SEC powers take control

HOOVER, Ala. – Few teams in college baseball have more at stake this week than Arkansas. Win two or three games in the SEC tournament and the Razorbacks likely are preparing for an NCAA Regional host. Go 0-2 and they’re in dire straits.

It’s now safe to say the Razorbacks have some work to do. The Hogs began the SEC tournament Wednesday morning with a bout against ace pitcher Nathan Kilcrease and Alabama. Arkansas, though, didn’t send ace D.J. Baxendale to the mound. Instead, it gave the ball to Randall Fant.

Kilcrease, as expected, put together a fantastic start and was the story of the game. The outstanding right-handed pitcher, who now has a 3.16 ERA, struck out 10 batters and allowed four runs (one earned) on seven hits in eight innings.

“Obviously having Kilcrease on the mound helped us. We knew he would find a way to find the strike zone and do a good job,” Alabama coach Mitch Gaspard said. “The guy [Kilcrease] has delivered time and time again. Today was no different. It seems like every time we need one he gives us one of his best outings.”

With the win, the Crimson Tide moves to the winner’s bracket of the SEC tournament and solidifies an already solid spot in the NCAA tournament. For Arkansas, Thursday’s loser’s bracket game against Mississippi State could determine its status as a potential host site.

After losing to Alabama, the Hogs are 10-8 vs. RPI Top 25, 15-14 vs. RPI Top 50 and 22-14 vs. RPI Top 100.

“At this time we don’t really have to say a whole lot [about tomorrow]. They [the team] know what’s on the line,” Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said. “Hopefully we’ll be the second team to enter the press conference room tomorrow.”

Clemson, Arkansas’ primary competition for a host site, started the ACC tournament in impressive fashion with a 9-0 triumph over Georgia Tech. It’s thought the Tigers would take the Hogs’ spot as a host should they have the better week.

It’s crunch time for the Razorbacks.

FLORIDA EDGES YOUNG BULLDOGS

Mississippi State right-handed pitcher Evan Mitchell is a sign of things to come for the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs entered the spring in a must-win situation. They struggled the past few seasons, and there was some discussion before the season about John Cohen's job security. Now, the Bulldogs, barring a surprise, will be in the NCAA tournament.

Though State very well could get through an NCAA Regional, it's perfectly happy with just reaching the NCAA tournament -- for this season. After this year, it'll be up to Mitchell and others to carry the torch.

Mitchell, who topped out at 93 mph in a 7-5 loss to Florida, put together a solid performance. The bullpen wasn't so crisp. Mitchell struck out five (walked four), but allowed just two runs on five hits in five innings of work.

"Evan hadn't had a start in a while, but I thought he threw really well today," Mississippi State coach John Cohen said. "I thought he was outstanding."

Florida coach Kevin O'Sullivan agreed.

"State really looks like a solid postseason team to me. It really has improved as the season has progressed," O'Sullivan said. "[Mitchell] really did a great job of locating his fastball and pitching downhill."

Considering Mitchell only had four starts this season, O'Sullivan noted the Gators didn't have a game plan for the young freshman, but knew he was pretty good his last time out, threw in the upper 80s and had a good breaking ball."

Time will tell if the Bulldogs truly will turn the corner as a program under Cohen, but the infusion of talent with guys like Mitchell leading the way certainly helps, and so will a trip to the NCAA tournament.

Scouting report: Florida LHP Nick Maronde -- Florida left-handed reliever Nick Maronde worked in the game, striking out three and allowing just a run on two hits in three innings. And with approximately 30 scouts looking on, the talented lefty was very solid. He was 91-93 mph with his fastball, hitting 93 on several occasions. He also tossed an 80-81 mph change with a slider sitting at 87 mph. Maronde is rated the 29th best college prospect by Perfect Game.

SOUTH CAROLINA'S ROTH HEEDS MOM'S ADVICE

When a baseball player gets off his normal course of action, he often seeks advice from his current coach or perhaps even a former high school coach. But South Carolina pitcher Michael Roth? His best advice came from mom.

After walking four batters in 5 2/3 innings of work last weekend against Alabama to end the regular season, Roth, who was trying to figure out what he was doing wrong, was stopped by his mom.

"She told me I was working a lot slower than she wanted me to work," he said with a laugh. "She said I needed to pick up the pace. That really was a great piece of advice."

Roth was back to his Roth-like ways on Wednesday in a 7-3 triumph over Auburn. He only struck out two hitters (walked two), but allowed just three runs (none earned) on six hits in his first complete game of the season.

"I was eager to get back out there today and there were numerous factors going into that," Roth said about his earlier than usual start. "I wanted to start the tournament off right, and I felt like I should be out there. Plus, throwing today gives me a little extra time to recoup before the [NCAA] postseason."

With the win, Roth, who arguably is the SEC's top pitcher, improved to 11-3 and lowered his impressive earned run average to 1.17.

Also worth noting, Tanner said reliever John Taylor felt much better today during a mini bullpen session after recently dealing with some sickness. Additionally, Adam Matthews returned to the lineup in a pinch hit role after dealing with a hamstring issue.

AUBURN AGAINST THE WALL

John Pawlowski's Auburn Tigers took a huge step forward last season with an NCAA postseason appearance and an NCAA Regional host. But this season, they're just hoping to make the field of 64.

That may or may not happen, and it's very much dependent on how they fair against Georgia in Thursday's loser's bracket game.

The Tigers enter that contest with a 29-28 overall record. A win over the Bulldogs would ensure they finish the season with a record better than .500, while a loss to the Bulldogs means they end their season at .500, which of course means they aren't eligible for the postseason.

Despite the seriousness of Thursday's matchup, the Tigers plan on taking the field like it's any other game.

"We try to play every game out there like it'll be our last, and I don't think this adds any pressure," Auburn shortstop Casey McElroy said. "We're going to be aggressive, hungry and will play with a lot of enthusiasm."

Kendall Rogers is the college baseball editor for Perfect Game USA and has covered the sport for over 10 seasons. He can be reached at kendall@perfectgame.org