It’s a scene now etched in Arkansas baseball lore forever, and you likely missed the best part as it happened.
As the pandemonium of a newfound, late-game lead reached new heights, Dave Van Horn and Charlie Welch both saw an opportunity. Then, they spotted each other.
Arkansas finally took control of the do-or-die game of its draining Fayetteville Regional. And Nebraska reliever Jake Bunz had no choice, facing a 2-0 count, but to deliver a dead-red strike.
Van Horn gleefully greeted Christian Franklin, who had just scored on a wild pitch. He locked eyes with Welch, and gave his reserve weapon polite permission to swing freely.