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Z2 SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010 ● WWW.THESTATE.COM ● THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

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 college world series |
WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS
USC’s Jackie Bradley Jr. waits for the first pitch after a rain delay during Sunday’s game between South Carolina and Oklahoma
Loss makes road to championship series a bumpy one
after bizarre opening game spans more than nine hours
BY RON MORRIS
rmorris@thestate.com
OMAHA, Neb.
S ■ The start was delayed
OUTH CAROLINA
BROKE one first-game
jinx at the College
World Series but could not
overcome another in a bi-
zarre opening game that
spanned more than nine
hours and a couple of rain
delays.
Bottom line: USC’s
chances of winning the
College World Series were
reduced to slim following
Sunday’s 4-3 loss to
Oklahoma.
Christian Walker took
care of USC’s strange-but-
true inability to score in the
opening game of the CWS
when he blasted a towering
home run to lead off the
second inning. It marked
the first run scored by the
Gamecocks in a World Se-
ries opener since 1982, a
span covering 46 innings.
But, unfortunately, USC
finds itself with one hand
tied behind its back because
it failed to win its opening
game of the College World
Series for the seventh con-
secutive appearance.
Of course, winning the
opening game is not neces-
sary to capturing the na-
tional championship, but it
makes for an easier path to
the title. Fighting out of the
losers’ bracket is taxing on
a pitching staff, particularly
one that is not deep in start-
ers such as USC.
USC will send Sam Dy-
son to the mound in Tues-
day’s game against the
loser of the game between
Clemson and top-seeded
Arizona State. After Dyson,
USC has not established a
No. 3 starting pitcher. It
could be any one of a num-
ber of players, but none
who has proved himself in
that role.
That’s never a good sign
for any team that needs to
win four games over the
next six days just to reach
Z4 SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010 ● WWW.THESTATE.COM
game 1 | oklahoma 4, USC 3
PHOTOGRAPHS BY GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM
at the 2010 College World Series inside Rosenblatt Stadium.
GAME 1
HIGHLIGHTS
4:15 by weather; the
game was delayed by
rain in the sixth inning
for 2:01.
■ Jackie Bradley Jr. ex-
tended his hitting streak
to 17 with a single in the
first inning.
■ Christian Walker’s
second-inning home run
was his second in as ma-
ny at-bats.
■ The five-inning start
was Blake Cooper’s
shortest of the season.
GAME 1 BOXSCORE
USC’s Jose Mata watches as Oklahoma’s Garrett Buechele rounds third after hitting a home run.
USC Oklahoma
ab r h bi ab r h bi
Marzilli lf 3 0 0 0 Ellison cf 3 1 1 0
Mfield rf/3b 4 0 1 0 White lf 3 0 0 0
the best-of-three champi- CWS showings: The Game- While Bradley did exe- second base. Bradley cf 4 1 2 2 Buechele 3b 4 1 1 1
onship series. cocks lost to Texas for the cute the hit-and-run perfect- Additionally, USC’s home Moral 3b/2b 4 0 0 0 Ogle c 4 0 1 1
Since the College World 1975 title and to Arizona ly to send Merrifield to run power has been virtu- Walker 1b 3 1 2 1 Reine rf 4 1 2 0
Thomas dh 4 0 2 0 Herren rf 0 0 0 0
Series went to the two- State for the 1977 title. third base in the first in- ally restricted to games Enders c 2 1 1 0 Seitzer 1b 2 0 0 0
bracket format in 1988, two But that was not to be ning, Bradley negated the played at Carolina Stadium. Haney ss 3 0 0 0 Black 2b 3 0 0 0
Beary ph 1 1 0 0 Byhead ss 3 1 2 2
teams have lost the opening Sunday. The game’s start outstanding play with a Entering the College World Wingo 2b 2 0 0 0 Ross dh 2 0 0 0
game and come back to win was delayed by rain for four base-running gaff. He was Series, 69 of USC’s 80 Ebert ph 1 0 0 0 Eisenberg ph 1 0 0 0
Matthews rf 1 0 0 0 Rocha p 0 0 0 0
the title: Southern Califor- hours and 15 minutes. Then picked off first base with home runs were hit in its Cooper p 0 0 0 0 Erben p 0 0 0 0
nia in 1998 and Oregon it was halted in the middle Adrian Morales at bat when home park. Roth p 0 0 0 0 Duke p 0 0 0 0
Taylor p 0 0 0 0
State in 2006. of the sixth inning for two a pitch skipped away from Walker connected in the Neff p 0 0 0 0
USC has attempted to do hours and one minute. Oklahoma catcher Tyler second inning and Bradley Mata p 0 0 0 0
Webb p 0 0 0 0
it the hard way in each of Before the second delay, Ogle, who retrieved the ball drove a pitch deep over the Totals 32 3 9 3 Totals 29 4 7 4
its previous six College a couple of seasonlong and fired to first. right-field wall in the fourth South Carolina 010 100 001 — 3
World Series appearances. bugaboos haunted USC as When Morales struck out inning. Had this game been Oklahoma 110 100 01x — 4
The Gamecocks lost the it fell behind 3-2. to end the inning, USC saw played at Carolina Stadium, DP—Oklahoma 1. LOB—S. Carolina
10;Oklahoma 5. HR—Bradley(12); Walker(8);
opener in 2002 and man- The Gamecocks have not a promising start aborted. USC would have had four Buechele(17); Bushyhead(6). SB—Ellison(24).
aged to reach the champi- been a great base-running In the second inning, more runs on another three CS—Thomas(2).
onship game, in which they team all season. The fastest Christian Walker led off home runs in the early USC IP H R ER BB SO
Cooper L, 12-2 5 6 3 3 1 5
lost to Texas. USC also lost player on the team, Adam with a towering home run, innings. Roth 1 0 0 0 0 1
the opener in 2004 and Matthews, has five stolen and Brady Thomas followed It was a familiar ending Taylor 1
⁄3 0 0 0 0 0
Neff 1
⁄3 0 0 0 0 0
reached the bracket final bases on only seven at- with a single to right field. for USC in the opening Mata 2
⁄3 1 1 1 0 0
before losing to Cal tempts. The two next-fast- But Thomas was wiped off round of the College World Webb 2
⁄3 0 0 0 0 1
State-Fullerton. est, Whit Merrifield and the bases when Kyle Enders Series, one that puts the OKLAHOMA IP H R ER BB SO
Rocha W,8-2 6 5 2 2 3 2
Interestingly, an opening- Jackie Bradley, led the team missed a hit-and-run sign Gamecocks behind the Erben 2 4 1 1 2 2
round win sparked USC to with 12 and seven stolen and the slow-footed Thom- eight ball in their quest for Duke S,12 1 0 0 0 2 1
the title game in its first two bases, respectively. as was easily thrown out at a national championship. HBP—by Roth (Seitzer). T—2:53. A—22,835.
● THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
 college world series |
USC’s Jackie Bradley Jr. rounds the bases after his home run in the second inning during Game 2 between the Gamecocks and Arizona State.
Eight-run outburst in second inning helps Gamecocks
