All Star Game recap via my tweets

I really enjoyed the All Star Game this year. I thought the tributes were really nice. I really wish they had done something to for Brian Stowe & Shannon Stone, though.

I decided to recap the ASG by posting what I tweeted about it. I did this a couple times for the school newspaper. It seemed to work out pretty well.  Don’t forget to follow me: @Samantha_1675

Classy tribute to the Az shooting victims. #ASG
 
Once again, Jordin Sparks did a phenomonal job w the Nat’l Anthem. #Asg
 
.@Brianwilson38 should be a commentator when he retires. #Asg
 
Thanks Tim McCarver for recognizing the ATL rotation being able to challenge PHI. #Asg
  
Yes, Joe Buck, Brian McCann is extremely underrated. #Asg
 
 BTW, my prediction is that the NL goes back to back. #Asg
 
It’s about time someone went yard, too bad it was for the AL. #Asg
 
 Get ’em McCann! #asg
  
Way to get the NL on the board! Both runs scored by HR Derby participants. #Asg
 
What was being chanted during Upton’s at bat? #Asg
 
DeAngelo Ortiz did awesome w the batting stances and the impresenation of his dad’s face. Cute! #Asg
  
Third stolen base of the inning, yet no one has scored. #Asg
 
Weeks crosses the plate to bring run #4 home for the NL. #Asg
 
Woohoo Jair and Brian working together in the 6th! Sure wish Tommy Hanson was here. #Asg
 
JK, I think I just saw McCann in the dugout w Lincecum. #Asg
 
That kid is an idiot! 1 Of the best closers in MLB just gave you a Yoda bookbag full of signed stuff. Be more excited! #Asg
 
What another classy move by @MLB. #S^2C #asg
  
So happy for Craig Kimbrel. He deserves to be out there. #Asg
 
Thought Michelle Branch did a nice job, especially by doing it a capella. #Asg
 
PAAANNNDDDAAA!!! #Asg
 
Boch said he’d bring in @brianwilson38 w a 1 run lead. What about a 4 run lead? #Asg
 
 The NL team has used 3 Braves pitchers in a row (Venters in now). #Asg
 
That was the best entrance EVER! #Asg
 
FEAR THE BEARD!! #Asg
 
Trying not to get lost in those ocean blues @brianwilson38. #Asg
 
Hell yeah NL! Back to back! Home field advantage paid off last year. #Asg
 
The Beard itself deserves a MVP award. #Asg
 
Congrats to Prince Fielder on winning the MVP Award. His kids are so dang cute! #Asg
 
Though I haven’t seen the ESPYS yet, I did see Brian Wilson arrive. Stunning.
 
Idk what @brianwilson38 is wearing, but it is AMAZING! #FACT
 
Too bad he’s covering the cougar atop his cane.
 
 
 
 
 
 

If You Invite Them, The Homers Will Come

Monday night’s Home Run Derby kicked off the All Star Break festivities (at least on TV. They truly started on Sunday with the Taco Bell Legends & Celebrity Softball game). Country superstar, Jason Aldean, kicked of the celebration by performing “Crazytown” (only MLB Network viewers saw this one) and “My Kinda Party” (only on ESPN).  I had to wait until the softball game to see Aldean wearing a jersey & Braves cap (see this blog).

David Ortiz (AL) and Prince Fielder (NL) were captains of their league and for the first time ever, the captains chose the participants. Fielder was heavily booed when he was announced for not selecting the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Justin Upton.

My prediction for the AL player with most HRs was Jose Bautista and Matt Kemp for the NL. Boston’s Adrian Gonzalez started off the Derby. Manny Acta, manager of the Cleveland Indians, pitched for Gonzalez. That proved to be a great choice as Gonzalez belted nine dingers. The furthest was measured at 447”.

Next up was the Cardinals’ Matt Holliday. His catcher, Yadier Molina was the pitcher of choice. This was Holliday’s first time participating in the derby and it showed. He wasn’t very patient and only connected for five homers. His longest was 443”.

New York Yankees’ second baseman (which was mentioned repeatedly throughout the night), Robinson Cano followed Holliday. His dad (and former Houston Astros pitcher), Jose Cano was his pitcher. Cano’s sweet swing landed him eight home runs. He also socked the longest home run of the night at 472”.

