The Arkansas Razorbacks and Oregon State Beavers wrapped up the 2018 College World Series on Thursday night in Omaha. After a monumental collapse in Game 2, the Oregon State Beavers, having dominated in the decisive Game 3, now lay claim to the title of National Champions.
Game 1
The performance of Blaine Knight, having pitched six innings of one-run baseball on Tuesday cannot be understated. Baltimore’s third-round selection earlier this month, Knight out-dueled left-hander Luke Heimlich, who led the NCAA with 16 wins this season. The Arkansas senior totaled six strikeouts, walked one, and threw 66 of his 97 pitches for strikes.
After falling behind 1-0 through two innings, Knight allowed only two Beavers runners to reach scoring position over his final four frames. It’s worth noting that he was the beneficiary of a controversial call that prevented OSU from scoring in the fourth inning, however, his poise and demeanor on the mound were unquestioned throughout his final game as a member of the Razorbacks.
Having not yet put pen to paper on a deal, Knight should officially become a member of the Orioles organization in the coming days. Slot value for the 87th overall selection is $663,200. Teams have until July 6 to sign all non-college senior draft selections before losing their rights.
Game 2
The Minnesota Twins used their first round selection, No. 20 overall, to take OSU outfielder Trevor Larnach. If his big-game performance in the College World Series is an indication of future success, the fans in the Twin Cities should be excited.
With his team down by one run and two outs in the ninth inning, facing elimination, Larnach stood in the on-deck circle as teammate, and fellow first-rounder Cadyn Grenier tied the game with a base hit to left field.
Larnach followed with a 2-run home run lifting the Beavers to a dramatic come-from-behind victory. The kids from Corvallis dominated in Game 3 en route to their third-ever National Championship.
With the CWS now over, many of these prospects will sign pro deals before the deadline. Larnach ($3.12MM) and Grenier ($1.924MM), as is the case with teammate Nick Madrigal ($6.411MM), will soon become millionaires based on their slot value.
In total, the two clubs had 17 players selected in June’s MLB Draft, here’s a look at the rest of the Razorbacks and Beavers that were chosen.
Arkansas
Player — Class — Pos. — Drafted By (Round)
- Blaine Knight — Jr. — RHP — Baltimore Orioles (3rd)
- Eric Cole — Jr. — OF — Kansas City Royals (4th)
- Grant Koch — Jr. — C — Pittsburgh Pirates (5th)
- Jax Biggers — Jr. — SS — Texas Rangers (8th)
- Carson Shaddy — Sr. — 2B — Washington Nationals (10th)
- Kacey Murphy — Jr. — LHP — Detroit Tigers (11th)
- Evan Lee — So. — LHP — Washington Nationals (15th)
- Barrett Loseke — Jr. — RHP — New York Yankees (17th)
- Jake Reindl — Jr. — RHP — Chicago Cubs (17th)
- Isaiah Campbell — Jr. — RHP — Anaheim Angels (24th)
- Zack Plunkett — Jr. — C — Arizona Diamondbacks (37th)
Oregon State
Player — Class — Pos. — Drafted By (Round)
- Nick Madrigal — Jr. — 2B — Chicago White Sox (1st)
- Trevor Larnach — Jr. — OF — Minnesota Twins (1st)
- Cadyn Grenier — Jr. — SS — Baltimore Orioles (1st)
- Steven Kwan — Jr. — OF — Cleveland Indians (5th)
- Drew Rasmussen — Sr. — RHP — Milwaukee Brewers (6th)
- Mike Grenler — Sr. — 3B — Pittsburgh Pirates (10th)