OMAHA, Neb. — Alex Miklos never saw it coming.

Well, the Grove City High School graduate expected to see some playing time as a freshman on the Kent State University baseball team.

After that, he never could have imagined this.

Miklos became a starting outfielder for the Golden Flashes midway through the season and entering Saturday, the team will be one of eight squads still standing for the College World Series.

“It's beginning to sink in,” Miklos said. “Everyone was just shaking their head, kind of in disbelief. We got the call for our first practice here. Now it's settling in.”

It has been a wild ride for Kent State (46-18), but an even wilder one for Miklos, who was just getting his high school diploma this time last year.

“If they told us at the beginning of the year we'd be here, no one would have believed it,” Miklos said. “Ever since the (Mid-American Conference) tournament, we thought about getting into it.

“Maybe after winning that 21-inning game against Kentucky, we knew we had a chance to win the region.”

Ah, the 21-inning game against the Wildcats (a 7-6 Flashes win). It was the first game in the Gary, Ind. Regional. The big blow? Miklos' RBI triple in the top of the 21st that proved to be the difference.

“We were confident,” Miklos said. “We knew we were part of something special and a part of history. We knew then we could go and make a run.”

Miklos finished 2-of-8 for the game, then the Flashes knocked off Purdue 7-3, then Kentucky once more, 3-2. Miklos went 1-for-4 with a run against the Boilermakers and did not play against the Wildcats.

Kent State advanced to the Super Regional in Eugene, Ore. to face the University of Oregon in a best-of-three series. Kent State won the first game 7-6, then lost 3-2 before prevailing 3-2 in Game 3 to advance to the College World Series.

Miklos had a single and drew three walks in the three games combined.

Kent State will face Arkansas (44-20) at 5 p.m. Saturday at Ameritrade Park in the opening round.

Miklos couldn't have even dreamed this scenario back in the fall, when he was one of two freshman outfielders vying for playing time.

“I didn't know what to expect when I got here,” Miklos said. “With practice, I knew I could hang and compete for a spot. I made the travel roster from the start, but we never talked about playing time. After the fall scrimmage, they told me I could get pretty good playing time.

“I did a lot of pinch-running and late defensive stuff and pinch-hitting ... I struggled early, but unfortunately, Joe Koch struggled and I started getting more playing time,” Miklos added.

For the year, Miklos is batting .260 (39-of-150) with two home runs, 21 RBI, 22 runs, eight doubles, four triples and five stolen bases.

An added bonus about this year has been having former Eagles teammate Jeff Revesz on the team. Revesz, a catcher, has seen action in 20 games (six starts) with six RBI and seven runs scored.

Revesz's twin brother Jason, is also on the team, but did not make the travel squad. He currently is suiting up for the Slippery Rock Sliders while Miklos is slated to play for the Butler BlueSox once the collegiate season is over.

“Me and Jason and Jeff have been close all these years,” Miklos said. “We've been together since we were six years old. Jeff and I are roommates. Unfortunately, Jason didn't make the travel team, but he's working hard.

“We've talked about the College World Series since we were kids and now, to be playing in it, is surreal,” Miklos added.

Now, what was once 64 teams, has been whittled down to eight squads. And the Golden Flashes are still standing.

“Any team we play now is very solid,” Miklos said. “There's not a chance at rolling over any team. Every game will be a tough game. We're confident in our ability and how we compete.

“We have to focus on doing our job. We haven't looked much at Arkansas. We just have to play our brand of baseball and not what the other team does.