In Game With 16 2018 MLB Draft Picks, Underclassmen Abel and Rutschman Lead Oregon State to NCAA Title
In the deciding game of the College World Series Final it was Oregon State University who defeated the University of Arkansas by a score of 5-0. Providing a matchup between two programs ranked fifth (Arkansas) and third (Oregon State) in the nation, there were a total of 16 2018 MLB Draft picks between them. However, it was a pair of underclassmen who took the stage as the game's biggest stars in Oregon State sophomore catcher Adley Rutschman and freshman pitcher Kevin Abel.
Rutschman won Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series, totaling a tournament record 17 hits throughout entirety of the event — including going 3-4 with an RBI and a run scored in Game 3 of the CWS Finals to help the Beavers win the third national title.
Abel pitched a complete game shutout — less than 24 hours after coming from the bullpen to pitch a scoreless inning and pick up the win, forcing Game 3— giving up only two walks and two hits, striking out 10, in earning a College World Series record fourth victory and becoming the first pitcher to win both games of the College World Series Final.
The San Diego native threw 23 pitches in the eighth inning and struck out the side in Game 2, fanning Arkansas second baseman Carson Shaddy, first baseman Jared Gates, and catcher Grant Koch. Amazingly, Abel was able to go the distance in just the following day, throwing a clean 129 pitches (82 strikes). The 6'0, 180-pound right hander had also threw 95 pitches just five days prior when he started against Mississippi State, going seven innings in the game-clinching 5-2 victory sending Oregon State to the finals.
Opposing Abel on the mound for Arkansas was junior right hander Isaiah Campbell. A 24th round pick of the Angels, he was the third straight starting pitcher for the Razorbacks in the three games of the College World Series Final to be taken in the 2018 MLB Draft. Starting Game 1 was Blaine Knight and Kacey Murphy .
One night following Murphy's outing where he wasn't able to complete five full innings, going 4.1 innings, Campbell didn't last through three innings, managing six outs before giving way to reliever Jake Reindl. The righty reliever Reindl inherited the situation left by the 6'4, 225-pound starter, who previously walked Casey Grenier on four pitches and began the next batter Trevor Larnach with ball one out of the zone before being removed.
Reaching 95 mph with his fastball on the evening, Campbell finished with 2+ IP, 2 H, 3R, 2ER, 1BB, 1 HBP, 2 K.
Oregon State was able to jump out to an early lead in the first inning, 2-0 by way of a few of their draft picks as well as the MOP Rutschman. Grenier, the shortstop selected 37th overall by Baltimore, and Larnach, the right fielder taken 20th by the Minnesota Twins, set up Rutschman RBI opportunity as Grenier was hit by a pitch and then advanced to third on a single into right by Larnach.
After Rutschman batted in Grenier on his single through the left side, Larnach then crossed the plate on third baseman Michael Gretler's ground ball to his counterpart freshman Casey Martin of Arkansas. With Gretler hustling down the line Martin gathered to make a quick throw across the diamond which took first baseman Jared Gates off the bag, allowing him to be safe and Larnach to score from third. An accurate throw would've resulted in the third out of the inning.
Gretler, taken in the tenth round by the Pittsburgh Pirates, didn't have any hits going 0-2, though that doesn't illustrate the quality of at-bats he had. He was behind two more runs Oregon State scored, allowing them to increase their lead to 4-0 and then 5-0 later in the game.
With a 2-2 count the senior showed his experience as a hitter, protecting the plate and making enough contact to score Rutschman from third on a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fifth inning. Greeter then scored a run in the eight inning when he walked and then eventually came around to score on a single by junior left fielder Zac Taylor.
Coming in for Campbell in the third inning with no outs, Reindl allowed the third run of the game to Oregon State, when he gave up a single to Rutschman through left field scoring Grenier for a second time — as they did against Campbell in the first inning — to make the score 3-0.
Reindl would work into the fifth inning, before giving way to Cody Scroggins. The 17th round pick of the Chicago Cubs finished the night pitching 2.1 innings, allowing three hits, one run (earned), two walks, and two strikeouts.
Facing a deep Arkansas lineup which featured four picks from the 2018 MLB Draft, in addition to two freshman in third baseman Casey Martin and left fielder Heston Kjerstad who were the team's most dangerous hitters, Abel was able to retire the final 20 consecutive batters to end the game. The last of the baserunners he allowed was on an infield single to Martin in the third inning.
Despite not having command of his curveball, particularly in the middle innings, Abel kept Arkansas off-balance all evening with excellent control of his fastball and changeup which displayed excellent depth. With that he consistently avoided bats throughout the evening, having eight of his ten strikeouts come by way of swings and misses.
