So what was big today? Here's some thoughts of mine...

1) The Gambler...or is he?

Eyes rolled across the nation when Arkansas Coach Dave Van Horn announced that Duke Welker, the team's #3 starter, would get the nod against Albany. It became quick bulletin board material for the Great Danes, as John Mueller claimed the Razorbacks were overlooking his ballclub. Welker, though, showed that Van Horn really wasn't risking much. The junior hurler shut down the Great Danes in six strong innings of work, striking out seven and holding them scoreless. In his last two starts (S. Carolina and Albany), Welker's pitched a combined 13 innings of one run baseball.

"If I thought in any way that Welker couldn't get it done, I would've never made the move," said Van Horn after the post-game press conference.

Then again, Van Horn took a risk on Jacob Julius tonight. The Arkansas coach picked Julius over Sean Jones, Jeff Nutt and Matt Willard to be the designated hitter in the starting lineup. The risk was rewarded, as Julius played one of his best games offensively, scoring the game's first run on a single in the first, and then driving the next two in on a double in the third.

"I just had a hunch that he was due," said Van Horn.

I have a hunch that Van Horn will keep Julius in the lineup tomorrow.

2) OSU Wins With...Pitching?

All the scouting reports said OSU was a power hitting team that won by driving in heaps of runs every game. However, facing a good Creighton squad, the Cowboys relied on the arm of Oliver Odle, and it paid off. Odle pitched a complete game in the 6-4 Cowboy win, and now OSU has plenty of options to choose from tomorrow.

When asked who the starter would be tomorrow, Anderson refused to say. For the record, Van Horn announced without hesistation that Jess Todd will get the nod for Arkansas.

3) Business or Casual?

The attitudes of Creighton and Albany during the post-game press conferences contrasted greatly.

Creighton's team, as well as their coach, Ed Servais, had a workman-like approach to tomorrow's game. The serious looks on their faces said it all. Creighton didn't expect to lose; they didn't like losing, and they plan to do something about it tomorrow.

Albany, meanwhile, took their defeat in stride.

"We've got another game to play tomorrow, and we're excited about that," said Great Danes Coach John Mueller.

Creighton's a tough team, so I think Albany has their hands full tomorrow. However, if the Jays try too hard, and make mistakes because of it, UAlbany could make the first game a very interesting one.

So, we head to tomorrow with the following games on tap...

#2 Creighton vs. #4 Albany - 2:37 pm CDT
#1 Arkansas vs. #3 Oklahoma State - 6:37 CDT

For now, we bid you a pleasant evening from Fayetteville. See you tomorrow at the ballpark!