BY DUDLEY E. DAWSON

STILLWATER, Okla. – When the NCAA Baseball Stillwater Regional opens at Oklahoma State’s O’Brate Stadium Friday, it’ll match a veteran hurler who’s pitched on faculty baseball’s greatest stage towards a prized newcomer.

Arkansas (38-18) will ship senior Connor Noland out for the midday contest whereas Grand Canyon College (41-19) will go along with freshman Daniel Avitia (8-4, 3.59), the Western Athletic Convention’s pitcher and rookie of the yr.

Noland (5-4, 4.02), who pitched within the School World Sequence in 2019, began off the season robust, however has not been as environment friendly currently.

Arkansas has misplaced 4 video games in a row and 6 of its final eight. It’s used to internet hosting regionals, not touring to play, which grew to become a actuality after they skidded to the end.

Noland hopes to slide into the position of villain this weekend in a event that additionally contains Oklahoma State and Missouri State.

“It’s one thing I’ve by no means achieved in my profession,” Noland mentioned. “So it’s new for me, but it surely’s one thing totally different. I imply, you type of get to be the dangerous man. And also you come into a distinct facility, a distinct setting, and play some video games. So it’s thrilling. It’s a brand new alternative for us.”

As soon as 5-1 this season, Noland has not gone greater than 5 innings in his final 4 outings after an eighth inning efficiency towards Ole Miss on April 29.

He gave up six runs in 4 2/3 innings in his final begin, which changed into a 7-5 loss to Florida within the SEC Event, however Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn mentioned analytics advised a distinct story.

“That is what we see, and we used TrackMan (pc analytics) and another information,” Van Horn mentioned. “His stuff final weekend was actually good. Breaking ball, velocity on his fastball. Perhaps he didn’t find it like he usually does, however his stuff, it’s not down. 

“We really feel actual good about Connor, and we really feel like he’s as robust as ever. It’s not like we’ve pitched him eight innings each weekend. It’s been, 5, 6, 7.”

Noland, who met the media Thursday together with Arkansas third baseman Cayden Wallace, says he’s prepared.
“I’m feeling actually good,” Noland mentioned. “I’m simply excited. I believe all people right here may be very excited that we have now a chance. It doesn’t matter how relaxation or or how I really feel, I’m going to go on the market and provides it every thing I’ve.

“Enjoying at Arkansas, I’ve a great alternative and I believe Cayden can communicate for everybody in saying we’re prepared. We’re simply able to step on the sector.”

Noland was requested if he thought it was time for the luck to vary for Arkansas, which has misplaced 4 straight and 6 of its final eight.

“I hope so,” Noland mentioned. “I’m not a man that believes huge in luck. I believe you place in your work, you put together, and it’ll come to you.”
Wallace mentioned the Razorbacks imagine in Noland.

“On Connor, I count on the identical factor that I’ve anticipated all yr,” Wallace mentioned. “He provides his all, he’ll give us a aggressive recreation. We actually haven’t as an offense helped him a lot this yr, however that’s our aim tomorrow – to assist him. I believe personally he has achieved actually nice all yr. He has given us every thing we may need as an offense.”

Grand Canyon head coach Andy Stankiewicz is of the thoughts that Noland will put forth an excellent efficiency.

“He’s a big-time performer and we count on him to be on prime of his recreation and pitch his recreation,” Stankewicz mentioned.

Avitia is a homegrown Phoenix prospect whose brother David was a 2020 Chicago Cubs draft choose after flourishing for an Antelopes program who grew to become Division I in 2014.

Daniel Avitia was additionally drafted by the Cubs, however wished $300,000, and was solely supplied $125,000 after they took him within the nineteenth spherical of the 2021 Main League Baseball draft.

“He’s aggressive and has at all times been very aggressive on the mound,” Stankiewicz mentioned. “He’s a kind of younger males that he assaults the strike zone. He has an awesome fastball and alter up, slider and he can use them in any depend. “I believe the the factor that we like about Daniel is his throws strikes, the protection is prepared behind him. They know he’s going to pound the zone.

“Usually it’s a quicker-paced recreation and I do know that’s what a whole lot of our guys on protection take pleasure in.”

Avitia acquired the nod over senior Nick Hull (7-1, 3.89).

“He (Avitia) is used to this and relishes the chance to get on the mound and simply be one of many guys to assist our crew have success,” Stankiewicz mentioned.

Avitia was who Van Horn anticipated to face.

“He was participant of the yr or pitcher of the yr of their league,” Van Horn mentioned. “Had, like, 107 to 109 strikeouts in 80 innings. Assume he’s 8-4. 14 begins, one thing like that. Threw out of the pen, perhaps, early. However both approach, they’ve two nice choices. Perhaps three, I don’t know.
“… Simply lanky child with a whippy arm. 3/4 slot, motion, can run it away from lefties and righties. Scouting report talks concerning the velo and all that.”