SB Nation Denver - College World Series 2011: South Carolina Wins Back-To-Back Championshipshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48907/denver-fave.png2011-06-29T05:30:31-06:00http://denver.sbnation.com/rss/stream/19892832011-06-29T05:30:31-06:002011-06-29T05:30:31-06:002011 College World Series Results: South Carolina Defeats Florida For Back-To-Back NCAA Baseball Championships
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<p>The South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Florida Gators, 5-2, becoming the first team to capture back-to-back College World Series championships since the Oregon State Beavers did it 2006-07. The Gamecocks went undefeated on their way to victory, winning 16 straight NCAA Tournament games and 11 straight College World Series games, both new records.</p>
<p>South Carolina jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning of a sacrifice fly, a run-scoring error by Florida SS Nolan Fontana and then a Brady Thomas single. Florida catcher Mike Zunino answered back with a solo home run in the top of the fourth. However, a Peter Mooney home run in the sixth negated that Florida run. Florida's Josh Adams drove in a run in the top of the eighth, but South Carolina answered right back with a Scott Wingo RBI single to put the score at 5-2.</p>
<p>South Carolina starter Michael Roth (1.06 ERA) made a start on three days' rest and shut down Florida for the game. In 7.2 innings he allowed both runs on five hits and two walks. He struck out six. Matt Price, also a pitcher who entered the championship series with a heavy workload behind him, pitched the final 1.1 innings. Florida starter Karsten Whitson allowed three runs (one earned) in 4.2 innings.</p>
<p>Florida's Preston Tucker will now need to decide on a pro career with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a> or on a return to Florida for another chance at a College World Championship Series in 2012.</p>
<p>Here are the complete championship results:</p>
<p>Championship Game 1: <b>South Carolina def. Florida</b>, 2-1 (11 innings)<br> Championship Game 2: <b>South Carolina def. Florida</b>, 5-2</p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2011/6/29/2249699/college-world-series-2011-results-south-carolina-baseball-back-to-back-championshipsRuss Oates2011-06-28T15:57:06-06:002011-06-28T15:57:06-06:00College World Series, South Carolina Vs. Florida: Preston Tucker's Gators Career Could End Soon
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<p>Florida Gators first baseman Preston Tucker will have quite a bit to think about over the next few weeks once the 2011 College World Series ends on either Tuesday or Wednesday. Back in the start of June, the Colorado Rockies selected Tucker in the 16th round of the draft. Since Tucker and the Gators were and still are in postseason play, the Rockies were not allowed to have any contact with him.</p>
<p>But that could change in a few hours or in a day, and Tucker will need to decide if he wants to come back for his senior year or if he wants to jump on his pro career. What are some things that will be weighing on his mind? Certainly a College World Series championship. Win the next two games and he can go out on top. Lose and he may want to come back for another chance.</p>
<p>He may also want a significant amount of money to sign. Though a 16th round selection, Tucker fell most likely due to signability concerns. If the Rockies can convince him to sign he would certainly require a significant bonus. Last year, the Rockies signed high school catcher Will Swanner as a 15th rounder for just under $500,000 while in 2004 the Rockies spent $925,000 to sign 14th rounder Dexter Fowler (that was after clearing money in the Larry Walker deal).</p>
<p>Being the presumed heir to Todd Helton's spot at first base hopefully sounds mighty nice to Tucker. This could go all the way down to the August 15 signing deadline.</p>
<p><b><i>For more on Florida, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com/">Alligator Army</a>. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.garnetandblackattack.com/">Garnet and Black Attack</a> for more on South Carolina.</i></b></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2011/6/28/2249125/college-world-series-south-carolina-vs-florida-baseball-preston-tuckerRuss Oates2011-06-28T08:21:18-06:002011-06-28T08:21:18-06:002011 College World Series: Florida Vs. South Carolina, Game 2 Preview
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<p>The South Carolina Gamecocks can capture back-to-back national championships if they win Tuesday's game of the 2011 College World Series championship series with the Florida Gators. South Carolina needed 11 innings to win, 2-1, Game 1 on Monday night. On one play, Florida catcher Mike Zunino and center fielder Bryson Smith each threw the ball away to allow Christian Walker to score on a steal of second.</p>