coast to victory in elimination game
By NEIL WHITE
nwhite@thestate.com
OMAHA, Neb.
A
fter watching his team
struggle to deliver a
clutch hit in its College
World Series opening loss,
USC coach Ray Tanner was
happier than anyone to see
the snowman the Gamecocks
hung on the Rosenblatt Stadi-
um scoreboard in the second
inning of Tuesday’s game.
The eight-run outburst
propelled USC to an 11-4
victory against Arizona State
in an elimination game.
“That second inning for us,
eight runs, eight hits, is the
most we’ve had in one inning
the entire season,” Tanner
said. “We don’t score runs
like that very often. But we
had some big, big at-bats in
that inning, and it gave us an
opportunity against a great
club.”
USC (49-16) advances to
play the loser of Tuesday
night’s Clemson-Oklahoma
game at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Arizona State (52-10), the No.
1 seed, ends its season with
consecutive losses — the only
time they lost two in a row
this year.
“Obviously, you can’t have
a start like we did against a
quality team of South Caroli-
na,” Arizona State coach Tim
Esmay said. “I thought they
did a heck of a job of putting
us on our heels, and I think
you have to do that in a game
like this where you lose and
you go home.”
USC outfielders Jackie
Bradley and Whit Merrifield
led the 14-hit attack with
three hits and one homer
apiece. Bradley, who drove in
four runs, hit a three-run shot
in the second to key the big
inning. Merrifield added a
pair of RBIs, including a solo
homer in the eighth inning.
The two are tied for the team
lead with 13 homers each.
“If your guys up there at
the top are having that kind
of offensive day, you’re going
to have a chance to win the
game, and that ended up
being big for us,” Tanner
said.
Junior right-hander Sam
Dyson took advantage of the
EIGHT IS GREAT
The USC baseball team huddles for a prayer prior to Game 2.
support to hold the Sun Dev-
ils in check for 7 1⁄3 innings.
He allowed four runs on eight
hits with two walks. Matt
Price pitched the final 1 2⁄3
innings.
“Sam was good today,”
Tanner said. “He might not
have been really sharp with
his slider and his curveball,
but his fastball was pretty
good, and he was getting his
changeup in there. And when
they did get some runners on,
we made plays and stayed
out of the big inning.”
Tanner may have been
most satisfied with the way
his team bounced back from
a 4-3 loss to Oklahoma on
Sunday, when the Game-
cocks left the bases loaded in
the eighth and ninth innings.
That day was made more
difficult by rain delays cover-
ing about six hours.
“You get a new day, you
bounce back, and you try to
win the next one,” Tanner
said. “That’s kind of what we
game 2 | USC 11, Arizona State 4
PHOTOGRAPHS BY GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM
GAME 2
HIGHLIGHTS
■ USC improved to 8-0
on Tuesday.
■ It was USC’s 12th
game with three or more
home runs this season.
■ An eight-run second
inning was the team’s
second biggest of the
year.
■ Jackie Bradley Jr. had
four RBIs for the seventh
time this season.
GAME 2 BOXSCORE
Arizona State USC
ab r h bi ab r h bi
Maggi ss 5 0 1 1 Marzilli lf 4 2 2 2
MacPhee 2b 5 0 1 0 Merrifeld rf 5 2 3 2
Calhoun rf 4 1 1 0 Bradley cf 4 1 3 4
RiTorrez 1b 3 0 0 0 Walker 1b 4 0 0 1
Ruetiger lf,cf 5 1 2 0 Thomas dh 3 1 1 0
Marrero dh 4 1 3 1 Matthews ph 2 0 0 0
Aplin cf 2 0 0 0 Morales 3b 5 2 2 2
Nwmn ph,lf 1 1 0 1 Enders c 4 1 1 0
RaTorrez 3b 3 0 0 0 Haney ss 4 0 1 0
Barnes c 4 2 0 1 Wingo 2b 3 2 1 2
did today. Certainly that “And he (ASU starter Merrill through them.” Kelly p 0 0 0 0 Dyson p 0 0 0 0
Lambson p 0 0 0 0 Price p 0 0 0 0
eight-run inning propelled us Kelly) made a great pitch. It Dyson (6-5), who picked Swagerty p 0 0 0 0
to a good position, but these was low and outside. I just up his first win since May 15 Totals 36 411 4 Totals 38111411
guys are mature. We have happened to stay back on it, against Arkansas, said the Arizona State 000 020 020 — 4
South Carolina 082 000 01x — 11
some young guys on the field, put a good swing on it.” big lead allowed him to be
but there’s some maturity, Esmay was impressed with aggressive. DP—Sourth Carolina 2. LOB—Arizona St. 10,
South Carolina 7. 2B—Marrero(12), Haney(7),
and they respect the game. Bradley. “It’s a lot easier when you Wingo(8). HR—Merrifield(13), Bradley(13),
They know it’s difficult and “He’s aggressive. He at- have eight runs on the Morales(9). SB—Maggi(36), MacPhee(20).
it’s going to bite you some- tacks the baseball, and he’s board,” he said. “It’s a weight Arizona State IP H R ER BB SO
Kelly L,10-3 1 2⁄3 10 8 8 0 3
times. We had a hard time one of the better players off your back.” Lambson 4 1⁄3 2 2 2 2 4
scoring the other night. But we’ve played against,” Esmay The Gamecocks added two Swagerty 2 2 1 1 0 2
we got some runs today, and said. “He’s performing at a runs in the third on a bases- South Carolina IP H R ER BB SO
Dyson W, 6-5 7 1⁄3 8 4 4 2 3
that kind of evens out in this high level right now.” loaded hit batsman and walk Price 1 2⁄3 3 0 0 0 4
game.” One out after Bradley’s to boost the lead to 10-0. HBP—by Dyson (Ri. Torrez), by Lambson (Marzil-
Adrian Morales and Kyle homer, Brady Thomas re- Arizona State mustered two li), by Lambson (Bradley), by Dyson (Ri.Torrez), by
Price (Ra.Torrez).
Enders led off the second started the rally with a single runs in each of the fifth and T—3:09. A—19,936.
inning with singles, and Scott and scored on a two-run eighth innings.
Wingo delivered a two-run homer off the left-field foul “They tried to make it a big
double into the left-field cor- pole by Morales to end the inning a number of times,
ner. Evan Marzilli followed day of Kelly (10-3), who al- and we were able to get some
with a single, then Whit Mer- lowed eight runs on 10 hits. pitches or a play to stay out
rifield’s blooper over the first “It’s always big to give run of it,” Tanner said. “Arizona
baseman’s head scored an- support to our pitchers,” State has a tremendous club,
other run. Bradley then Morales said. “Coach Tanner and I knew that you were
drilled a three-run homer to tells us we’ll never win 3-2. going to have to get 27 hard
left-center that increased the We’re going to have to battle, outs. That’s what it ended up
lead to 6-0. and some games will be 9-8. being.”
“I was just actually looking And it was good to give us But in the end, USC’s
to drive him in, get a sac fly some run support early, and eight-run uprising proved to
somewhere,” Bradley said. then Sam just rolled right be the difference.
WWW.THESTATE.COM ● THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA ● SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010 Z5
 college world series | game 3 | USC 3, Oklahoma 2 (12)

