The headline matchup of the Karbach Round Rock Classic features the #2 Arkansas Razorbacks against the #6 Stanford Cardinal. The two will face off on Saturday at 4:00pm, weather permitting. It’s a delayed meeting, as the two were in line to play an opening round game at the 2021 College World Series before North Carolina State went on its upset run through Fayetteville.
Much like Arkansas, Stanford returns a team that expects to make a run to Omaha in 2022. They are led by Golden Spikes contender Brock Jones, a true five-tool player expected to go early in the MLB draft this summer. Jones plays elite centerfield, hits for both power and average, and adds speed when on the bases. He swiped 14 bags last season to go along with his 18 home runs.
From D1Baseball’s Kendal Rogers:
Jones is hitting .364 and hit a double and triple in the series against the Titans. He’s ultra-athletic, plays his position exceptionally well and has a mature offensive approach. He is the guy in this lineup who will dictate Stanford’s offensive success this weekend.
On the mound Stanford is scheduled to start southpaw Quinn Matthews. The junior is coming off a 5-2 season last year, though he also showed a bloated 6.08 ERA. He took the loss last Saturday against Cal State Fullerton, giving up 3 earned runs in 3 innings. In that outing he walked a pair and allowed 4 hits, though he also struck out 4 of the 15 batters he faced. He should give the Hogs a good test with their left-handed-heavy lineup.
Stanford opens the tournament today at noon when they take on Louisiana.