Rickie Weeks of the Milwaukee Brewers also played in his first derby.  His pitcher was the Brew Crew’s hitting coach, Sandy Guerrero. Weeks had the same problem as Holliday and went yard three times. His longest HR measured in at 427”.

Toronto’s Jose Bautista came in with probably the most pressure. He leads the majors in HRs and was the leading vote getter in both leagues to play in this year’s All Star Game. The Blue Jays bullpen catcher, Alex Andreopolous pitched to Bautista. Bautista hit just four home runs, which eliminated him from advancing to the next round.

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder, Matt Kemp, was also a first timer. He leads in the NL in home runs. His pitcher of choice was Rob Flippo, the Dodgers bullpen catcher. Kemp, like Weeks and Holliday, was also impatient at the plate. He belted just two homers. His longest was 427”.

If you’re keeping score, both of my picks did not advance past round one.

American League captain and Red Sox DH, David Ortiz also used Jose Cano as his pitcher. Ortiz hit five homers, tying Holliday. He smacked his longest one at 452” feet. The Brewers Prince Fielder closed out round one. He was heavily booed once more. Guerrero also pitched for Fielder. He ended up with five homers as well. His furthest also went 452”.

At the end of round one, Holliday, Ortiz & Fielder were tied with five. In order to move to round two, they had to have a swing off. Each player got a total of five swings. Whomever had the most home runs at the end of the swing off advanced (any HRs hit in the swing off did not count towards the players overall total).

Holliday was up first and he collected two HRs. Ortiz hit four and Fielder hit five (in a row). With Ortiz & Fielder advancing, this set up an all lefties derby.

My picks for round two were Robinson Cano and Prince Fielder.

 Ortiz got a little break from the swing off and led off round two. He connected for four long balls, bringing his total to 9. His longest HR of round two was 433”.

Cano followed Ortiz. He crushed 12 homers, bringing his overall total to 20. Gonzalez, who hadn’t hit in well over an hour, was next. He hit 11 bombs to make his overall total 20.

Fielder closed out round two with four dingers. His total was nine overall. Both Ortiz and Fielder were eliminated.

The final round was between Gonzalez and Cano. Red Sox vs. Yankee. And boy did they put on a show! This was easily the most entertaining derby I’ve ever watched.

Gonzalez belted another 11 home runs, though the totals from the first two rounds didn’t count in the finals. 

Cano easily reached 11. Once number 11 left the park, Cano’s dad came over to hug his son. Viewers could hear him say “uno mas” to his son. His son responded “I love you, dad.” (cue the chills and multiple “Field of Dreams” references) He even dedicated one of the home runs to his mom, who was watching in the stands. Cano didn’t swing at his dad’s first pitch, but he connected on the next for number 12 and the HR Derby title. He was mobbed by his dad and teammates.

It was a feel good moment and the stadium went wild. Maybe the captains should continue to choose the participants because the Derby was entertaining for all, even the ones who only watch baseball at the All Star break and during the World Series.

 

Congrats, Robinson Cano.

All Star Shuffle

Looks like all those “snubs” are now the “stars”. Eleven players have been announced as replacements for Tuesday’s All Star Game.
Scott Rolen replaces Chipper Jones (had surgery on torn meniscus)
Adrian Beltre replaces ARod (having surgery on torn meniscus)
Andrew McCutchen replaces Ryan Braun (strained left calf)
Pablo Sandoval replaces Jose Reyes (strained left hamstring)
Miguel Montero replaces Placido Polanco (bulging disc)
The following pitchers are being replaced because they pitched on Sunday.
Craig Kimbrel replaces Matt Cain
Kevin Correia replaces Cole Hamels
Alexi Ogando replaces James Shields
Michael Pineda replaces Justin Verlander
Ricky Romero replaces King Felix (Jon Lester was next to be added, but is on the DL, so Romero gets the nod)

David Robertson has also been added, but it isn’t clear who he is replacing (Jeter?).
Reyes, Hamels, Lester, Verlander, Shields, Sabathia (added to the list, but can’t participate due to pitching on Sunday) and Hernandez are still recognized as All Stars, thus they can participate in festivities.

Jered Weaver has been named the AL starter while Roy Halladay has been named the NL starter.