NEVER SAY DIE

PHOTOGRAPHS BY GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM

USC players mob Brady Thomas after his game winning hit to beat the Sooners 3-2 in the 12th inning of Game 3 against the Oklahoma Sooners
during the 2010 College World Series.

Bradley and Thomas deliver clutch hits in the 12th inning

to lead comeback and set up game against Clemson
By RON MORRIS
rmorris@thestate.com GAME 3
OMAHA, Neb. HIGHLIGHTS
S
outh Carolina’s mag-
ical season reached ■ Blake Cooper allowed
another day late
Thursday evening when one run in 5 2⁄3 innings,
this group of never-say-die the 10th time in 19 starts
Gamecocks once again
would not die. he allowed two runs or
Brady Thomas delivered fewer.
the winning blow, a ground
single to center field that ■ USC’s bullpen im-
scored Jackie Bradley from proved to a 1.63 ERA in
second base without a
throw from the Oklahoma
three CWS games with 14
outfield. It capped a two- strikeouts in 11 innings.
run, two-out rally that sent
■ It earned USC its
USC to a 3-2 victory.
“It was an incredible win fourth 50-win season in
for us,” said USC coach school history and first
Ray Tanner. “It was a nev-
er-give-up day.” since 2004.
Now comes the fun part .
. . a game against Clemson
tonight in the losers’
bracket final. If that story GAME 3 BOXSCORE
line sounds familiar, well, it Oklahoma USC
ab r h bi ab r h bi
should. Turn the calendar Ellison cf 4 0 0 0
Marzilli lf 6 1 2 0
back to 2002 and tonight’s White lf 5 0 1 0
Merrifield 3b 5 0 0 0
showdown is identical. Buechele 3b 5 0 1 0
Bradley cf 6 1 1 1
Ogle c 3 2 2 1
Walker 1b 5 0 3 1
Clemson was one win Reine rf 3 0 0 0
Matthews pr 0 0 0 0
from reaching the College Seitzer 1b 4 0 0 0
Jones 1b 0 0 0 0
Bshyhed ss 5 0 1 1
Thomas dh 6 0 1 1
World Series championship Black 2b 5 0 0 0
Morales 2b 5 0 1 0
game eight years ago, only USC’s Jackie Bradley Jr. celebrates his hit in the 12th inning to bring in the tying run. Herren dh 3
Eisenberg ph 1
0
0
0
0
0
Enders c
0
Haney ss
2 0 0 0
5 0 1 0
to see USC pound the Ti- Wingo 2b 1 0 0 0
gers 12-4 and 10-2. Again Beary rf 3 1 1 0
team did not need the kind when he fouled a 2-1 fast- stepped to the plate and Afterward, Tanner talked Totals 38 2 5 2 Totals 44 310 3
this time, USC needs two
Oklahoma 010 000 000001 — 2 5 2
wins to capture the bracket of dramatics provided by ball back to the screen worked a walk without about 12-year-old Charlie USC 000 000 010002 — 3 10 1
and play the best-of-three the Gamecocks on behind home plate with facing a second strike. Peters of Omaha, a friend E—Buechele (5); Ogle (3); Walker (9). DP—USC 2.
series for the national Thursday. two outs. Robert Beary Almost as quickly as Brad- of the USC team since its LOB—Oklahoma 6, USC 12. 2B—Marzilli (7); Ha-
championship. Thomas did not wait stood on second base rep- ley touched second base 2003 appearance in the neyt (8). HR—Ogle (11). SH—Ogle (5); Merrifield
(4); Enders (6). SB—Bushyhead (13); Marzilli (6);
As if the USC-Clemson until USC was down to its resenting the tying run and Jones stepped off first, College World Series. Pe- Beary (3). CS—Ellison (4).
rivalry needed any more final strike to deliver his after he singled and stole Thomas roped one of the ters was a patient then at Oklahoma IP H R ER BB SO
Neal 7 5 1 1 1 7
fodder for bragging rights. game-winning blow. He second. most glorious singles in Children’s Hospital and Erben 4 2 0 0 1 1
Clemson won the regular- smacked the first pitch Bradley and USC were USC history. Medical Center, but now is Duke L,3-2 2
⁄3 3 2 2 1 1
season series by blasting from Oklahoma reliever down to its last strike and It has to be the most recovered and has become USC IP H R ER BB SO
Cooper 5 2⁄3 4 1 1 2 6
USC 19-6 in the early Ryan Duke through the stared elimination square dramatic game-winning hit USC’s biggest fan in Roth 1 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 1
March deciding game at box and Bradley cruised in the face. Bradley then for USC since the opening Omaha. Taylor 1 0 0 0 0 1
Price 3 0 0 0 0 5
Carolina Stadium. around third base and into watched a fastball inside game of the 1977 College He carried a sign at Ro- Carter 0 1 1 1 0 0
That outcome and the the arms of on-rushing for ball three. Then he World Series when Chuck senblatt Stadium Thursday Webb W,3-2 1 0 0 0 0 1
season series will be long teammates at home plate. grounded a single to right McLean raced around the that read: “Never Give Up HBP—by Cooper (Ellison); by Neal (Wingo); by Price
(Reine); by Webb (Reine). Umpires—Home, A.J.
since forgotten if USC can Bradley’s at-bat mo- field and Beary raced in bases with an inside-the- and Battle Hard.” Lostaglio; First, Paul Gillie; Second, Kelly Gon-
repeat its 2002 rally ments before set the stage from second, scoring easily park home run in the bot- USC took his sign to zales; Third, David Savage. T—3:46. A—24,180.
Neal faced 1 batter in the 8th.
against Clemson. Of and proved to be just as with an unnecessary slide. tom of the 10th inning to heart and has lived another
course, that 2002 USC heroic. USC trailed 2-1 Then Jeffrey Jones beat Baylor, 3-2. day in Omaha.

Z6 SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010 ● WWW.THESTATE.COM ● THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

 college world series | game 4 | USC 5, Clemson 1

ROTH TO THE RESCUE

PHOTOGRAPHS BY GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM

USC’s Michael Roth delivers a pitch in the 9th inning during Game 4 against the Clemson Tigers in the 2010 College World Series on Friday.

Lefthander likes hitting more than pitching,

but he holds the Tigers to three hits in complete game
BY RON MORRIS
rmorris@thestate.com GAME 4
HIGHLIGHTS
OMAHA, Neb.

