June 18, 2007

CSUF's McArthur may not play
By JANIS CARR
The Orange County Register

OMAHA, Neb.The trainer wound the tape heavily around Evan McArthur's left ankle before Sunday's practice. Moments later, the tape was in the trash.

Nothing seems to be helping the Cal State Fullerton third baseman's painful ankle — not therapy, cortisone shots or tape.

"The doctors call it severe tendinitis, which is their easy way of saying I've got severe inflammation and the only thing that is going to help it is rest, and I never have a chance to rest it," McArthur said.

McArthur might get that chance today. He said — and Coach George Horton seconded — he might not be able to play when the Titans take on UC Irvine in a College World Series elimination game at Rosenblatt Stadium.

"I want to play, obviously, but if my being out there is going to hurt the team, then I'll take myself out," McArthur said.

Horton suggested McArthur come out of Saturday's loss to Oregon State, but the third baseman refused and played all nine innings.

"He's a tough kid," Horton said. "I don't know anybody else, with the exception of maybe (former player Justin) Red Turner, that would have stayed on the field last night with as much pain as he was in.

"He can't put any weight on the ankle, and if he can't play, that would be a big given the way UCI attacks the third baseman with their bunting."

McArthur, who took part in drills Sunday, said he was searching for a pair of crutches that would allow him to rest the ankle.

OLLIE'S BIG DAY

There's little doubt UC Irvine center fielder Ollie Linton is a crucial member of the Anteaters' lineup. His athleticism gives him an edge in the outfield and his swing makes him a threat at the plate. Linton is batting .356 and he has 18 RBIs.

But even his performance in Saturday's loss to Arizona State was above and beyond his expectations. The 5-foot-8 sophomore went 1 for 3 with an RBI and a walk.

His single in the fourth inning drove in a run during the Anteaters' four-run fourth.

In the outfield, he excelled even more.

He chased down several long fly balls and had five putouts. Linton was featured prominently on the front page of the local sports section as he crashed into the wall trying to catch a home run ball.

"The balls were hanging up there and that gave me a chance to get there and I did," Linton said.