Derek Jeter, who was healthy enough to go 5-5 and reach the 3,000 hit mark on Saturday, is now not healthy enough to play in the Mid Summer Classic. He’s not even going to attend the festivities (I guess he can’t “rest” his strained groin in Phoenix). I’m irritated by this for a few reasons. You get injured and miss several games due to said injury. Yet, you come back long enough to reach the 3,000 hit mark before the first half of the season is over. Not only do you reach this incredible distinction, you surpass it three times. But, now you need to go back to “resting” your injury? The fans voted you in. It’s not supposed to be a popularity contest, but in some cases it still is. Yes, Jeter has the numbers to back up his selection. But, fans voted him in to see him play, in part, because he’s popular. I still believe that being an All Star is a huge honor and shouldn’t be ignored. Ryan Braun is injured and he’s still going to Phoenix because he feels like he owes it to the fans who put him there. Jeter staying in New York furthers the thought of those who believe he’s a prima donna, just like his teammate, A Rod (who is out of the ASG due to having surgery). And Jeter held out for more money at the beginning of the season. By foregoing the ASG and its events, he once again looks like a money grubbing diva. Who cares that fans want to see you amongst the rest of MLB’s elite because you have an even bigger bank account and can’t be bothered with showing up? It makes him seem like a sellout.

On top of all that, he’s 37. He’s not going to play forever. His career is dwindling down and with injuries, may not play as long as he thinks. Or his numbers may start to slip and fans may not vote him in. Or they might remember being snubbed this year, so why waste your votes if he’s going to no show? There are many other worthy players would love to take his place at the ASG.

Feel free to read this article by ‘Duk who wonders if Jeter should play or skip the ASG.

Should Derek Jeter be making an appearance at All-Star Game?

Also, I wanted to let you know that the Taco Bell Legends & Celebrity Softball Game airs TONIGHT after the HR Derby on ESPN. It was played yesterday and I mistakenly thought it aired last night. Sorry about that.

If you have Twitter, all of the HR Derby participants will be tweeting LIVE on the FIELD (Logan Morrison has already tweeted about his jealousy of this fact) DURING the Derby. Go here to get the players Twitter info. As always, you can follow me: @Samantha_1675.

Happy Friday! Here are some fun facts for you.

Barry Zito is now 3-0 since coming of the DL. And he got rid of that creepy mustache (and now CM Punk has it. Brandon Flowers had it first. ). Glad I kept him on my ESPN fantasy baseball team & now he’s on my Yahoo teams. He’s typically been a better pitcher the second half of the season. Fingers crossed.

Two of my favorite things will be coming together on Sunday AND Monday. Baseball & Jason Aldean. Aldean is playing in the Taco Bell Legends & Celebrity Softball Game on Sunday night. It’s at 8 PM on ESPN.

Here’s a link to the rest of the lineup (just saw that hottie Jesse Williams is also suiting up. SCORE!): http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/events/articles/2011/06/14/20110614mlb-all-star-celebrity-softball-game-roster-announced-phoenix.html” title

Monday is the Homerun Derby, live on ESPN at 8 pm.

AL Roster: Jose Bautista (Major League leader w/ 27), Robinson Cano, Adrian Gonzalez and David Ortiz.

NL Roster: Prince Fielder, Matt Holliday, Matt Kemp & Rickie Weeks.

Jason Aldean will also be performing at the Derby. Here’s hoping he wears a Braves hat & Braves shirt or jersey.

The All Star Game is LIVE at 8 PM on Fox (Tues., 7/12). Paul Konerko & Shane Victorino were voted in as the 34th man in their respective roster. However, Victorino is on the DL w/ a thumb injury. He will be replaced by Andre Either. Also bowing out are three Yankees: Mariano Rivera, A Rod (knee) and Derek Jeter (strained calf). No word yet on their replacements. Chipper Jones may possibly sit out as well. He received a cortisone injection and his knee is still bothering him.

Jordin Sparks will perofrm the National Anthem at the ASG. She sang it on July 4th and nailed it. Take that, Christina!