J
OIN THE CLUB, Michael
Roth. In fact, let’s make ■ Michael Roth’s com-
you the president of plete game was his first
South Carolina’s fast-grow-
ing hero-of-the-day elite. start since 2009.
Roth stepped out of his ■ Roth shut down Clem-
role as a left-handed special-
ist in the bullpen to pitch the son’s left-handed batters,
game of his life Friday night who were a combined
at Rosenblatt Stadium, one
that extended USC’s life for 1-for-21.
another day at the College ■ Jackie Bradley Jr.’s hit
World Series.
And this is not even what streak was extended to
Roth likes to do. 20 as he improved to .438
“I love hitting,” Roth said
minutes after his complete- with nine RBIs in the
game gem in USC’s 5-1 vic- series.
tory against Clemson. “Pitch-
ing’s not really my thing.” ■ Brady Thomas had
Roth allowed Clemson a two hits and improved his
double by Richie Shaffer that
eventually led to Clemson’s CWS average to .353.
only run in the third inning,
a ground single to left by
Spencer Kieboom in the GAME 4 BOXSCORE
eighth inning and a ground USC Clemson
single to right by Brad Miller ab r h bi ab r h bi
Marzilli lf 2 2 1 0
Epps dh 2 0 0 0
in the ninth. Merrifeld rf 4 0 0 0
Nester ph 2 0 0 0
That was it. Three hits. Bradley cf 3 0 1 2
Freeman 2b 4 0 0 0
One walk, four strikeouts. Walker 1b 4 0 1 0
Schaus lf 4 0 0 0
His performance immedi-
USC head coach Ray Tanner and Clemson coach Jack Leggett shake hands after game. Thomas dh 4 2 2 0
Parker rf 2 0 0 0
Morales 3b 4 0 1 1
Miller ss 4 0 1 0
ately inducted Roth into the Enders c 4 1 2 2
Hinson 3b 4 0 0 0
Haney ss 3 0 0 0
Shaffer 1b 2 1 1 0
annals of Gamecocks history Wingo 2b 4 0 0 0
Boyd cf 3 0 0 0
and, at the same time, Roth p 0 0 0 0
Kieboom c 3 0 1 0
pushed him into a group of in a meeting late Thursday ber throwing complete us.” TV and radio interviews Pohl c 0 0 0 0
with coach Ray Tanner. games in high school, but Inning by inning, Roth before heading to the media Leone p 0 0 0 0
USC’s NCAA tournament Haselden p 0 0 0 0
heroes this season that in- “Coach Calvi was con- those were seven-inning went about a ritual on the room to face reporters. Cruz p 0 0 0 0
cludes Blake Cooper, Jackie vinced,” Tanner said. “He games. He can never recall mound before he threw his In looking over the final Totals 32 5 8 5 Totals 30 1 3 0
Bradley, Adrian Morales, was his first choice after throwing nine innings. Yet first pitch. He stood off the boxscore from the game, he USC 111 101 000 — 5
yesterday. He said, ‘I feel the left-hander was magnif- rubber, held his cap to his raised his eyebrows — but Clemson 001 000 000 — 1
Jose Mata, Matt Price, Chris-
good about what he can give icent. He never overpowered side, bowed his head and not in admiration of his E—Wingo(9) DP—S. Carolina 1, Clemson 2.
tian Walker, Sam Dyson and LOB—S. Carolina 4, Clemson 5. 2B—Marzilli (8),
Brady Thomas. us.’ and the reasons why, and Clemson’s bats, but he was talked to himself. night’s work. Rather, Roth Bradley (12), Thomas (13), Shaffer (11).
This from a kid who was I agreed with him.” effective enough to get 16 The only time Roth ap- wanted to know what “BF” HR—Enders(3).
Then, as Roth stepped off groundball outs. peared to be tiring was in the meant on the statistics sheet. Houston IP H R ER BB SO
recruited to USC out of Riv- Roth W, 2-1 9 3 1 1 1 4
erside High in Greer as a the elevator Friday afternoon “He was throwing a lot of fifth inning when his pitches Why would a near-4.0 Clemson IP H R ER BB SO
hitter. Not until he threw four at the Embassy Suites in strikes with fastballs, chan- began to sail outside. But student majoring in business Leone L, 3-2 2 ⁄3 4 3 3 1 0
2

scoreless innings of relief in
a 9-5 loss at Florida in 2009
did Roth become a full-time
pitcher.
Heck, not until USC
burned Cooper in its win
against Oklahoma on Thurs-
day was Roth even a consid-
eration as a starter on Friday.
Then pitching coach Mark
Calvi made his case for Roth
downtown Omaha, Tanner geups and sliders away,” after a quick trip to the know anything about “bat- Haselden 31⁄3 4 2 2 1 0
Cruz 3 0 0 0 2 3
greeted him. catcher Kyle Enders said. mound by Calvi, Roth quick- ters faced.” This guy wants HBP—by Roth (Parker), by Roth (Shaffer). PB—En-
“What can you give us?” “He did a good job of keep- ly retired Spencer Kieboom to be a hitter. When asked on ders (10). T—2:22. A—22,334.
Roth recalled Tanner asking. ing them off balance all on a fly ball to end the inning the field afterward if Friday’s
“I’ll throw until my arm night. and sat down the next seven showing assures him of
falls off,” Roth replied. He didn’t really struggle Clemson batters. being a pitcher at USC, Roth Maybe Tanner can call on
“What is that, about one all night. He’s not used to When he struck out John laughed. Roth to hit tonight against
inning?” throwing that many pitches, Hinson to end the game, “I hope not,” he said. “I Clemson, and do not be
“We’ll see.” so he might have gotten a Roth was mobbed by his don’t want to be. That was surprised if his hitting prow-
We saw, indeed. little tired. But he stuck in teammates near the mound. fun, but it’s not where I want ess makes him USC’s hero of
Roth said he could remem- there and hung in there for Then he conducted national to be. I want to hit.” the day, again.

WWW.THESTATE.COM ● THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA ● SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010 Z7

 college world series | game 5 | USC 4, Clemson 3

USC ENTERS RARE AIR

PHOTOGRAPHS BY GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM

USC’s Christian Walker follows through on his home run in the 4th inning as the Gamecocks take on the Clemson Tigers in Game 5.

Strong pitching from Dyson and Price helps USC

earn berth in championship series against UCLA
BY RON MORRIS
rmorris@thestate.com GAME 5
HIGHLIGHTS
OMAHA, Neb
o sweeter words have

