Stanford Clinches Karbach Round Rock Classic Championship

By Chris Mycoskie

Stanford starting pitcher Quinn Matthews struck out 10 Arkansas student-athletes over six innings, helping the Cardinal earn a 5-0 win over the Razorbacks on Sunday at the Karbach Round Rock Classic. The Cardinal will bring the tournament’s championship belt home after winning all three of their games at Dell Diamond.

“The control aspect, that was the biggest upside for me today,” Matthews said. “Being in control for six innings. Ultimately, the stuff was there when I needed it to be. It was a good day overall.”

With both teams ranked in the top 10 and a rowdy crowd on hand, Stanford head coach David Esquer thought the game had a regional or super regional feel.

“Time expands because you’re concentrating so much,” Esquer said. “That was great for us to be in a ballgame where we had to concentrate at that level this early. That will pay dividends at the end of the season.”

Designated hitter Brett Barrera wrapped up a stellar weekend at the plate, going 2-for-5 with his three RBIs. He hit his second home run of the tournament in the top of the 2nd, a two-run shot that brought first baseman Carter Graham around.

Stanford will see its fourth opponent in four days, moving from Round Rock to San Antonio for a matchup with UTSA. First pitch is scheduled for 1 pm Central on Monday at Roadrunner Field.

“It’s going to be a real challenge for our team,” Stanford head coach David Esquer said. “They’re going to have to play a really good ballgame against another quality opponent. We’ve got our hands full.”

The Stanford-Arkansas matchup was originally scheduled for Saturday night, but field conditions forced it to be postponed to Sunday.