Of the two batters Abel struck out looking included the last out of the game, when he perfectly placed a 92 mph fastball down and away, just on the outside corner to sit down Arkansas senior Luke Bonfield, a New Jersey native. Even when the right hander wasn't striking guys out he induced plenty of weak contact, with six popups accounting for a portion of the 27 outs Abel recorded.
NOTES AND NUMBERS
Arkansas Draft Picks
- Blaine Knight, RHP (Baltimore Orioles: 3-87)
- Eric Cole, OF (Kansas City Royals: 4-122)
- Grant Koch, C (Pittsburgh Pirates: 5-144)
- Jax Biggers, SS (Texas Rangers: 8-239)
Batting ninth in the Arkansas batting order, Biggers provided excellent depth to one of the best lineups in NCAA. Mainly a gap-to-gap hitter the lefty hit four home runs both in 2017 and 2018, but saw a dip in his slash line from .338/.423./498 to a still respectable .280/.388..382. Having played shortstop during his NCAA career the transfer from Cisco (Texas) will likely spend some time at second base as a professional.
- Carson Shaddy, 2B (Washington Nationals: 10-311)
Despite winning Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior in high school Shaddy had to walk-on to the Arkansas program he dreamed of playing for in following his father's, Chris', footsteps. The native of Fayetteville redshirted his first season in the program before he took the field in 2015. Bouncing around a number of positions (catcher, third base, centerfield) before settling in at second base the 5'11, 185-pound super-utility teammate blasted 32 home runs in his career with the Razorbacks over 219 games. In each season he improved his extra-base hit, home run, and strikeout percentage.
- Kacey Murphy, LHP (Detroit Tigers: 11-315)
Of the three primary starters in the Arkansas pitching staff Murphy's stuff wasn't the most to show itself off. Featuring a fastball between 88-89 mph, teasing the 90's occasionally, and serviceable secondary offerings in a changeup and curveball, he relied on having veteran-like pinpoint control. Allowing less than three walks per nine inning for his career (2.88), this season the southpaw established a new low-mark giving up less than two (1.95). Starting Game 2 he exited the game to a line of 4.1 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 0BB, 4 K. The junior finished 2018 with 101 IP, 18 G/17 GS, 8-5, 3.20 ERA, 85 H, 85 K.
- Evan Lee, LHP (Washington Nationals: 15-461)
A sophomore-eligible for the 2018 MLB Draft Lee served as a special key reserve for the Razorbacks. The lefty batter and thrower played 35 games as an outfielder, first baseman, and designated hitter — batting .315/.414./467, with three home runs in 92 at-bats —, also appearing in 30 games on the mound in two years. The 2016 Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year, following fellow teammate/Washington Nationals draft pick Carson Shaddy, he was announced as a pitcher in the draft where he shows promise with a fastball that has reached 93 mph and an overhand curveball that shows potential as a strikeout pitch (17-18: 33 IP, 31 K, 16 BB, 4.36 ERA).
- Barrett Loseske, RHP (New York Yankees: 17-517)
Relying primarily on a fastball throughout his college career, the 6'0, 175-pound pitcher regularly registered on radar guns at 92-93 mph. During the CWS he was an increase an uptick in velocity, reaching 94-95 mph on a few occasions. Loseke pitched in both games 1 and 2 of the CWS Finals throwing 3.1 scoreless innings in total, facing 13 batters 44 pitches, 29 strikes, no walks, and four hits, and four strikeouts. It'll be interesting if the Yankees can sign the junior righty with a slight overslot deal that would risk penalty of losing a future first round pick at a certain price.
- Jake Reindl, RHP (Chicago Cubs: 17-518)
Selected with the following pick behind teammate and bullpen buddy Barrett Loseke, Reindl led the Razorbacks in relief appearances during 2018 with 26 in his 27 games pitched. He came in on in relief for starter Isaiah Campbell in the third inning of Game 3, pitching for in back-to-back games as he was brought in for Game 2 starter Kacey Murphy. Featuring a fastball/slider combination the Fayetteville native pitched 110 total innings during his career at Arkansas — totaling an impressive 2.75 ERA, 120 strikeouts, 96 hits, and only five home runs allowed, while limiting walks (3.15 BB/9).
- Isaiah Campbell, RHP (Los Angeles Angels: 24-721)
Despite not having his best performance in Game 3 it was a far cry from where Campbell was a year ago. Having had surgery to remove bone spurs in his elbow after just one appearance in 2017, he returned this season to pitch 18 games (17 starts). Despite going the latest of all the Arkansas starting pitchers in the draft, he may feature the best pure stuff with a fastball in the mid-90s and multiple secondary pitches. It remains interesting to see whether he'll decide to sign with the Angels or look to bolster his stock and return for his senior season.