The ESPYS air live on ESPN at 9 PM. It will be hosted by the hilarious Seth Meyers. Braves sidewinding reliver, Peter Moylan tweeted a while back that he had been invited. Today, I asked him if he was presenting or just attending. This is his response:

Moylan PeterMoylanPeter Moylan

@Samantha_1675 just attending

 Shame on ESPN. Don’t they know how hilarious he is? He should host next year (it’s during the All Star Break). Still hoping he wears this:

And lastly, I’m still saddened by the death of Shannon Stone. He was the Rangers fan who was trying to catch a ball by his son’s favorite player, Josh Hamilton, and tragically fell to his death. Please pray for everyone involved. The Rangers have set up a memorial account for him. You can make donations at https://secure.mlb.com/tex/community/shannon_stone_fund.jsp

Continue reading →

Hey Now, Here Are Your 2011 All Stars

The 2011 All Star Game participants were announced on Sunday afternoon. The 82nd ASG will be played at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ on July 12 at 8PM. It will air on FOX. The National League team will be managed by Bruce Bochy of the World Series Champion San Francisco Giants. The American League will be led by the AL champion’s Texas Rangers’ skipper, Ron Washington.

Here is the starting lineup as voted on by the fans (yes, that’s right. The fans didn’t vote Albert Pujols, Mark Teixeira or Ichiro in).

American League                                                                                      National League

C-Alex Avila (DET)                                                                                   Brian McCann (ATL)

1B-Adrian Gonazlez (BOS)                                                                    Prince Fielder (MIL)

2B-Robinson Cano (NYY)                                                                      Rickie Weeks (MIL)

3B-Alex Rodriguez (NYY)                                                                      Placido Polanco (PHI)

SS- Derek Jeter (NYY)                                                                               Jose Reyes (NYM)

OF-Jose Bautista (TOR)                                                                           Ryan Braun (MIL)

OF-Curtis Granderson (NYY)                                                              Lance Berkman (STL)

OF-Josh Hamilton (TEX)                                                                        Matt Kemp (LAD)

DH- David Ortiz

Jose Bautista was the overall vote getter, while Braun was the NL vote leader.  McCann is getting his first start in his sixth trip to the Mid Summer Classic.

Now for the reserves. It will be noted who was a manager’s choice (mgr) and who the players chose (plr).

AL Reserves                                                                          NL Reserves

C Matt Wieters (BAL)- mgr                                        OF Justin Upton (ARI)-mgr

OF Jacoby Ellsbury (BOS)-plr                                  3B Chipper Jones (ATL)-plr

OF Carlos Quentin (CWS)-plr                                   SS Starlin Castro (CHI)-plr

OF Asdrubal Cabrera (CLE)-plr                               2B Brandon Phillips (CIN)-plr

1B Miguel Cabrera (DET)-plr                                     OF Jay Bruce (CIN)-plr

2B Howie Kendrick (LAA)-plr                                   1B Joey Votto (CIN)-mgr

OF Michael Cuddyer (MIN)-mgr                             SS Troy Tulowitski (COL)-plr

C Russell Martin (NYY)-plr                                         1B Gaby Sanchez (FLA)-mgr

OF Matt Joyce (TB)-plr                                                 OF Hunter Pence (HOU)-plr

3B Adrian Beltre (TEX)-mgr                                    OF Calros Beltran (NYM)-mgr

DH Michael Young (TEX)-mgr                               OF Matt Holliday (STL)-plr

                                                                                                        C-Yadier Molina (STL)-plr

 

AL Pitchers                                                                      NL Pitchers

Chris Perez (CLE)-plr                                                 Jonny Venters (ATL)-plr

Jose Valverde (DET)-plr                                          Clayton Kershaw (LAD)-plr

Aaron Crow (KC)-mgr                                                Cole Hamels (PHI)-plr

Josh Beckett (BOS)-plr                                               Jair Jurrjens (ATL)-plr

Mariano Rivera (NYY)-plr                                       Joel Hanrahan (PIT)-plr

Gio Gonzalez (OAK)-mgr                                           Heath Bell (SD)-mgr

Felix Hernandez (SEA)-plr                                       Matt Cain (SF)-mgr

Justin Verlander (DET)-plr                                    Roy Halladay (PHI)-plr

Brandon League (SEA)-plr                                       Tim Lincecum (SF)-mgr

David Price (TB)- mgr                                                   Brian Wilson (SF)-plr

James Shields (TB)-plr                                                 Ryan Vogelsong (SF)-mgr

Jered Weaver (LAA)-plr                                               Cliff Lee (PHI)-plr

CJ Wilson (TEX)-mgr                                                     Tyler Clippard (WSH)-mgr

That’s correct: no CC, Hanson, Humber, Haren on Lester. However, if a starting pitcher pitches in the Sunday game before the ASG, he is not eligible to pitch in the ASG. Therefore, the aforementioned guys, as well as others, could take their spots as alternates.