<p>After a strong 7.2 innings and one run allowed by Hudson Randall on Monday night, the Florida Gators turn to freshman Karsten Whitson, the ninth overall pick in the 2010 MLB Draft. In his first season, Whitson impressed with an 8-0 record in 18 starts with a 2.43 ERA and 88 strikeouts. </p>
<p>South Carolina head coach Ray Tanner will likely start Michael Roth on three days' rest to capture the College World Series title. Throwing 90 pitches in seven innings in his last game to reach the championship series, Roth has gone 13-3 with a 0.98 ERA this season. Can Roth come up with a gutsy performance and lead the Gamecocks to victory, or will his arm be too tired if he does indeed start on three days' rest.</p>
<p>Florida 1B and Rockies draftee Preston Tucker went 1-for-4 with a walk in the first game.</p>
<p>Here is the complete championship schedule:</p>
<p>Championship Game 1: <b>South Carolina def. Florida</b>, 2-1 (11 innings)<br> Championship Game 2: <b>Florida vs. South Carolina</b>, 6 p.m. MT, Tuesday, June 28, ESPN/ESPN3.com<br> Championship Game 3: <b>Florida vs. South Carolina</b>, 6 p.m. MT, Wednesday, June 29, ESPN/ESPN3.com - if necessary</p>
<p><b><i>For more on Florida, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com/">Alligator Army</a>. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.garnetandblackattack.com/">Garnet and Black Attack</a> for more on South Carolina.</i></b></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2011/6/28/2248280/college-world-series-2011-florida-south-carolina-baseball-previewRuss Oates2011-06-27T21:52:16-06:002011-06-27T21:52:16-06:002011 College World Series Results: South Carolina Wins, 2-1, On Two Throwing Errors In Extra Innings
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<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Here is the complete championship schedule:</p>
<p>Championship Game 1: <b>South Carolina def. Florida</b>, 2-1 (11 innings)<br> Championship Game 2: <b>Florida vs. South Carolina</b>, 6 p.m. MT, Tuesday, June 28, ESPN/ESPN3.com<br> Championship Game 3: <b>Florida vs. South Carolina</b>, 6 p.m. MT, Wednesday, June 29, ESPN/ESPN3.com - if necessary</p>
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<p><b><i>For more on Florida, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com/">Alligator Army</a>. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.garnetandblackattack.com/">Garnet and Black Attack</a> for more on South Carolina.</i></b></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2011/6/27/2247726/2011-college-world-series-result-south-carolina-baseball-floridaRuss Oates2011-06-27T20:31:45-06:002011-06-27T20:31:45-06:002011 College World Series: South Carolina Ties Game In 8th Inning
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<p>The South Carolina Gamecocks were finally able to break through in their 2011 College World Series game against the Florida Gator's Hudson Randall during the eighth inning. Randall had held the Gamecocks scoreless through 7.2 innings, but a leadoff walk came back to haunt him. A ground out and a pop out moved the runner over to third base and then Scott Wingo singled up the middle to tie the game at one.</p>
<p>Steven Rodriguez relieved Randall and struck out Jackie Bradley Jr. to end the inning. Had the game finished at 1-0 in favor of the Gators, the Gamecocks would have <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/ESPNStatsInfo/status/85524922830553089">lost by that score for the first time since 1985 in the CWS</a>. And that was the last time the CWS had a 1-0 game.</p>
<p>Florida was unable to answer back in the bottom of the inning. Preston Tucker grounded out with Bryson Smith on first to end the inning.</p>
<p><b><i>For more on Florida, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com/">Alligator Army</a>. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.garnetandblackattack.com/">Garnet and Black Attack</a> for more on South Carolina.</i></b></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2011/6/27/2247657/college-world-series-2011-south-carolina-baseball-hudson-randallRuss Oates2011-06-27T19:51:35-06:002011-06-27T19:51:35-06:00Florida Vs. South Carolina, CWS Score: Hudson Randall Keeps Gators Ahead, 1-0
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<p>The Florida Gators are just three innings away from winning Game 1 of the 2011 College World Series championship series. Holding a 1-0 lead after six innings, the Gators are thanking Hudson Randall for his stellar pitching so far. He has limited the Gamecocks to just two hits, a double in the first inning and a single in the fourth inning, while striking out six. His fastball-changeup combination has been nearly unhittable on Monday night.</p>