N ever carried from

Omaha to Columbia
than these: South Carolina
■ USC won its second
one-run game of the
tournament
will play for college base-
ball’s national championship ■ The bullpen improved
this week at the College
World Series. to 2-0 with a 2.03 ERA
When Christian Walker without a walk in 13 1⁄3
stepped on first base at 9:13
p.m. at Rosenblatt Stadium innings.
for the final out of USC’s 4-3 ■ USC’s pitchers have a
victory against Clemson, the
Gamecocks were headed to 2.68 ERA going into the
rarified air.
championship series with
“It feels great,” USC catch-
er Kyle Enders said. “To be 40 strikeouts and eight
standing here in Omaha and
knowing we’re going to be walks.
playing for the national ■ Whit Merrifield was a
championship on Monday, it
hasn’t really set in. I can’t home run short of the
really believe it yet. But we cycle.
did it.”
USC faces a tall task in the
best-of-three series for the
title on Monday against GAME 5 BOXSCORE
UCLA. No taller, though,
CLEMSON USC
than what it stared at after ab r h bi ab r h bi
losing in the opening round Lamb dh 4 1 1 0 Marzilli lf 3 2 1 0
Freeman 2b 5 0 2 0 Merrifild rf 5 0 3 0
Sunday before battling back Clemson coach Jack Leggett wipes his brow during the 8th inning. Schaus lf 5 0 1 1 Bradley cf 2 1 1 0
to win four games. Parker lf 3 0 0 0 Walker 1b 4 1 2 2
Hinson 3b 3 1 2 0 Morales 3b 4 0 1 1
The final two victories Miller ss 4 0 0 1 Matthews dh 3 0 0 0
came against Clemson in a The Gamecocks received inning performance in USC’s and runners on first and Columbia Regional. The win Shaffer 1b 4 0 1 0 Thomas ph 0 0 0 0
Boyd cf 4 0 1 0 Enders c 4 0 0 0
repeat of 2002 — when USC significant contributions 12-inning victory against third, Walker drilled a single was nice to savor for the Kieboom c 2 0 0 0 Haney ss 4 0 1 0
fought out of the losers’ from pitchers Sam Dyson Oklahoma. Price allowed a into center. Before Walker moment and there were back Epps ph 0 1 0 0 Wingo 2b 3 0 0 0
Nester c 1 0 0 0 Dyson p 0 0 0 0
bracket to defeat the Tigers and Matt Price and clutch run in his 21⁄3-inning stint but came to bat, Clemson in- slaps and smiles all around. Harman p 0 0 0 0 Price p 0 0 0 0
twice before losing the na- hitting from Christian Walk- was as sharp as ever in strik- tentionally walked Jackie But this is not the kind of Frederick p 0 0 0 0
Weismann p 0 0 0 0
tional title game to Texas. er and Adrian Morales. ing out three Clemson Bradley. team that is satisfied with Brady p 0 0 0 0
Totals 35 3 8 2 Totals 32 4 9 3
This will be USC’s fourth Let’s start with the pitch- batters. “I knew they were walking winning a regional or a Su-
crack at a national title in ing, since that has carried “I was impressed with Jackie to get to me,” Walker per Regional, playing in the HBP—by Dyson (Lamb), by Dyson (Parker), by Har-
man (Bradley), by Harman (Marzilli). PB—Enders
baseball. Besides the 2002 USC all season and partic- what Sam and Matt did,” said. “I felt like I had some- College World Series or even (11). T—3:04. A—12,593.
loss, USC fell to Texas for ularly in Omaha. Tanner said. “Even if we had thing to prove there.” advancing to the national Clemson 001 000 110 — 3
USC 100 100 20x — 4
the title in 1975 and to Arizo- Coach Ray Tanner and his been less fortunate to win He did just that, and be- championship series. This
E—Miller (32), Kieboom (1), Nester,(7), Wingo (10).
na State in 1977. It is difficult pitching coach, Mark Calvi, tonight, what great perfor- fore he could get settled at team has a fight to it. It bat- DP—Clemson 2. LOB—CLemaon 9, South Carolina
to imagine any of those USC called on right-hander Sam mances and competitive first, Morales smacked the tles from behind. It scraps 10. 2B—Merrifield (12). 3B—Hinson (1), Marrifield
teams having as many con- Dyson to pitch despite Dyson efforts. It doesn’t get any next pitch from Alex Freder- for runs. It hangs around. It (1). HR—Walker (9). SB—Marzilli (8), Matthews (6).
Clemson IP H R ER BB SO
tributors as this Gamecocks having thrown 119 pitches better than that.” ick on the ground into right. wins. Harman L, 8-4 61⁄3 7 3 3 0 5
club. four days ago in a victory While Dyson and Price Bradley, who had moved “This is the kind of team Frederick 2
⁄3 2 1 1 2 1
Weismann 1
⁄3 0 0 0 2 0
For most of the postseason against Arizona State. This held Clemson in check, USC around to third on Walker’s we are. We’re a resilient Brady 2
⁄3 0 0 0 0 0
— through the regional, the time, Dyson gutted his way waited for its bats to pro- single, walked home with team,” outfielder Whit Merri- USC IP H R ER BB SO
duce. Walker was the first to USC’s fourth and decisive Dyson 6 ⁄3 5 2 2 2 5
2
Super Regional and into the through 112 pitches, limiting field said. “We’re a team that Price W, 4-1 21⁄3 3 1 1 0 3
CWS — USC has been pass- Clemson to two runs on five step to the fore, leading off run. doesn’t like to lose a lot. HBP—by Dyson (Lamb), by Dyson (Parker), by Har-
ing the baton from game to hits while walking two and the fourth inning. He blasted When Price took care of We’ve done things the hard man (Bradley), by Harman (Marzilli). PB—Enders
(11). T—3:04. A—12,593.
game, from one hero to striking out five in 62⁄3 a 2-2 changeup from Clem- matters in the eighth and way all year.”
another. innings. son pitcher Casey Harman ninth, USC celebrated So, maybe it is perfectly
On Saturday, USC decided Then Tanner turned the deep into the left-field around the pitcher’s mound. OK that the championship
to team up against a pesky game over to Price, who was bleachers. But this celebration was series against UCLA seems
Clemson team that made it coming back from one day’s Then, with the game tied much like the one shortly like a tall order for a USC
interesting until the final out. rest after a yeoman, three- at 2 in the seventh inning after the Gamecocks won the team seeking a national title.
Z8 SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010 ● WWW.THESTATE.COM ● THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
 college world series | game 6 | USC 7, UCLA 1

SUPER COOPER

PHOTOGRAPHS BY GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM

USC’s Blake Cooper delivers a pitch against UCLA during Game 1 of the 2010 College World Series finals at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Neb.

Rigorous offseason training program keeps Cooper

in top form and has USC on the verge of a title
BY RON MORRIS
rmorris@thestate.com GAME 6
HIGHLIGHTS
OMAHA, Neb.

B
LAKE COOPER threw
the game of his life on ■ Blake Cooper allowed
college baseball’s big- 2 runs over 8 innings
gest stage Monday night at
Rosenblatt Stadium, gutting with 10 strikeouts, tying
out an eight-inning perfor-
mance that had UCLA hitters
a CWS finals record
off-balance all the way to the
last of his 136 pitches. ■ Jackie Bradley Jr. took
“What can you say abut the RBI lead in the tour-
that guy?” pitching coach
Mark Calvi said after USC’s nament with nine, im-
7-1 victory. “He was
proving his batting aver-
phenomenal.”
Calvi met with Cooper late age to .417 and extend-
Sunday evening to deter-
mine if his ace pitcher could ing his hit streak to 22.
come back for a second time
on three days rest in this ■ Christian Walker im-
College World Series. Coo-
proved to .396 with two
per never hesitated. He was
ready. hits and a run.
Then Ray Tanner sat with
Cooper on Monday morning.
“I certainly wanted to
pitch him today,” Tanner GAME 6 BOXSCORE
said. “But I encouraged him USC UCLA
to take another day, if he felt ab r h bi ab r h bi
Marzilli lf 4 0 2 1
Amaral cf 0 0 0 0
that it would be in his best Merrifild rf 5 0 1 1
Gallego ss 0 0 0 0
interests.” Bradley cf 5 1 2 0
Regis 2b 0 0 0 0
Walker 1b 5 1 2 0
Dunlap dh 0 0 0 0
Cooper looked at Tanner Thomas dh 3 1 1 1
Navarro ph 0 0 0 0
for a few minutes before he Matthews ph 1 0 1 0
Gelalich lf 0 0 0 0
responded. Morales 3b 5 2 1 0
Espy 3b 0 0 0 0
“I’ll be as good today as I’ll
USC’s Scott Wingo dives into third base with a triple against UCLA in Game 1 of the championship series. Enders c 5 0 1 0
Brown ph 0 0 0 0
Haney ss 3 0 2 3
Uribe 1b 0 0 0 0
be tomorrow,” he said. Wingo 2b 4 2 1 0
Giovinazo rf 0 0 0 0
Cooper p 0 0 0 0
Rodriguez c 0 0 0 0
Even after Cooper held Taylor p 0 0 0 0
Cole p 0 0 0 0
UCLA hitless through the Since then, he has not come and the coaching staff that he went to his sweeping with Cole, but he was certain Grace p 0 0 0 0
first three innings, the coach- out of a game earlier than he would be the best condi- curveball, his slider that runs to receive in excess of $2 Griggs p 0 0 0 0
the sixth inning. tioned pitcher, and maybe, in on left-handed hitters and million for signing instead of Totals 40 714 6 Totals 31 1 3 0
ing staff was concerned that
their bulldog might have lost Cooper credits his stamina player on the team. his changeup that looked attending college. USC 212 010 010 — 7
UCLA 000 000 001 — 1
his bite. His fastball, which to a rigorous offseason train- In addition to his weight- like a pelican swooping in on Cole, like all the others
ing program. He had bal- training sessions, every day a fish in water as it reached this season, was no match E—Wingo 2 (12), Regis (12), Cole (1). DP—South
normally tops out anywhere Carolina 1. LOB—South Carolina 9, UCLA 6.
from 89 to 92 mph, did not looned to 210 pounds, and Cooper ran the stairs at Car- home plate. for Cooper, who was a 3B—Wingo (3). SB—Matthews (7), Morales (5),
when you measure 5-foot-10 olina Stadium with a “He located his off-speed 12th-round selection of the Wingo (2), Gelalich (7). SF—Haney (3).
have its usual “giddy-up,” in USC IP H R ER BB SO
Tanner’s words. It was float- (in heeled shoes), you are 20-pound vest. The pounds stuff,” Calvi said. “He has Arizona Diamondbacks. Cooper W, 13-2 8 3 1 1 1 10
ing to the plate in the downright plump. began to drop off his body. some different ways to beat USC took Cole deep into Taylor 2 0 0 0 0 0
mid-80s. “At the end of last year, he Before he knew it, Cooper you.” counts and generally worked UCLA IP H R ER BB SO
Cole L, 11-4 7 11 6 4 1 2
So, assistant coaches Chad made up his mind he was had shed 30 pounds. That is what Cooper is all him over to the tune of six Grace 11
⁄3 3 1 1 1 0
Holbrook and Sammy Espo- going to get himself in really He was not a svelte 180 about on a pitcher’s mound. runs. Meanwhile, Cooper Griggs 02
⁄3 0 0 0 0 0
good shape,” said Billy An- pounds and he was no Ado- He finds a way to beat you. merrily rolled along all the HBP—by Cooper (Rodriguez), by Cooper (Gelalich).
sito decided it was their turn T—3:28. A—23,181.
to check in with Cooper as derson, USC’s strength and nis, according to Anderson. Over the course of this sea- way through the eighth in-
he sat by himself, arm conditioning coach. “Coop But he had won the team’s son, he has found a way to ning with a one-hitter.
wrapped in a towel, in the really wanted to drop weight. weight-room award before beat some of the nation’s He should not have gone
USC dugout in the middle of He felt like his weight was a the season began. “I’m not best pitchers. out for the ninth inning, but
the third inning. hindrance.” taking a vote,” Anderson Monday, it was UCLA Calvi said his pitcher had senblatt Stadium fans who
“I’m not coming out,” Anderson immediately said of the recognition that right-hander Gerrit Cole who deserved that honor in his were most appreciative of a
Cooper barked at the changed Cooper’s diet, elim- comes after the season. flashed the golden arm final appearance as a college sensational performance.
coaches. inating fried foods and sub- “Coop wins it.” against Cooper. Cole was pitcher. Dead tired, Cooper Cooper’s final pitch was his
That has been Cooper’s stituting fish and chicken for His weight in check, Coo- selected in the first round of gave up a couple of hits and 300th in the College World
rallying cry since his first red meat. Soft drinks and per attacked opponents with the Major League Baseball walked a batter. Series.
start of the season. He was sweet iced tea were off the four pitches this season. So, draft two years ago out of Finally, he departed to His remarkable effort has
restricted to five innings that table. Then Cooper went when his fastball was no- high school. The New York cheers not only from the USC one win from winning
night against Duquesne. about proving to Anderson where to be found Monday, Yankees never negotiated USC faithful but the Ro- the national championship.

