Change in plans: ORU’s McGregor ready for another shot at Arkansas

Oral Roberts right-hander Justin McGregor will start the Golden Eagles' regional opener at Arkansas on Friday.

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn fielded questions regarding Oral Roberts star left-hander Miguel Ausua earlier this week in anticipation of facing him in Friday’s Fayetteville Regional opener.

The next day, Golden Eagles coach Ryan Folmar pulled senior Justin McGregor into the team’s bullpen and relayed he would get the nod instead. McGregor switched to preparation mode.

The decision to begin the weekend with McGregor, who started most of Oral Roberts’ Friday night games last season, was an “easy” one, Folmar said, considering the quality starting pitching he’s carrying on his roster.

Ausua (8-1, 3.27 ERA) heads the staff, but it also includes three other pitchers with 11 or more starts this season. McGregor, who has held opponents to a .220 average against in 2018, is one of them.

“Justin’s been really consistent all year long,” Folmar said. “He’s pitched in a lot of different roles on a lot of different days. We just felt good with Justin walking out here Game 1.

“We’re going to have to have a great effort on the mound, we know that. We’re going to have to get good work out of our bullpen to be able to stay in it. Justin is a guy who’s been really consistent and we feel good with what he’s doing.”

McGregor enters Friday 6-1 in 15 appearances — 14 starts — and carries a 2.56 ERA over 88 innings this season. While adamant that he will treat the start as he would any other, McGregor understands the circumstances surrounding the start are different.

A strong outing against a potent lineup which ranks among the nation’s leaders in home runs and batting average could set up the Golden Eagles for a special weekend. It will mean getting the best of SEC Freshman of the Year Heston Kjerstad, star freshman Casey Martin, All-SEC infielder Carson Shaddy and others.

McGregor doesn’t do a lot of homework and research on opponents, though. He places his trust in first-year pitching coach Wes Davis’ scouting reports and his own mental preparation.

Folmar said McGregor’s biggest strength all season has been his command.

“I think if you see him come out and command the ball early in the game, that’s when he gives guys lots of problems,” Folmar said. “I don’t think there is any advice you can give anybody at this point. Guys have played lots of games and a lot of good clubs throughout the year.”

McGregor remembers well how quickly his 2017 regional outing against Arkansas got away from him. After allowing only two hits through four innings, the Razorbacks’ offense mounted three runs on five hits to chase McGregor and knot the game 3-3. Arkansas won 4-3 to eliminate ORU and set up a game with Missouri State later that night - the game that didn't end until 3:10 a.m.

McGregor will feature a 88-92 mph fastball with a slider and changeup. He has the ability to move the ball to either side of the plate, his coach said. Folmar likes McGregor’s composure, competitiveness and his athleticism, too.

Folmar feels the senior is prepared for another shot at Arkansas. McGregor appears ready.

“We’re going to come in here and try to play well for nine innings and see what happens,” McGregor said. “I’m going to give them my best shot. That’s really all I can do.”