I don't know what ratings ESPN is getting for the College World Series, but the University of South Carolina is doing its best to provide exciting games.
Three of the Gamecocks' four victories have come in their final at-bat.
The Gamecocks entered Monday's CWS title series opener against Florida uncertain about the status of first baseman Christian Walker, who suffered an injury to the hamate bone in a hand. Not only did Walker get two hits, he scored the winning run on a steal and two Florida errors in the 11th inning.
Forrest Koumas gave a gutsy performance on the big stage, Tyler Webb had his best outing in weeks, John Taylor continued to be amazingly effective and Matt Price came back from a 95-pitch performance on two days rest to get the save.
Once again, though, it was the Gamecocks' defense which saved the day.
In a 1-1 tie, the Gators loaded the bases with none out, needing only to get a fly ball to the outfield or a grounder past a drawn-in infield to win the series opener.
Instead, Scott Wingo made a couple of spectacular stops of grounders, throwing home to get the potential winning run each time. On the second one, catcher Robert Beary was able to throw to Walker at first in time for an inning-ending double play.
In the Florida 10th Cody Dent tried to score from second on Mike Zunino's two-out single but was thrown out at home by left-fielder Jake Williams to end the inning.
This Gamecocks team may lose the next two games to Florida, but it has proven that it's not going to go easily.
1 comment:
Keep cheering, I wish I was there.
I wonder if Sarge Frye is somewhere close to third base? Is Tom Price scoring the errors in the press box? Is Bob Fulton describing each play in the radio booth?
There isn't an explanation except this is Carolina Baseball.
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