WWW.THESTATE.COM ● THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA ● SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010 Z9

 college world series | game 7 | USC 2, UCLA 1 (11)

NATIONAL CHAMPS

GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM
USC’a Jackie Bradley Jr. celebrates with teammates after their win over UCLA during Game 2 of the 2010 College World Series finals.

Tanner: ‘Sometimes, dreams do become reality’

BY RON MORRIS seldom-used Parker Bangs to
rmorris@thestate.com steady second baseman Scott
Wingo, never wavered in their
OMAHA, Neb. belief that a national champi-
onship could be realized.
relievers, most notably Matt Price.
The pitching staff has kept USC in
games throughout the postseason,
often waiting around until the
offense could kick into gear.
regional title.
The Super Regional games
GAME 7
belonged to Price, who worked HIGHLIGHTS
out of a no-out, bases-loaded jam
in the opener, and Christian Walk-

T ■ USC won its second NCAA team

WO HUNDRED and ninety
teams began the college “Being our first national cham- On this night, USC waited er, whose three-run homer with
baseball season dreaming pionship, this is definitely where UCLA out until the 11th inning, two outs in the bottom of the title, joining the women’s outdoor
of a national championship. Now our university is headed,” said when Wingo led off with a walk, eighth inning sent USC to Omaha.
Wingo, who raced home from advanced to second base on a In Omaha, USC stubbed its toe
track and field team in 2002.
one stands alone atop the heap as
winners of the final College World third base with the winning run passed ball, then to third base on out of the gate with a loss to Okla- ■ USC is the first team to win
Series ever played at Rosenblatt on Whit Merrifield’s single. Evan Marzilli’s sacrifice bunt. homa. Then it got an outstanding
“We’re headed in the right Merrifield then came to the performance from right-handed the title after losing its first
Stadium.
Read these words carefully, and direction.” plate and watched consecutive pitcher Sam Dyson to defeat Ari- game since 2006.
let them sink in because they have It is a championship won for an fastballs from UCLA reliever Dan zona State; a ninth inning, two-
never before been spoken in a entire athletics program, one that Klein that sailed high and away out single by Bradley, who was
for most of its existence virtually for balls. Merrifield lined the next down to his and USC’s last strike, GAME 7 BOXSCORE
major sport: The University of UCLA USC
South Carolina is the national has been void of success on the pitch into right field and Wingo to turn away Oklahoma; a brilliant ab r h bi ab r h bi
champion. national level. nearly scored the winning run three-hitter from Roth, making his Gallego ss 5 0 1 1
Marzilli lf 5 0 2 0
“You try to be one of the best “Maybe we can bury the chick- before the ball fell on the Ro- first start of the season, to beat Amaral cf 5 0 2 0
Merrifeld rf 5 0 1 1
Dunlap dh 4 0 1 0
Bradley cf 5 0 0 0
one day,” said USC coach Ray en curse,” said Eric Hyman, senblatt grass. Clemson; and yet another strong Espy 1b 3 0 0 0
Walker 1b 4 0 2 0
Tanner as he sported a national USC’s athletics director. “I’m so “I got into a hitter’s count and showing by Dyson to defeat Clem- Williams 2b 1 0 0 0
Morales 3b 5 0 0 0
happy for the Gamecock nation. he threw me a strike,” Merrifield son and advance to the champi- Regis 2b,3b 5 0 0 0
Mattws dh 3 0 0 0
champions T-shirt and stood near Krill rf 5 0 2 0
Thomas ph 1 0 1 0
home plate moments after his I’m so happy for our fans. This said. “I found a hole, and it was onship round. Giovinazo lf 3 0 0 0
Beary pr,dh 1 1 0 0
team’s dramatic, 2-1, 11-inning shows we can do it.” just elation. I can’t even describe Once there, USC seized the Brn 3b,1b 4 1 2 0
Enders c 3 0 1 0
Rodriguez c 2 0 0 0
Haney ss 5 0 2 0
victory against UCLA. “Many Finally, it is a championship it.” opportunity like it never has in a Goeddel p 0 0 0 0
Wingo 2b 2 1 0 0
times, it’s just a dream, but some- won for the state of South Caroli- The big playmakers in Tues- major sport. Cooper was at his Klein p 0 0 0 0
Roth p 0 0 0 0
na, which so desperately longs to day’s win will be remembered — career-best in spinning a three- Mata p 0 0 0 0
times it becomes reality.” Webb p 0 0 0 0
The reality is that this national have its name atop a national list no doubt, forever — as the ones hitter over eight innings to defeat Taylor p 0 0 0 0
crown was won not just for a for something good. who led USC in the series-clinch- UCLA in the opener. Then Merri- Price p 0 0 0 0
coaching staff led by Tanner, who “I’m so happy for the great state ing game. But they were only the field etched his name into the Totals 37 1 8 1 Totals 39 2 9 1
of South Carolina,” Tanner said. latest heroes and latest contrib- annals of USC athletics history UCLA 000 010 00000 — 1
took over a foundering program USC 000 000 01001 — 2
14 years ago and guided it Tues- So, as you drink your cup of utors in a journey that began with his game-winning single.
E—Espy (6), Morales (12). DP—South Carolina 1. LOB—UCLA 10,
day night to unprecedented coffee this morning, it is quite OK innocently enough with the start The traditional dogpile oc- South Carolina 14. 2B—Amaral (12), Krill (14). CS—Gallego(2).
heights. to puff your chest and carry your of the NCAA tournament on June curred near second base, then S— Giovinazzo (2), Rodriguez (10), Marzilli (2), Merrifield (15).
“It’s really indescribable,” Tan- head high. Raise that cup in toast 4. players paraded the national UCLA IP H R ER BB SO
ner said. “I’ve never really been in to a team that made its athletics A two-run homer by Jackie championship trophy around the Rasmussen 6 6 0 0 4 5
Goeddel 1 2 1 0 0 1
this position, so I don’t know how department, its city and its state Bradley and a three-run bomb by stadium. Finally, the team gath- Klein L, 6-1 31⁄3 1 1 1 2 4
proud. Adrian Morales got USC going in ered near home plate for the offi- USC IP H R ER BB SO
to act. I’m so happy for this great
“This game tonight is the epito- a come-from-behind win against cial presentation to USC of its first Roth 5 6 1 1 2 3
university, its players and coaches Mata 2 1 0 0 0 1
me of what this team is all about,” Bucknell. Then Blake Cooper national championship in a major
and the fans who came out here Webb 1
⁄3 0 0 0 0 0
Tanner said. outdueled first-round pick Asher sport. Taylor 1 0 0 0 0 0
with us.”
In typical fashion, USC got Wojciechowski of The Citadel and It is a championship won for Price W, 5-1 22⁄3 1 0 0 1 3
This is a championship won not Goeddel pitched to 1 batter in the 8th.
sterling pitching from starter Jose Mata’s bullpen work led USC USC, the city of Columbia and the
just for the 35 players, who from HBP—by Mata (Brown),by Price (Dunlap). WP—Rodriguez (7).
Michael Roth and a quartet of past Virginia Tech to clinch the state of South Carolina. T—4:15. A—24,390.

