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COLUMBIA SUPER REGIONAL
Game 2: South Carolina 5, Oklahoma 1
THE SERIES: South Carolina wins series, advances to College World Series
PLAYER OF THE GAME: RHP Matt Price, South Carolina
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Oklahoma certainly had a chance to win this game only down 2-1 after seven innings of play. However, the Gamecocks broke things open in the top of the eighth inning with a three-run frame, via a Tanner English RBI bunt single and a two-RBI double from second baseman Chase Vergason. With the bullpen then leading the way, the Gamecocks didn’t have much reason to worry.
THE SKINNY: Watching the Gamecocks approach the NCAA postseason simply is like watching a work of art take shape. The Gamecocks are just unbelievable when the postseason arrives. South Carolina extended its NCAA postseason winning streak to 21 games with the triumph over the Sooners. Though the game got postponed until Monday, give credit to starting pitcher Colby Holmes for starting the game with five scoreless frames. On Monday, though, stud reliever Matt Price did his thing in relief, striking out four batters and allowing just two hits in three shutout innings. Offensively, freshman Tanner English had two hits and two runs scored, while third baseman LB Dantzler went 2-for-4 with a run scored.
EUGENE SUPER REGIONAL
Game 3: Kent State 3, Oregon 2
THE SERIES: Kent State wins series, advances to College World Series
PLAYER OF THE GAME: RHP Tyler Skulina, Kent State
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Though the television schedule made it impossible for many around the country to see this series throughout the weekend, it truly was one of the best -- if not, the best, series. In typical fashion, Kent State had an early lead in the contest before Oregon made a run in the latter innings. The Flashes, though, won the game in the ninth inning when shortstop Jimmy Rider hit a fly ball down the left-field line (with a runner on second), and the Ducks were unable to make the play.
THE SKINNY: In easily the biggest situation of the season, the Flashes looked to sophomore right-handed pitcher Tyler Skulina to get the job done. The talented righty certainly didn’t disappoint in the CWS-clinching victory. He struck out four batters and allowed just two hits in five shutout innings of work. Meanwhile, Rider, who had some very clutch hits throughout the weekend, went 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI, while outfielder T.J. Sutton had a double and an RBI in the game. For the Ducks, starting pitcher Jeff Gold only lasted 1 2/3 innings, while perhaps the worst news came in the ninth inning when reliever Jimmie Sherfy felt something weird in his elbow.
WACO SUPER REGIONAL
Game 3: Arkansas 1, Baylor 0
THE SERIES: Arkansas wins series, advances to College World Series
PLAYER OF THE GAME: RHP Colby Suggs, Arkansas
IT WAS OVER WHEN: You couldn’t have had a better finish to a three-game Super Regional series. The Bears easily won the series opener before the Hogs found a way to win the second game. Then, in the finale, the two teams entered the 10th inning tied 0-0 before Jake Wise hit an RBI single through the left side to make it 1-0 Hogs. Arkansas reliever Colby Suggs did the rest in the bottom of the inning.
THE SKINNY: To have a chance to win the series finale against the Bears, the Hogs desperately needed a big-time performance from starting pitcher Randall Fant. He didn’t disappoint, striking out five batters and allowing just two hits in four shutout frames. Meanwhile, the UA bullpen did a terrific job with Nolan Sanburn, Brandon Moore, Trent Daniel and Colby Suggs leading the way. Suggs was especially solid, striking out two batters in two shutout frames to earn his seventh victory. Baylor wasted a brilliant performance from starting pitcher Tyler Bremer, who struck out eight batters and allowed just three hits in nine innings.