You can still vote until Thursday, July 7th at 4 PM EST for the 34th man. Each league has five players that can be voted into the last spot on their respective rosters.

AL                                                     NL

Ben Zobrist (TB)                       Michael Morse (WSH)

Alex Gordon (KC)                     Shane Victorino (PHI)

Adam Jones (BAL)                   Ian Kennedy (ARI)

Paul Konerko (CWS)               Andre Either (LAD)

Victor Martinez (DET)          Todd Helton (COL)

If you want to vote for the final man in each league, go to: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2011/fv/ballot.jsp?tcid=hpMW-asgballot-FV-2011

Feel free to leave feedback and discuss snubs, potential alternates, playing everyone vs. playing who can help you win (as Bochy has said he will do).

Gamecocks: Back-to-Back Champs!!!

In the second matchup between the Gameocks and Gators, South Carolina sent their trusty starter, Michael Roth to the hill to face off against Karsten Whitson. Flordia gets two on in the first, but leaves them on base. In the bottom of the inning, leadoff man Scott Wingo is hit by a pitch. Jackie Bradley, Jr. strikes out and Chrisitan Walker grounds into a double play to end the inning.

Peter Mooney leads of the third with a double. Mooney and Marzilli are on the corners when Wingo hits a sacrifice fly and scores Mooney. Bradley gets walked and Walker gets a RBI when Nolan Fontana can’t field his hit. Brady Thomas joins the RBI parade and beats out the throw to first. Adrian Morales hits the ball to the pitcher for the last out.

Gators catcher Mike Zunino gets them on the scoreboard with a solo home run in the fourth. In the next inning, the Gamecocks turn their ninth double play of the College World Series. In the bottom of the fifth, Wingo, Walker and Thomas are on base when Morales is walked. Whitson is replaced by Tommy Toledo. Toledo strikes out  Jake Williams  to escape the inning.  Whitson lasted 4 2/3 innings and had four strikeouts. He gave up two walks, four hits and one earned run.

Mooney homered in the sixth. Robert Beary flies out. Toledo is replaced by Brian Johnson. Marzilli hits a double. Wingo flies out to center and Bradley is fanned with no more damage done. John Taylor relieves Roth in the seventh after Tucker advances Zunino. In 7 2/3 innings of work, Roth gave up five hits, two walks, two earned runs while striking out six Gators. After it is announced that Tyler Thompson will pinch hit for Pigott, Matt Price is brought in to face him. Price fans Thompson.

Beary singles to start off the bottom of the eighth. Marzilli lays down a sacrifice bunt. Beary advances on a wild pitch to Wingo. Wingo hits a single, scoring Beary. Bradley bounces one back to Steven Rodriguez, who boots the ball and still throws out Bradley. However, this allows Wingo to advance. Walker is intentionally walked and Thomas is replaced by Adam Matthews at the plate. Greg Larson is brought in to face Matthews. Matthews is out at first to end the inning.

With the Gators down to their final three outs, Johnson flies to center. Jeff Moyer replaces Ramjit at the plate and doesn’t get on base. Ben McMahan flies out to Bradley and the Gamecocks win by a final of 5-2.

Price earns his 20th save of the season. Scott Wingo is named Most Outstanding Player. Michael Roth has the second lowest ERA (1.17) in College World Series history.

The Gamecocks are the first undefeated tournament team since Miami in 2001. They also have the distinction of being the last champions crowned at Rosenblatt and the first champions to christen TD Ameritrade Park.

Enjoy “Wingo and His Yard Cocks” by pdmusic.

Gamecocks battle Gators in 11

Scott Wingo uses the term “battle” a lot when describing how his Gamecock teammates play. The term definitely fit in game 1 of the finals. “Torture”, the word the 2010 MLB World Series San Francisco Giants use to describe themselves, also seems to fit. First baseman, Christian Walker, was a late addition to the lineup, as he played with a BROKEN hambate bone (the same injury SF Giants 3B Pablo Sandoval had surgery on earlier this season). Walker doubled in his first at bat. Unfortunately, he was left stranded.

