.
"I'm just proud of our players and the way they fought and grinded away to get back here to Omaha," O'Connor said. "Our journey this year was a bit of a challenge to get here."
Arkansas closer Zach Jackson started the Razorbacks' 9-2 loss to Virginia last year, allowing 4 earned runs in 2 2/3 innings.
"They definitely got the better of me," Jackson said. "I've been looking forward for a long time to getting another chance at them."
Sports on 06/13/2015