Z10 SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010 ● WWW.THESTATE.COM ● THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
 WWW.THESTATE.COM ● THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA ● SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010 Z11

Congratulations
University of South Carolina
Gamecocks
2010 NCAA National Baseball Champions

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Z12 SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010 ● WWW.THESTATE.COM ● THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

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WWW.THESTATE.COM ● THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA ● SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010 Z13
 college world series

OMAHA TURNS GARNET

PHOTGRAPHS BY GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM

USC fans, with help from Cocky, cheer during Game 1 of the 2010 College World Series finals Monday against UCLA.

USC fan Kevin Douglas shows off his Gamecock attire during the
Gamecocks game against the Clemson Tigers.

Vince Vannelle, of Cincinnati,

shows off his favorite team colors
during a rain delay prior to the
first game between South Carolina
and Oklahoma.

Upper right, USC fan Dan

Weatherford can't contain his
disappointment after a second
weather delay in the first game
between South Carolina and
Oklahoma.

At right, nine-year-old
Drew Quedensley, right,
shows off his haircut to
USC's Nick Ebert during an
autograph session in Omaha.

Z14 SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010 ● WWW.THESTATE.COM ● THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
 GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM

WWW.THESTATE.COM
the winning hit

●
USC’s Whit Merrifield celebrates the game-winning
hit against UCLA. He drove in Scott Wingo from
third base to give the Gamecocks the national title.

THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

●
SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010
Z15
 college world series

OMAHA SCRAPBOOK

REBECCA S. GRATZ/THE WORLD-HERALD

USC runs onto the field after Scott Wingo scores the winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning on Monday.

Lambert Bartak, 91, plays

the organ in the press
box overlooking
Rosenblatt Stadium
during the College World
Series.

Lower right, ESPN

sportscaster Erin
Andrews speaks with
USC players during the
game against the
Clemson Tigers.

Lower, left, USC's lucky

bat is rubbed on Nick
Ebert during the 8th
inning of Game 1 of the
series finals.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY GERRY MELENDEZ

GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM

JEFF BEIERMANN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Last College World Series game at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Neb., on Tuesday.
Z16 SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010 ● WWW.THESTATE.COM ● THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
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Z18 SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010 ● WWW.THESTATE.COM ● THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

college world series

NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR

USC baseball coach Ray
Tanner has earned National
Coach of the Year honors from
Collegiate Baseball.
Tanner completed his 14th
year as head coach at USC
leading the Gamecocks to a
national championship and a
54-16 record.
On the way to the title at the
College World Series, the
Gamecocks became the first
team to win six consecutive
games in Omaha. The title was
the first men’s national cham-
pionship at USC.
This past season’s trip was
the fourth to the College
World Series for coach Tanner
along with three consecutive
trips from 2002-2004.
TANNER BIO
Born: March 25, 1958, in
Smithfield, N.C.
Family: He is married to
the former Karen Donald, a
native of Charleston and a
USC graduate. She was for-
merly head women’s athletic GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM
trainer at NC State. She is the USC head coach Ray Tanner jokes with his coaching staff prior to Game 2 of the 2010 College World Series finals between South Carolina
former director of athletics and UCLA at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Neb.
and director of sports medi-
public administration (1983). ment dating back to the 2000 in the country to have reached collected championships in ner’s 23rd year as a collegiate
cine at Columbia College. At USC: Tanner was season. In that span, Carolina the NCAA Regionals every the Southeastern Conference head coach. At USC, Tanner
They have two daughters, named the South Carolina has eight NCAA Super Re- season from 2000 to the pre- with regular season titles in has a .692 winning percentage
Bridgette Grace ("Gracie") and head coach June 14, 1996 after gional appearances (2000, sent. The program’s 11-year 2000 and 2002 along with a -- the second highest in SEC
Margaret Pearl ("Maggie") and nine successful seasons at 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, total record of 522-217 is the SEC Tournament crown in history. This past season,
one son, Joseph Luke ("Luke"). North Carolina State. Under 2007, 2010). fourth highest win total 2004. Tanner’s last 11 teams Tanner also reached a career
Education: Tanner has a Tanner, USC owns the longest USC is one of only six among NCAA Division I have featured 20 All-America milestone, recording his
Bachelor of Science degree in current streak of NCAA Re- schools in the nation to make schools. South Carolina has performers including senior 1,000th career victory, as he
recreational administration gional appearances among the at least eight NCAA Super 11 consecutive seasons of right-handed pitcher Blake became the fourth fastest
from NC State (1980) and 12 SEC schools with 11 Regionals in the last 11 years 40 or more wins. Cooper. active coach to reach that
Master’s of public affairs, straight trips to the tourna- and one of only eight schools The Gamecocks have also This past season was Tan- total.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS!
 WWW.THESTATE.COM ● THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA ● SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010 Z19

THANKS FOR A CONGRATULATIONS GAMECOCKS

FANTASTIC SEASON! ON THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!
WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!