Forrest Koumas (6-1) got the start for the Gamecocks. It was his first outing in 20 games. Gator Tyler Thompson scored on a wild pitch in the third inning. The game was pretty quiet for a few innings. Tyler Webb replaced Koumas in the 6th. Koumas pitched 5 2/3 innings and only gave up one earned run and three hits. He struck out four and walked one.

The eight inning is where it started to get interesting. Gamecocks catcher, Robert Beary successfully bunted Peter Mooney to second. Mooney makes it to third on a deep flyball with two outs. Wingo singled up the middle and scored Beary. Steven Rodriguez replaced Gator starter Hudson Randall after giving up the tying run. Rodriguez promplty fanned Jackie Bradley, Jr. Randall’s line: 7.2 IP, 6 K, 3 H, 1 ER and 1 BB.

In the top of the ninth, Austin Maddox replaces Rodriguez and gets a double play. In the second half of the inning,Florida has runners on first and third with no outs. Josh Adams is intentionally walked. Tyler Thompson reaches first base on a fielder’s choice. The runner is out when Beary fields a ball by Wingo. Daniel Pigott hits the ball at Wingo who throws out runner at home and Beary then throws Pigott out at first to end the inning.

Jake Williams & Beary get on base in the tenth. Nick Maronde then replaces Maddox with one out. Wingo hit the ball at Adams to end the inning. John Taylor replaced Webb. Cody Dent got a single. Fontana gets Dent to second, but is thrown out at first. Smith flies out to left field. Preston Tucker is intentionally walked. Mike Zunino hits the ball at Williams who guns Dent out at home.

Bradley leads off the 11th and hits a rocket right at Tucker, who quickly knocks it down. Walker follows with a single. During Matthews at bat, Walker steals second and Zunino makes a wild throw, allowing him to advance to third. Another wild throw is made by Smith and Walker comes home to take the lead for South Carolina. Matthews eventually walks. Morales pops up and Williams is fanned to end the inning.

Friday’s savior, Matt Price, comes in to try to earn a save (no pun intended). The first batter he faces, Johnson, singles on the first pitch. Paul Wilson comes in to pitch run. Adams lays down a bunt to get Wilson over. Thompson strikes outs and Pigott flies out to end the game.

The Gamecocks will send Michael Roth on three days rest in Tuesday’s game. If the Gamecocks win on Tuesday, they will be the 2011 College World Series champions. They would be the first team to win back-to-back titles since Oregon State accomplished the feat in 2006-2007.

Let’s battle!

Gamecocks:Back to the finals!

The Gamecocks faced a familiar team for game 3. The team they beat in game 2, the Virginia Cavaliers, was their opponent. The pitching matchup of South Carolina’s Michael Roth vs. Virginia’s Danny Hultzen was billed a great pitching matchup. And it was for three innings.

Virginia’s Steven Proscia scored the first run in the top of the 2nd. Roth had gone 38 1/3 innings without surrendering an earned run. Hultzen pitched under the weather, but no one could tell as he struck out eight of nine Gamecocks before leaving at the end of the 3rd inning.

Lucky for the Gamecocks. The Cavs brought in LHP Kyle Crockett. He gave up a double to Christian Walker, followed by a single by Jackie Bradley, Jr. Adrian Morales was hit by a pitch and loaded the bases with one out. Brady Thomas scored two runs with a double. Morales was later thrown out at home.

Crockett lasts four innings and is replaced by Branden Kline. Roth leaves at the end of seven and John Taylor is called on to pitch. Taylor allows a double and Matt Price gets the call from the bullpen. John Hicks reaches on an E6 and the game is now tied 2-2. The Gamecocks turn a double play to get out of the inning.

The Gamecocks threated in the bottom of the eigth. Evan Marzilli hits a sac fly to get the runner to 2nd. Scott Wingo is hit by a pitch. The bases are loaded with one out when both Bradley and Morales are struck out.

