Sunday Regionals roundup

Plenty of teams have proven the past few days that life as a No. 1 seed in an NCAA Regional isn't exactly easy. And at times, it can be downright difficult.

Knowing that, it's still very surprising to see that six No. 1 seeds and NCAA Regional hosts aren't advancing to the Super Regional round.

The only non-surprise out of the group is Miami. The Hurricanes probably shouldn't have received a host site or No. 1 seed to begin with. But their true colors seemed to show over the weekend as they went 0-2 in the Coral Gables Regional with losses to Stony Brook and Missouri State.

Surprisingly, Virginia was double-dipped by Appalachian State and Oklahoma on Sunday, while Texas A&M was surprised by TCU, North Carolina was beaten again by St. John's, Purdue dropped a tough bout to Kentucky and failed to reach the Gary Regional final, Rice was eliminated from the postseason by Sam Houston State, and Texas A&M, a team who many thought was in contention for a national seed, went 1-2 in the College Station Regional with tough losses to Ole Miss and TCU.

"It's disappointing. There's no one more disappointed than our coaches and players," Texas A&M coach Rob Childress said following an elimination game loss to TCU. "There's also no one with higher expectations than our coaches and players."

After Sunday's drama on the diamond, five NCAA Regionals have yet to be determined. Vanderbilt-N.C. State square off against in Raleigh, N.C., TCU-Ole Miss square off again at the College Station, Texas, Regional, UCF must face Stony Brook once more in Coral Gables, Fla., Baylor needs another win over Dallas Baptist, and Oklahoma must beat Appalachian State  twice to advance to the Columbia Super Regional against South Carolina.

With how this postseason already has transpired, nothing that happens on Monday would come as a surprise.

BATON ROUGE REGIONAL

ADVANCES TO SUPER REGIONAL: Louisiana State

ELIMINATED: Belmont (39-24), Louisiana-Monroe (32-30), Oregon State (40-20)

REVIEW: With its season on the line, Oregon State couldn't have gotten a better performance from left-handed pitcher Ben Wetzler. Wetzler struck out eight batters and allowed just two runs (none earned) on eight hits in 8 2/3 innings of work. Meanwhile, Tyler Smith had two hits and three RBIs, while freshman outfielder Michael Conforto continued his impressive ways with three hits and four RBIs ... After staying alive earlier in the day against Louisiana-Monroe, Oregon State wasn't able to continue its luck in the nightcap in a 6-5 loss to host LSU in 10 innings. LSU starting pitcher Ryan Eades allowed five runs on nine hits in 5 2/3 innings, but the Tigers bullpen stepped up with Nick Rumbelow, Chris Cotton and Nick Goody leading the charge. Offensively, electric outfielder Raph Rhymes went 2-for-4 with a run scored and two RBIs, while JaCoby Jones added a pair of hits.

CHAPEL HILL REGIONAL

ADVANCES TO SUPER REGIONAL: St. John's

ELIMINATED: Cornell (31-17-1), East Carolina (36-24-1), North Carolina (46-16)

REVIEW: After dropping a tough bout to St. John's on Saturday, the Tar Heels entered Sunday hoping to stay alive with hopes of forcing a pair of games with the Johnnies to win the NCAA Regional title. UNC starting pitcher Benton Moss allowed just one run on six hits in six innings of work, as the Tar Heels captured a 5-3 win over in-state rival East Carolina. UNC used five pitchers in the contest ... St. John's has always been one of those programs that has been on the brink of greatness. Finally, this season, the Johnnies have punched through, beating North Carolina 9-5 to advance to the NCAA Super Regional Round. Johnnies starting pitcher Matt Carasiti allowed four runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings of work, while James Lomangino and Stephen Rivera did a tremendous job in relief. The Johnnies were led at the plate by first baseman Frank Schwindel, who went 5-for-5 in the contest.

CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: Appalachian State

ELIMINATED: Army (41-15), Virginia (39-19-1)

REVIEW: Oklahoma was pushed to the brink in an elimination game against Army, but was victorious with a 2-1 triumph. OU starting pitcher Jonathan Gray, who consistently touches 94-95 with his fastball, struck out six and allowed just one run on five hits in seven innings of work. Meanwhile, Sooners reliever Steven Okert was outstanding out of the bullpen, striking out three and allowing just one hit in three shutout frames ... Appalachian State put itself in the driver's seat in the Charlottesville Regional by grabbing a 6-5 decision over Virginia. Mountaineers starting pitcher Seth Grant allowed five runs in six innings, while relievers Ryne Frankoff and Nathan Hyatt combined for three shutout frames to end the contest. Offensively, first baseman Trey Holmes had three hits ... In an important elimination game to keep their season alive, Sooners left-handed pitcher Dillon Overton put together a stellar performance in a 5-4 win over Virginia. Overton, who has really pitched well the past few weeks, struck out 11 batters and allowed just three runs (two earned) on seven hits in 8 1/3 innings of work.