- Zack Plunkett, C (Arizona Diamondbacks: 37-1119 )
Serving as a backup to catcher Grant Koch, the transfer from TCU appeared in only seven games where he totaled two hits, including a home run, in nine at-bats. He sat out the 2017 season per NCAA transfer rules, appearing in 39 games during 2015 and 2016. The 6'2, 225-pound appeared in different summer leagues between 2015-2017, last playing for the Green Bay Bullfrogs in the Northwoods League. In 49 games during the summer of 2017 Plunkett hit four doubles and four home runs. He'll also have to decide on turning pro or returning of his final season of eligibility.
Oregon State Draft Picks
- Nick Madrigal, SS (Chicago White Sox: 1-4)
Bouncing back from a broken wrist he suffered in the beginning of the season the Oregon State second baseman finished the season with a .367 batting average in 42 games. Compared to Jose Altuve by some for his diminutive stature and direct hitting path, he struck out only in 5.23% of his career plate appearances — including a career-low 3.47% during 2018. Voted the PAC-12 Conference Player of the Year last season he was also named to the College World Series All-Tournament team in 2017. He went 0-13 in this year's CWS Final (with a walk and a strikeout) but that doesn't by any means bypass what he brought to this National Championship team — as reflected by his draft slot. Having played 2B at Oregon State, he was announced as a shortstop by the White Sox, where he'll have the opportunity to potentially play either spot.
- Trevor Larnach, OF (Minnesota Twins: 1-20)
While CWS MOP Adley Rutschman was highlighted for his performance throughout the series, Larnach was outstanding all season to the end as well. After hitting 19 extra base in total in 2017, with three home runs, the junior doubled that in 2018 with 19 doubles and 19 home runs a piece. Manning right field for the Beavers squad, he batted 5-12 (.416), with two runs batted-in, three runs scored, and one walk during the CWS Final in helping the lead the team to the National Title. Larnach experienced a boost in his draft status with his increase in power this season and could become a potential 20+ home run player in the future at the MLB-level.
- Casey Grenier, SS (Baltimore Orioles: CBA-37)
Voted the recipient of the Brooks Wallace Award (nation's top shortstop) and PAC-12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year, the sure-handed shortstop has a swell season. Strides were made at the plate as the 5'11, 188-pound prospect batted over .300 (.319) for the first time in his career. The junior, three-year starter at Oregon State kept their season alive in Game 2 when he hit a run scoring single in the ninth inning with the team down to their last strike, trailing 3-2. While held hitless in the Championship-clinching Game 3, he did draw a walk and score two of the team's five runs. For his performance Grenier was named to the CWS All-Tournament Team.
- Steven Kwan, OF (Cleveland Indians: 5-163)
The starting centerfielder and leadoff hitter for the National Champions suffered an injury to his hamstring prior to the CWS Final limiting his participation in the three games. Going 1-4 in Game 1, Kwan pinch-hit in Game 2 and didn't enter into Game 3. During the 2018 season the lefty batter hit for an average of .355, with an outstanding 50 walks to only 18 strikeouts in 66 games. Named to the 2018 All-PAC 12 First Team, the contact oriented California-native struck out less than seven percent (6.37) of his plate appearances for his career. He also batted .304 last summer in the Cape Cod League.
- Drew Rasmussen, RHP (Milwaukee Brewers: 6-185)
Beginning his career earning a spot in the rotation for the Beavers, the right started in 14 of his 18 games his freshman season, going 7-4 with a 2.80 ERA. After having to undergo Tommy John Surgery early in his sophomore season, he then returned the following year in 2017 appearing in eight games (3-0, 27 IP, 26 K, 1.00 ERA). Selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the first round (31st overall), he didn't sign as the sides were unable to come to as a result of discrepancies in his MRI for his surgically-repaired arm. The senior stood to pitch for Oregon State in 2018 before he required a second Tommy John Surgery last September.
- Mike Gretler, 3B (Pittsburgh Pirates: 10-294)
Drafted for a third time after being selected twice in the 39th round, once as a high school senior by the Boston Red Sox and then again last year as a junior by the Pirates organization. Batting .303 over the last two seasons, Gretler was a solid contributor, himself, in addition to some of the high-profile names in lineup. Having totaled 22 extra-base hits with five home runs in 2017, the corner infielder smashed 29 extra-base hits in 2018, including seven home runs. The All-PAC 12 Honorable Mention drew a walk, scored a run, and had a run batted-in during the National Championship-clinching Game 3.
%20.jpeg)
Comments
Post a Comment