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February 23, 2003
Arkansas notches two victories; Memphis tops Air Force 
...Razorbacks knock off Navy, trip Memphis

MILLINGTON, TENN. - Arkansas (5-0) used a two-run ninth inning rally to defeat Memphis 10-9 and complete a perfect day at USA Stadium in the Service Academy Spring Classic. The Razorbacks began the day with a 8-1 win over Navy in the completion of a suspended game from Friday.

Arkansas trailed 9-7 after six innings, but added a run in the seventh and two in the ninth on two-run double by Nick Pitts to pick up the victory. Jay Sawatski (1-0) picked up the win for the Hogs going 3.2 innings and allowing only two hits.

Earlier in the day, Memphis pounded out 15 hits for a 14-1 victory over Air Force. Bill Moss led the way for the Tigers with two home runs, including one in his first collegiate at bat. Kevin House also had a big game in his Tiger debut going 3-for-4 with two doubles, a home run, three runs, and three RBI.

Since five of the nine games were cancelled, no champion was named and no all-tournament team was named. 

February 21, 2003
Illinois kicks off Spring Classic with 10-7 win 
...Arkansas holds 1-0 lead with play suspended
 
MILLINGTON, TENN. - After trailing for the majority of the game, the University of Illinois (1-0) used a four-run rally in the bottom of the eighth to claim a 10-7 victory over Kansas State (3-1) in the opening game of the 2003 Service Academy Spring Classic. Fighting Illini shortstop Eric Eymann led off the bottom of the eighth with a solo home run to tie the game at 7. After loading the bases, Illinois notched two infield singles to plate two runs en route to their three-run victory.

Illini reliever Dave Mazurek picked up his first win of the season in 1.2 innings of hitless relief. Allan Woodward (0-1) took the loss for the Wildcats.

Chad Frk led the charge offensively for Illinois going 3-for-5 on the day, while Eymann and Drew Davidson each added solo home runs. Tim Doty and Zack Saunders homered for Kansas State.

In the second game, the University of Arkansas scored a single run in the top of the third and holds a 1-0 lead over the Naval Academy with two outs in the bottom of the fourth. Rain suspended play for the day at 3:45 p.m. 

January 23, 2003
Arkansas, Illinois headline strong 6-team Service Academy Field
...Teams from six top conferences descend on Millington February 21-23

MILLINGTON, TENN. - For the first time in the fifteen year history of the Service Academy Spring Classic, six different conferences will be represented in the tournament field. Newcomers to the field include the University of Arkansas (Southeastern Conference), the University of Illinois (Big 10 Conference, and Kansas State University (Big 12 Conference), while the University of Memphis (Conference USA), Air Force (Mountain West Conference), and Navy (Patriot League) have been involved in the Classic since its inception.

Memphis, who will be much improved from last season, boasts the best record in the Classic over its history with a 23-15 record, while Air Force has amassed a 21-20 mark. Navy has an 18-22 record since the tournament’s beginning.

Arkansas, a Super-Regional participant in 2002, returns to the Classic for the first time since 1997. The Razorbacks posted a 1-1 record in the tournament with a win over Navy and a loss to Notre Dame before the rest of the tournament was cancelled because of rain.

Kansas State and Illinois are making their first ever appearance in Millington.

Navy, last year’s Patriot League champion and NCAA Regional Tournament Participant, is the defending champion of the event.