COLLEGE STATION REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: TCU, Ole Miss

ELIMINATED: Dayton (31-30), Texas A&M (43-18)

REVIEW: Facing elimination, it was interesting to see which team would come out on fire -- TCU or Texas A&M. The answer was the Horned Frogs. Frogs starting pitcher Stefan Crichton put together a fabulous performance, as TCU defeated Texas A&M 10-2 to stay alive in the College Station Regional. Crichton struck out four and allowed just two runs on six hits in a complete-game performance. Meanwhile, TCU stud freshman first baseman Kevin Cron went 2-for-5 with a home run, two runs scored and two RBIs, while leadoff hitter Kyle Von Tongeln went 3-for-4 with a run scored and two RBIs ... After a grueling opening game of the day against Texas A&M, the Horned Frogs showed even more grit in the nightcap by taking a 5-2 decision over Ole Miss to for a second title game. TCU left-handed pitcher Brandon Finnegan struck out seven and allowed just two runs on six hits in 7 1/3 innings of work. Meanwhile, reliever Justin Scharf tossed 1 2/3 innings of shutout ball to end the contest. Offensively, another TCU freshman, Derek O'Dell, went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBIs.

COLUMBIA REGIONAL

ADVANCES TO SUPER REGIONAL: South Carolina

ELIMINATED: Manhattan (33-27), Clemson (43-17), Coastal Carolina (42-19)

REVIEW: After dropping a disappointing and heartbreaking bout to rival South Carolina on Saturday, the Tigers didn't waste much time getting off the mat. Clemson starting pitcher Dominic Leone struck out six and allowed just three runs on six hits in seven innings, as the Tigers captured a 5-3 triumph over Coastal Carolina to stay alive ... The Tigers had the incredibly tough chore of beating South Carolina twice. Well, they won't get a chance at a second meeting, as South Carolina advanced to the NCAA Super Regional round with a 4-3 triumph over its heated in-state rival. Gamecocks freshman left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery struck out six and allowed just two runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings of work. Meanwhile, LB Dantzler, Tanner English and Chase Vergason each had two hits in the game, while relief pitcher Tyler Webb tossed 2 1/3 strong innings.

CORAL GABLES REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: UCF, Stony Brook

ELIMINATED: Miami (36-23), Missouri State (40-22)

REVIEW: Missouri State was expected to make some noise in this NCAA Regional, but that didn't happen on Sunday, as the Bears were eliminated in a 10-7 loss to Stony Brook. First baseman Kevin Kourtney led the way for the Seawolves, going 2-for-4 with a run scored and three RBIs. Meanwhile, in a relief role, Stony Brook's Frankie Vanderka struck out three batters and allowed just two runs on three hits in 6 2/3 innings ... What an incredible run Stony Brook is putting together at the Coral Gables Regional. After staying alive with a victory in the first game of the day, the Seawolves kept their magical ways going in the nightcap with a 12-5 triumph over UCF. Stony Brook starting pitcher Jasvir Rakkar allowed five runs on seven hits in six innings, while reliever Joshua Mason was outstanding, striking out four and tossing three shutout frames to end the game. Offensively, second baseman Maxx Tissenbaum was great at the plate, going 2-for-2 with two runs scored and two RBIs.

EUGENE REGIONAL

ADVANCES TO SUPER REGIONAL: Oregon

ELIMINATED: Indiana State (41-19), Cal State Fullerton (36-21), Austin Peay (40-24)

REVIEW: The Governors could very well be in charge of the Eugene Regional. Instead, APSU stayed alive in the NCAA postseason on Sunday with an impressive 3-0 win over Cal State Fullerton. Governors right-handed starting pitcher Casey Delgado struck out four batters and allowed just three hits in a complete game shutout performance. Meanwhile, Jordan Hankins, Greg Bachman and Rolando Gautier each had two hits in the contest ... The coach George Horton miracle tour continued on Sunday, as the Ducks punched their ticket to an NCAA Super Regional with an 8-1 win over Austin Peay. Stud freshman right-handed pitcher Jake Reed struck out eight and allowed just two hits in seven innings of work, while outfielder Brett Thomas led the charge at the plate, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs.

