The South Carolina Gamecocks are just one win away from capturing back-to-back College World Series title following their 11-inning, 2-1 victory over the Florida Gators on Monday night. After Jackie Bradley Jr. led off the top of the 11th inning with a line out to Preston Tucker, Christian Walker, injured wrist and all, singled up the middle of the field. On a steal of second Walker wound up scoring because catcher Mike Zunino threw the ball into center field and Bryson Smith threw the ball into the stands on the same place, allowing the run to score.
South Carolina brought in closer Matt Price, who had thrown 5.2 innings in his last relief appearance. Price allowed a leadoff single, but a ground out moved the runner into scoring position. Price buckled down, struck out Tyler Thompson for the second out and then got Daniel Pigott to ground to end the game.
Florida had a chance to win the game in the bottom of the 10th, but South Carolina second baseman Scott Wingo came up with two huge saves with the bases loaded. On the second one, Wingo threw to home for the second out and then saw his catcher throw to first for the third out.
Scott Wingo also proved to be a hero earlier in the game when he tied the game in the eighth inning with a single. That was the only run Randall Hudson allowed in his 7.2 innings. South Carolina freshman Forrest Koumas allowed a Cody Dent sacrifice fly in his 5.2 innings.
This was South Carolina's 15th straight NCAA Tournament win and 10th straight in the College World Series. If they win on Tuesday, those will be new records.
Here is the complete championship schedule:
Championship Game 1: South Carolina def. Florida, 2-1 (11 innings)
Championship Game 2: Florida vs. South Carolina, 6 p.m. MT, Tuesday, June 28, ESPN/ESPN3.com
Championship Game 3: Florida vs. South Carolina, 6 p.m. MT, Wednesday, June 29, ESPN/ESPN3.com - if necessary
For more on Florida, visit Alligator Army. Check out Garnet and Black Attack for more on South Carolina.