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Z20 SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010 ● WWW.THESTATE.COM ● THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

2010 USC GAMECOCKS Position: Outfield

ADRIAN MORALES ANTHONY IACOMINI BRADY THOMAS
Year: Sophomore
No.: 3 No.: 10 COACHING STAFF Hometown: Lexington No.: 36
Position: Third base Position: Infielder HEAD COACH: Ray Tanner (14th season) (N.C. State, High school/Juco: White Knoll HS Position: Catcher/DH
Year: Junior Year: Freshman 1980) Key stats: Led team with 12 steals in 18 Year: Senior
Hometown: Hialeah, Fla Hometown: Cross River, N.Y. attempts Hometown: Anderson
High school/Juco: Miami-Dade CC High school/Juco: John Jay Cross River ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH: Chad Holbrook (2nd season) High school/Juco: FSU
Key stats: Second on team with 56 RBIs; HS (North Carolina, 1994) BLAKE COOPER Key stats: Hit .331 in 139 at-bats.
had 15 doubles Key stats: Redshirted ASSISTANT COACH: Mark Calvi (6th season) (Nova
Southeastern, 1991) No.: 27 JAY BROWN
ROERT BEARY JIMMY REVAN Position: Pitcher
ASSISTANT COACH: Sammy Esposito (3rd season) Year: Senior No.: 37
No.: 4 No.: 12 (N.C. State, 2005) Hometown: Neeses Position: Pitcher
Position: Outfield/catcher Position: Pitcher Year: Senior
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH: Billy Anderson High school/Juco: Edisto HS
Year: Junior Year: Sophomore Key stats: Led team in victories (13), in- Hometown: Brunswick, Ga.
Hometown: Apopka, Fla. Hometown: Chester
ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC TRAINER: Brainard Cooper High school/Juco: Young Harris JC
nings pitched (137) and strikeouts (126).
High school/Juco: Pensacola JC High school/Juco: Spartanburg Methodist DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Kyle Lipsey Key stats: 3-0 record in nine starts and
Key stats: 27 hits in 98 at-bats JC eight relief appearances
STUDENT MANAGERS: Ryan Fischer, Rob Kish MICHAEL ROTH
Key stats: 1-0 in nine appearances
GRADUATE ASSISTANT ATHLETIC TRAINER: Stephanie No.: 29 TYLER WEBB
WHIT MERRIFIELD
CHRISTIAN WALKER Bingham Position: Pitcher
No.: 5 No.: 39
STUDENT ATHLETIC TRAINERS: Amanda Hawkins, Dil- Year: Sophomore
Position: Pitcher
Position: Right field No.: 13 lon Smith, Tim Vigue Hometown: Greer
Year: Junior Position: First base Year: Freshman
High school/Juco: Riverside
Hometown: Advance, N.C. Year: Freshman Hometown: Nassawadox, Va
Key stats: Had a team-low ERA of 1.34 in
High school/Juco: Davie County HS Hometown: Limerick, Pa. High school/Juco: Northampton HS
37 appearances (only had 2 starts -- both
Key stats: Led the team in hits (95), runs High school/Juco: Kennedy-Kenrick HS Key stats: 3-2 record with seven starts
in CWS)
(72) and at-bats (296) Key stats: Good production with 74 hits, and 10 appearances out of the bullpen
51 RBIs EVAN MARZILLI
JEFFERY JONES Key stats: Reliever was 7-1 in 33 appear- Year: Freshman PATRICK SULLIVAN
JOHN TAYLOR ances (45 innings pitched) Hometown: Hilton Head No.: 31
No.: 39
No.: 6 High school/Juco: Hilton Head HS Position: Outfield Position: Pitcher
Position: First base No.: 14 KYLE ENDERS Key stats: DNP Year: Freshman Year: RS Freshman
Year: Senior Position: Pitcher Hometown: Cranston, R.I.
No.: 18 Hometown: Columbia
Hometown: Ft. Worth, Texas Year: Junior MATT PRICE High school/Juco: Bishop Hendricken High school/Juco: A.C. Flora HS
High school/Juco: Navarro JC Hometown: Florence Position: Catcher HS
Year: Senior No.: 22 Key stats: 1.50 ERA in seven appearanc-
Key stats: Batted .300 and had 29 RBIs High school/Juco: Darlington Tech Key stats: Led team with a .385 batting
Hometown: Greer Position: Pitcher es in relief
Key stats: Reliever was 3-2 with 1 save in average; scored 30 runs on 35 hits
RICHARD ROYAL 28 appearances High school/Juco: Riverside HS Year: RS Freshman
Key stats: 9 doubles, 1 triple and 3 HRs Hometown: Sumter PARKER BANGS
ETHAN CARTER
No.: 7 NOLAN BELCHER (including 2 in postseason) High school/Juco: Sumter HS No.: 42
Position: Catcher Key stats: Led team with 10 saves; had a No.: 32 Position: Pitcher/Utility
Year: Sophomore No.: 15 JACKIE BRADLEY JR. 4-1 record and 2.26 ERA Position: Pitcher Year: Junior
Hometown: Fayettevile, N.C. Position: Pitcher Year: Freshman Hometown: Laurinburg, N.C.
High school/Juco: Terry Sanford HS Year: Sophomore No.: 19 BOBBY HANEY Hometown: Newport News, Va. High school/Juco: Scotland HS
Key stats: Hit .333 in limited at-bats Hometown: Augusta, Ga. Position: Center field High school/Juco: Menchville HS Key stats: 1-0 in 14 appearances out of
High school/Juco: Greenbrier HS Year: Sophomore No.: 23 Key stats: 3-0 record and two saves in 24 bullpen
SCOTT WINGO Key stats: 3-1 record; six starts, five relief Hometown: Prince George, Va Position: Shortstop appearances
appearances High school/Juco: Prince George HS Year: Senior
No.: 8 COLBY HOLMES
Key stats: Led Gamecocks in RBIs (60) Hometown: Smithtown, N.Y. ALEX BURRELL
Position: Second base AUSTIN ASHMORE and tied for lead with 13 HR High school/Juco: Manatee CC (Fla.) No.: 44
Year: Junior Key stats: In 251 chances, had only 6 er- No.: 33 Position: Pitcher
Hometown: Greenville No.: 16 SAM DYSON rors Position: Pitcher Year: Freshman
High school/Juco: Mauldin HS Position: Outfielder Year: Sophomore Hometown: Conway
Key stats: Hit by picthes a team-high 18 Year: Freshman No.: 20 BRISON CELEK Hometown: Landrum High school/Juco: Conway HS
times Hometown: Greer Position: Pitcher High school/Juco: Landrum HS Key stats: 2-0 record with six starts and
High school/Juco: Greer HS Year: Junior No.: 24 Key stats: Had two relief appearances five games out of the bullpen
STEVEN NEFF Key stats: Injured Hometown: Tampa, Fla. Position: Catcher/First Base
High school/Juco: Tampa Jesuit HS Year: Freshman JORDAN PROPST NICK EBERT
No.: 9 JOSE MATA Key stats: In 18 starts, finished 6-5 with Hometown: Charleston
Position: Pitcher/Outfielder 103 innings pitched High school/Juco: Bishop England HS No.: 34 No.: 47
Year: Sophomore No.: 17 Key stats: DNP Position: Pitcher Position: First base
Hometown: Lancaster Position: Pitcher GREG HARRISON Year: Senior Year: Senior
High school/Juco: Lancaster HS Year: Junior ADAM MATTHEWS Hometown: Gaffney Hometown: Ocala, Fla
Key stats: 1 start, 16 appearances from Hometown: Miami Lakes, Fla. No.: 21 High school/Juco: Gaffney HS High school/Juco: Central Florida CC
bullpen; 2-1 record High school/Juco: Broward CC Position: Pitcher No.: 26 Key stats: Two relief appearances Key stats: .272 BA, 7 HR, 31 RBI

1 R E A L E S T A T E
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C o m p a n y i n t h e
M i d l a n d s

C o n g r a t u l a t e s
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N A T I O N !
Way to go
Gamecocks!
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Z22 SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010 ● WWW.THESTATE.COM ● THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

Congratulations
to USC Baseball Team,
College World Series Champions
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