<p>Florida threatened in the bottom of the sixth, but ultimately came up short. With Cody Dent and Nolan Fontana creating the first two outs of the inning, Bryson Smith singled to keep things alive. Preston Tucker picked up his first hit on the game with a single immediately after Smith. However, Mike Zunino popped up to center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. for the final out of the inning. Tyler Webb replaced South Carolina's Forrest Koumas before Tucker's at-bat.</p>
<p><b><i>For more on Florida, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com/">Alligator Army</a>. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.garnetandblackattack.com/">Garnet and Black Attack</a> for more on South Carolina.</i></b></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2011/6/27/2247485/florida-vs-south-carolina-cws-score-hudson-randallRuss Oates2011-06-27T18:56:10-06:002011-06-27T18:56:10-06:002011 College World Series Score: Florida's Hudson Randall Impressive Against South Carolina
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<p>The Florida Gators took a 1-0 lead over the South Carolina Gamecocks in Game 1 of the College World Series championship set. Tyler Thompson led off the bottom of the third inning with a walk and then wound up on third after a a ground out and a wild pitch. Cody Dent, son of Bucky, hit a sacrifice fly to score Thompson.</p>
<p>Florida ace Hudson Randall has been fooling South Carolina hitters so far, working a wicked curveball. Through three innings, Randall has struck out three and allowed one hit. South Carolina's Forrest Koumas, who hadn't pitched since June 5, had match Randall for the first two inning before he allowed that run in the third inning. He's held the Gators to one hit on the brighter side of things.</p>
<p>Florida's Preston Tucker, the Colorado Rockies' 16th round draft pick, came to bat in the first inning with Bryson Smith on first base, but Tucker popped out to center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr.</p>
<p><b><i>For more on Florida, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com/">Alligator Army</a>. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.garnetandblackattack.com/">Garnet and Black Attack</a> for more on South Carolina.</i></b></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2011/6/27/2247529/2011-college-world-series-score-floridas-hudson-randall-impressiveRuss Oates2011-06-27T09:16:13-06:002011-06-27T09:16:13-06:002011 College World Series: Florida Vs. South Carolina Preview
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<p>By Wednesday evening, if not earlier, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a> could have a 2011 draft pick who is also a 2011 College World Series winner. Drafted in the 16th round, Preston Tucker plays first base and the outfield for the Florida Gators, who are just two victories away from their first College World Series victory. But so are the South Carolina Gamecocks, last year's defending champions.</p>
<p>The best-of-three championship series kicks off in TD Ameritrade Park at 6 p.m. MT on ESPN this Monday night. Florida is making its second championship appearance, having lost to the Texas Longhorns in 2005 (but beat in the CWS this year). Preston Tucker has hit .313/.385/.558 with 23 doubles, 15 home runs and 74 RBI up to this point. He drove in the go-ahead run against Vanderbilt to reach the championship series. Tucker will be joined by catcher Mike Zunino (18 HR) and OF Daniel Pigott (15 SB) in pacing the offense.</p>
<p>Florida will start Hudson Randall, who has gone 11-3 with a 2.24 ERA, two complete games and one shutout this season. South Carolina, meanwhile, has freshman RHP Forrest Koumas ready to go, last pitching on June 5. He is 6-1 with a 3.07 ERA in 18 appearances (11 starts). Florida's own freshman, Karsten Whitson, will pitch Tuesday.</p>
<p>South Carolina may be without its <a target="_blank" href="http://www.wltx.com/news/article/141596/2/USCs-Christian-Walker-Looking-Unlikely-for-Game-1">top hitter, Christian Walker</a>, who injured his wrist in Friday's 13-inning win over the Virginia Cavaliers.</p>
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<p>Here is the complete championship schedule:</p>
<p>Championship Game 1: <b>Florida vs. South Carolina</b>, 6 p.m. MT, Monday, June 27, ESPN/ESPN3.com<br> Championship Game 2: <b>Florida vs. South Carolina</b>, 6 p.m. MT, Tuesday, June 28, ESPN/ESPN3.com<br> Championship Game 3: <b>Florida vs. South Carolina</b>, 6 p.m. MT, Wednesday, June 29, ESPN/ESPN3.com - if necessary</p>
<p>For more on Florida, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com">Alligator Army</a>. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.garnetandblackattack.com/">Garnet and Black Attack</a> for more on South Carolina.</p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2011/6/27/2246353/2011-college-world-series-florida-vs-south-carolina-preview-cwsRuss Oates