Will McEntire’s gem keeps Arkansas alive at College World Series

Arkansas’ lineup came up huge and Will McEntire tossed a gem as the Diamond Hogs eliminated Auburn.

Will McEntire wasn’t on the radar for Arkansas’ weekend pitching plans for most of the season.

But as the year progressed, it turned out the sophomore from Bryant was the Diamond Hogs’ second best starter. So when coach Dave Van Horn and the Razorbacks were facing elimination Tuesday night, DVH knew who was getting the ball.

McEntire threw seven innings of one-run ball, striking out nine in Arkansas’ 11-1 win over Auburn, eliminating the Tigers and setting up a rematch of Monday’s game against Ole Miss.

The Razorbacks and Rebels will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday. If Ole Miss, it’s in the title series on the weekend. If Arkansas wins, a winner-take-all game will take place Thursday night.

McEntire gave up just a solo home run in the seventh in an otherwise immaculate night. He walked just one batter and gave up only three hits. His nine strikeouts were one shy of tying the CWS record for an Arkansas pitcher.

His lineup helped, too, as Arkansas’ No. 1 through 6 hitters went a combined 16 of 31 with two walks, five doubles, a home run, 11 RBIs and 10 runs.

Arkansas beat Auburn in three of the four meetings this season. The Diamond Hogs and Rebels are tied two wins apiece after Ole Miss’ win Monday.

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