As the NCAA Tournament draws near, college baseball teams are making tough calls—and not all of them are popular. Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn recently weighed in on a growing trend: midweek game cancellations against lower-ranked opponents.

Across the country, several programs have opted to cancel midweek matchups, citing rest and recovery concerns as the postseason looms. Kentucky, for instance, pulled the plug on a game against No. 272 Northern Kentucky, describing it as a "mutual decision" influenced by weekend scheduling delays and challenging recovery periods. The Wildcats are set to face No. 14 Arkansas (34-18) in a critical three-game series starting Thursday, May 15.

The reasoning behind these cancellations? It all comes down to RPI (Ratings Percentage Index), the metric that heavily influences NCAA Tournament selection. Playing a team with a low RPI can actually hurt a team's résumé—a risk that some coaches are unwilling to take this late in the season. The trend has even prompted the NCAA to send a memo to Division I coaches, urging them to honor their midweek commitments.

But Van Horn isn't buying into the panic. The veteran skipper has a straightforward take: play the games. His philosophy reflects a no-nonsense approach that resonates with fans and players alike. For a team like Arkansas, which has built its reputation on grit and consistency, skipping games isn't the answer—it's about showing up, competing, and letting the results speak for themselves.

As the Razorbacks gear up for postseason play, Van Horn's message is clear: stay focused, stay committed, and don't let the numbers dictate your integrity. That's the kind of mindset that wins championships—and looks great in the dugout.