Quite a game in Omaha

Above is a view of the final play of the Virginia-South Carolina game from our vantage point in Section 322 at TD Ameritrade Park.

Virginia's Cody Winiarski prepares to throw the ball to third base in an effort to get USC lead runner Adam Matthews. The throw was wild and went out of play, allowing Matthews to score the winning run in the 13th inning.

One wonders if the outcome would have been the same if Virginia starter Danny Hultzen hadn't left the game because of illness. He struck out eight batters in three innings and left with a 1-0 lead, which reliever Kyle Crockett promptly surrendered in his first inning.

As usual, Gamecocks starter Michael Roth gave another scrappy performance, holding Virginia to four hits and a run in seven innings.

A couple of rare defensive lapses by the Gamecocks helped Virginia tie the score in the eighth and force extra innings.

Relievers Braden Kline of Virginia and Matt Price of USC were brilliant. Kline threw 107 pitches over five shutout innings. Price threw 95 pitches over 5 2/3 innings.

It was apparent Price was tiring over the final three innings, but USC coach Ray Tanner stuck with him (Tyler Webb and Jose Mata did warm up a couple of times). USC's defense more than atoned for its earlier problems by turning three double plays in support of Price to keep Virginia off the scoreboard.

Former USC basketball coach Frank McGuire used to say "I'd rather be lucky that good."

This Gamecocks baseball team may be both.

The best-of-three championship series against Florida is set for Monday, Tuesday and, if necessary, Wednesday. The Southeastern Conference is assured of a third straight CWS title.