GAINESVILLE REGIONAL

ADVANCES TO SUPER REGIONAL: Florida

ELIMINATED: Bethune-Cookman (34-27), College of Charleston (30-21), Georgia Tech (38-26)

REVIEW: After dropping a tough contest, 6-2, to Florida on Saturday, Georgia Tech bounced back in a big way on Sunday with a 3-0 triumph over College of Charleston. Yellow Jackets starting pitcher Alex Cruz allowed just two hits in six innings of work, while hard-throwing reliever/catcher Zane Evans finished the contest by tossing three shutout innings, allowing just one hit in the process. Sam Dove and Brandon Thomas each had two hits to lead the Jackets' offensive cause ... I've said this the entire season, but when Florida wants to be great, it'll be great and few teams can slow it down. Well, the Gators are playing great, and they made easy work of the Gainesville Regional by finishing things off with a 15-3 win over Georgia Tech. Stud catcher Mike Zunino hit a home run and knocked in four runs, while outfielder Daniel Pigott went 2-for-4 with a run scored and four RBIs. Pitching-wise, starter Brian Johnson struck out four and allowed just one run on three hits in five innings.

GARY REGIONAL

ADVANCES TO SUPER REGIONAL: Kent State

ELIMINATED: Valparaiso (35-25), Purdue (45-14), Kentucky (45-18)

REVIEW: Facing elimination on Sunday afternoon, Kentucky looked to left-handed pitcher Corey Littrell to take care of business. He didn't disappoint, striking out seven and allowing just three runs on seven hits in 7 1/3 innings of work in a 6-3 win over Purdue. Alex Phillips also threw well in relief, tossing 1 2/3 scoreless frames to finish the contest ... Kent State came very close to advancing to an NCAA Super Regional last season, but dropped a tough pair of games to Texas. This time, the Flashes finished the job. They defeated Purdue on Saturday and took care of Kentucky on Sunday, 3-2-, to advance to the NCAA Super Regional round. KSU starting pitcher Tyler Skulina struck out five and allowed just two runs on five hits in seven innings, while leadoff hitter Evan Campbell had the big-time blast, a three-run homer, in the eighth to essentially win the game.

HOUSTON REGIONAL

ADVANCES TO SUPER REGIONAL: Arkansas

ELIMINATED: Prairie View A&M (28-25), Rice (41-20), Sam Houston State (40-22)

REVIEW: Rice's offense has had issues scoring runs the entire season, and that issue came full circle Sunday afternoon in an ugly 4-1 loss to Sam Houston State. SHSU starting pitcher Michael Oros kept the Owls off balance, striking out six and allowing just one run on eight hits in eight innings of work. Meanwhile, reliever Michael Burchett closed out the game to earn his 10th save of the season ... Arkansas put together some impressive pitching performances throughout the weekend and finished off the Houston Regional with a 5-1 win over Sam Houston State. Hogs starting pitcher Randall Fant allowed just four hits in 4 1/3 innings of work, while hard-throwing Nolan Sanburn struck out three in 2 2/3 hitless innings of work. Offensively, Hogs designated hitter Joe Serrano went 3-for-4 with an RBI.

LOS ANGELES REGIONAL

ADVANCES TO SUPER REGIONAL: UCLA

ELIMINATED: San Diego (40-17), New Mexico (37-24), Creighton (28-30)

REVIEW: Creighton might've entered the weekend with a lackluster resume and overall record, but this team has played very crisp in the Los Angels Regional. CU starting pitcher Erik Mattingly struck out two and allowed two runs on three hits in six innings, as the Bluejays eliminated New Mexico with a 7-2 victory. Meanwhile, CU reliever Reese McGraw was fantastic, tossing three perfect frames to finish the contest. Offensively, Brennan Murphy and Chance Ross each had two hits and two RBIs, while Anthony Bemboom hit a home run ... UCLA has been incredibly consistent this season, and it's headed to an NCAA Super Regional after making easy work against Creighton in a 13-5 triumph. UCLA starting pitcher Zack Weiss allowed just three runs on seven hits in five innings of work, while relievers David Berg and Ryan Deeter performed well. Offensively, UCLA outfielder Jeff Gelalich had yet another big-time performance, going 3-for-3 with two homers, three runs scored and four RBIs, while third baseman Kevin Kramer went 2-for-4 with a run scored.

PALO ALTO REGIONAL

ADVANCES TO SUPER REGIONAL: Stanford

ELIMINATED: Michigan State (37-23), Missouri (33-28), Pepperdine (36-23)

REVIEW: On the brink of elimination, Pepperdine showed a lot of grit by scoring six runs in the ninth inning to capture an impressive 8-5 win over Fresno State. The Waves got a big blast in the ninth inning from Matt Forgatch... When Stanford was looking for a No. 3 starting pitcher earlier this season, they looked to third baseman Stephen Piscotty to provide a boost. Piscotty certainly didn't disappoint as the season progressed, and didn't disappoint Sunday night either, as he was key in an 8-7 win over Pepperdine to advance to an NCAA Super Regional. Piscotty allowed four earned runs in 6 1/3 innings on the mound, but it was his 2-for-3 day at the plate that caught the most attention. In addition, Stanford stud freshman third baseman Alex Blandino had yet another big-time day at the plate, hitting a grand slam in the fourth inning to take an 8-4 lead over the Waves. Stanford now awaits an intriguing Super Regional date with national seed Florida State.

