Sure, the Razorbacks have the ability to scratch and claw their way to the championship series Friday night, with a heavy reliance on their efficient pitching staff. But it would sure be much easier if they could get more from their top two hitters.

Junior Matt Reynolds and sophomore Dominic Ficociello were a combined 1-for-20 in the College World Series coming into Friday’s elimination game against South Carolina.

One hit. From the 3-hole and 4-hole guys!

When you think about it, it’s quite remarkable that the Razorbacks are still alive. They’re overflowing with pitching talent, but their punchless offense is missing contributions from its studs.

It’s time for Reynolds and Ficociello to deliver. And so far Friday night, they have.

Arkansas is up 1-0 after one inning now (a key double play got the Razorbacks out of a bases-loaded jam in the bottom half). Reynolds was responsible for the RBI-single, his first hit of the CWS.

Ficociello did have a chance to drive Reynolds in after he stole second, but lined sharply out to right field.

It’s a promising start for two guys who’ve struggled a bit in the spotlight (Reynolds is a .234 hitter in the NCAA tournament. Ficociello has hit .163 in his tourney career). Arkansas will certainly need more.