Still tied in the ninth, both teams leave runners on. In the top of the tenth, John Barr steals a base. Hicks is intentionally walked with one out. Proscia gets walked as well (not intentionally).  The Cavs fail to score. Two Gamecocks are stranded in the bottom of the tenth. Virginia has runners on second and third with one out in the 12th. Jared King is intentionally walked. The Gamecocks turn yet another double play to get out of trouble. By this point, Price has thrown 81 pitches.

Cavaliers load the bags with no outs. Chris Taylor strikes out. The Gamecocks turn a double play in back to back innings to get out ouf trouble. Price left the game in after the 13th inning. He gave up seven hits, no earned runs, five walks and fanned five in 5 2/3 innings. He threw a total of 95 pitches.

Kline pitched five innings, also not giving up any runs. He had four walks, seven K’s and threw 107 pitches. Cody Winiarski replaced Kline and gave up a single to Thomas. Thomas is replaced by a pinch runner, Adam Matthews. Peter Mooney reachers on an error. Robert Beary bunts and Winiarski overshoots third base and Matthews scores the winning run. The Gamecocks win 3-2 in 13 innings.

With the defeat, the Cavaliers are eliminated. The win is the Gamecocks 14th consecutive NCAA win, a new record. It is also their nine straight CWS victory.

The Gamecocks face the Florida Gators in a best of three series starting on Monday for the CWS title.

Gamecocks stomp the Cavaliers

Tuesday’s game got off to a late start due to a rain delay. The delay didn’t appear to affect the Gamecocks as they jumped on the board early.  Christian Walker got on base on an error by Cavaliers shortstop, Chris Taylor. Jackie Bradley, Jr.-who moved up to fourth in the batting order-brought Walker in with an RBI double. Adrian Morales scored Bradley and reached third on an error by UVA third baseman, Steven Proscia. A double by Brady Thomas brought in Morales. He then advanced on a pass ball. The inning came to an end when Peter Mooney struck out.

The Gamecocks put another run on the board in the third thanks to a single by Mooney. Two more runs came across the plate in the fourth. The Cavaliers Danny Hultzen broke up the shut out with a double in the bottom of the fourth. This would be their only run of the night, though UVA came close to adding more in the fifth. The bases were full of Cavaliers when the Gamecocks turned a double play to get out of trouble.

USC starter, Cobly Holmes went 4.1 innings and only gave up four hits and an earned run. He also had seven Ks. However, reliver John Taylor was credited with the win. He also pitched 4.1 innings, giving up no runs.  Matt Price was brought in to face the last batter, who flied out.

UVA’s Will Roberts was tagged with the loss after lasting  just 3.5 innings.

Thomas:3-4, RBI,2B

Morales: 3-5, RBI

Bradley: 2-5, RBI

Game three for the Gamecocks will be at 7 PM on Friday. They will face the winner of the UVA/Cal game.

GO ‘COCKS!!

 

Roth, Wingo & Bradley, oh my!

On Sunday, the Gamecocks started their quest for back-to-back Men’s College World Series.  The game started out rocky with the Aggies getting four unearned runs to start the game. But, the Gamecocks answered run for run in the bottom half of the first. Their first run came when Ross Stripling balked. Two more Gamecocks crossed home plate on an error by second baseman Andrew Callazo. All of this scoring occured with one out. Peter Mooney tied the game with a RBI.

After that excitement, the game was pretty quiet for the next seven innings.  For example, Gamecock’s starter, Michael Roth needed just eight pitches to get through the fourth inning. Roth and Stripling had very similar lines by the end of the night. Roth threw eight strikeouts, while Stripling fanned six Gamecocks. The only difference in their respective lines was Roth gave up no earned runs, while Stripling gave up two. Roth joked in the post game conference that it “wouldn’t be Carolina baseball without giving up a few runs in the first inning.”

In the bottom of the ninth, catcher Robert Beary just missed a game winning homer. The Gamecocks had to settle for a double. Scott Wingo added to his 4-4 night by hitting a game winning single (with the bases loaded) on an 0-2 count. Beary later said in the press conference that he was just trying to get a hit for his dad who is currently serving in Afghanistan.

Jackie Bradley, Jr. surprised some by returning to the lineup for the first time in 26 games. He went 1-4 with a single in his second at-bat. Tanner said in the post game conference that he decided to have Bradley bat lower in the order so he wouldn’t be under too much pressure if he were higher. 

Game 2 is Tuesday at 7 PM against  the Virgina Cavaliers.