RALEIGH REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: N.C. State, Vanderbilt

ELIMINATED: Sacred Heart (25-32), UNC Wilmington (39-23)

REVIEW: After dropping such a tough contest to Vanderbilt on Saturday, N.C. State responded in impressive fashion on Sunday with a 17-5 win over UNC Wilmington in an elimination game. Wolfpack veteran first baseman Andrew Ciencin was terrific against against the Seahawks, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored and four RBIs. Meanwhile, shortstop Chris Diaz went 3-for-5 with three runs scored and three RBIs ... In the nightcap, the Wolfpack kept their NCAA Super Regional hopes alive with a 6-5 win over Vanderbilt. N.C. State starting pitcher Anthony Tazamtzis allowed five runs on nine hits in 6 2/3 innings, while reliever Ryan Wilkins tossed two shutout innings to end the contest. Danny Canela, Brett Austin and Matt Bergquist each had two hits for the Wolfpack.

TALLAHASSEE REGIONAL

ADVANCES TO SUPER REGIONAL: Florida State

ELIMINATED: UAB (32-30), Mississippi State (40-24), Samford (41-23)

REVIEW: Mississippi State put together quite the run last week at the SEC tournament, but didn't exactly play great at the Tallahassee Regional, particularly from an offensive standpoint. Samford starting pitcher Kyle Putkonen struck out five and allowed just two runs on eight hits in 6 1/3 innings of work, while relievers Joseph Burns and C.K. Irby were fantastic in 3-2 triumph over State. Four Samford hitters finished the afternoon with two hits ... After taking care of Mississippi State earlier in the day, Samford hoped to shock Florida State to force a second championship game. Unfortunately things didn't work out, as FSU advanced to the NCAA Super Regional round with a 5-2 triumph over the Bulldogs. FSU starting pitcher Mike Compton was terrific against the Bulldogs, striking out five and allowing just two runs and five hits in six innings of work. Meanwhile, relievers Gage Smith and Robert Benincasa threw very well to close out the contest. FSU got a productive offensive day from outfielder Josh Delph, who went 2-for-3 with a run scored and two RBIs.

TUCSON REGIONAL

ADVANCES TO SUPER REGIONAL: Arizona

ELIMINATED: New Mexico State (35-24), Missouri (33-28), Louisville (41-22)

REVIEW: Louisville starts its Sunday in impressive fashion, as third baseman Ty Young went 2-for-5 with four RBIs, and the Cardinals captured an impressive 11-3 win over Missouri to stay alive in the Tucson Regional. Meanwhile, Cole Sturgeon and Stewart Ijames each had productive days at the plate, each recording two hits and knocking in two runs. Pitching-wise for the Cardinals, starter Chad Green allowed three runs on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings, but it was reliever Matt Koch that was most clutch, tossing 4 2/3 scoreless frames to end the contest ... Arizona played a tremendous brand of baseball throughout the weekend and capped it off in impressive fashion with a dominant 16-3 win over Louisville to advance to an NCAA Super Regional. Arizona starting pitcher James Farris put together one of his best starts of the season, striking out seven and allowing just three runs (two earned) on 12 hits in a complete game performance. Meanwhile, outfielder Johnny Field had a ridiculous game at the plate, going 4-for-6 with a home run, four runs scored and seven RBIs. Catcher Riley Moore went 4-for-4 in the contest, while leadoff hitter Joey Rickard went 2-for-4 with three runs scored and three RBIs.

WACO REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: Baylor, Dallas Baptist

ELIMINATED: Texas-Arlington (36-25), Oral Roberts (38-25)

REVIEW: With its season on the line, Baylor gave the ball to Tyler Bremer in an elimination game against Oral Roberts. Bemer didn't disappoint, striking out five batters and allowing just two runs on five hits in six innings of work in a 5-2 win over the Golden Eagles. Meanwhile, from an offensive standpoint, outfielder Logan Vick went 4-for-5 with a run scored and three RBIs to lead the Bears, while Josh Ludy, Dan Evatt and Jake Miller each had two hits ... With its season on the line, Baylor looked to Austin Stone to save its campaign. House put together a fantastic performance against Dallas Baptist in a 9-2 victory. He struck out three and allowed just one run on two hits in 5 2/3 innings of work. Meanwhile, Trent Blank, usual No. 2 starter for the Bears, allowed just two hits in two shutout innings. Baylor got a big-time offensive performance from Nathan Orf, who went 3-for-4 with two runs scored.