Friday, 06/29/07

NCAA: Wells Returns To 'Bama

Six days after telling Alabama Athletic Director Mal Moore that he was retiring, Crimson Tide head coach Jim Wells was welcomed back on Wednesday with open arms. Wells is only 52 years old, and his decision to retire last week draw great eybrow raising in Omaha as I'm sure it did throughout SEC country.

Wells is the winningest coach in school history with a record of 553-272 in 13 seasons at the helm of the Crimson Tide. He noted that he couldn't sleep after making his decision to let the game go, and struggled to come to grips with the fact that he'd be leaving behind the program that he's put into the national spotlight.

He's made three trips to Omaha with 'Bama, won six SEC Tournament titles, and two SEC Championships.

Wells said he realized in recent days that he hadn't "lost my passion for the job" and wanted to come back.

"Over the course of the last few days, I knew I just didn't feel right about it," Wells said. "I came to realize that I had personally rushed myself into that decision, that I didn't allow myself the time needed to really consider everything I needed to."

Wells is a good guy and there's not too much else to say about it. He pulled a Dana Altman, except for the fact he didn't agree to coach another team before deciding to return, and upon his return yesterday, he apologized to the fans, players, and everyone else he may have shocked.

Sometimes these coaches get baseball in the blood and just can't get it out. When it's something that you've lived with for your whole life, and you literally eat, drink, beathe and sleep baseball, that's tough to let go. And besides, what else would he do down in there?

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Monday, 06/25/07

CWS: Tar Heels Fall Again

Omaha- When North Carolina left Omaha in 2006, they went home to Chapel Hill as the second to last team standing in the nation.

In 2007, they will return home to N.C. with the same title, national runner-up.

It's also the second straight year that they fell to Oregon State in the CWS Finals, and with the loss on Sunday, they fell to 1-3 against the Beavers in the last two years.

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Sunday, 06/24/07

CWS: Back-To-Back Beavs

They did it. When everyone counted them out, they have done it. Oregon State is your 2007 national champion, and becomes the fifth program ever to repeat as national champs, joining LSU, Stanford, USC, and Texas to do so. The final score from Rosenblatt was Oregon State 9, North Carolina 3.

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Sunday, 06/24/07

CWS: It's a Beaver Nation afterall.

quick hits:

- For the 6th straight year, a team from west of the Mississippi River wins the title.

- For the 4th straight year a team outside of the top 8 national seeds wins the title.

- Hell, for the 4th straight year a team wearing orange as a dominant color wins the title.

- For the 3rd straight year a team that did NOT dogpile in the Regionals or Super Regionals wins the title.

- For the first time ever a No. 3 seeded team wins the national title.

- For the 52nd straight year, the ACC fails to win a national championship.

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Sunday, 06/24/07

CWS: The 6th place team in the Pac 10 wins the title

Domination. Ugly domination.

I've always claimed that the NCAA baseball tournament should do as Dick Vitale advocates for the NCAA basketball tournament, no teams should be given bids if they don't finish in the top five of their conference.

Yet, here we are with Oregon Freakin' State winning its second straight national title... putting a huge hole in my theory. Nonetheless, this is the best team in the country. Obviously, nobody played better baseball in the month of June than did the Beavers.

So the 6th best team in the Pac 10 whips the 2nd place team from the ACC... in a no-brainer.

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Sunday, 06/24/07

CWS: Okay TV peeps, enough gushing over Oregon State

ESPN is making OSU the most hated college athletic team since the "is this the greatest team in college football history?" 2005 USC team.

Every side story, every dugout report, every additional bonus feature has been about Oregon State tonight. If I see the camera following Darwin Barney to the bathroom, then I'll KNOW it's not just me wondering about this.

Didn't they have anything to show for North Carolina?

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Sunday, 06/24/07

CWS: In the words of Mike Patrick, "Ho-lee Cow!"

Ball game.

That's right, I said it. Ball game. It's over.

Barney's relay throw to get Fedroff out at home just took every bit of wind out of UNC's sails. Too bad too. UNC is worthy of a championship, but has just been out-fundamental'd by Oregon State. Incredible play.

Tell you what, if UNC comes back to win this one, I'll walk naked from Omaha to L.A.

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Sunday, 06/24/07

CWS: Fundamentals. Fundamentals. Fundamentals.

Another bunt, another air-mail throw to first from a Carolina pitcher.

Then a Frosh 1B runs to nowhere on a routine groundout that would've ended the inning.

Both those plays cost the Heels a pair of runs. Now they've got into a four-run hole with nine outs to go.

Ouch.

(By the way ESPN, enough with the sappy side stories... but that's what you get when you have a network that doesn't pay attention to the game the full season long.)

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Sunday, 06/24/07

CWS: Karma alert.

If there is such a thing as karma, Oregon State will win.

Since Andrew Carignan was shown barking at the OSU 3rd base coach as he walked off the field. That also immediately qualifies him for the "Jerk List" too.

Then again, maybe the 3rd base coach started it by waving all those runners toward home plate.

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Sunday, 06/24/07

CWS: Typical Carolina luck... or lack thereof

You saw the stat on the screen, when teams get the bases loaded and no outs, there's a 76% chance of scoring two runs or more. Sure enough, UNC gets only one run in that situation.

But let it be noted that Mike Stutes threw a LOT of pitches, including two walks to load the bases. So he may be joining Putkonen on the sidelines here soon.

Just getting only one run was really, really bad for Carolina. Their psyche needed more than that.

By the way, I love Orel Hershiser as a commentator on these games, but he talks way over my simpleton arse at times. All that "hip breaks over the knee and he's pitching uphill" stuff is tough to understand. (Please don't call me stupid.)

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Sunday, 06/24/07

CWS: Not what Carolina wanted, but they're making the right moves now.

I was encouraged by UNC's 1st inning... getting OSU to go a quick 3-and-out and then jumping out on top with a run in the bottom half of the inning.

But that throw-out at home by Jordan Lennerton of Josh Horton was a big blow.

Then, the three runs, including one helped by another defensive faux pas, here in the top half of the 2nd is terrible. Putkonen throwing 34 pitches already cost him his spot on the mound.

And yes, Carignan entering the game here in the 2nd is proof that Mike Fox isn't leaving anything to chance. I loved Mike Patrick's referrence to Yogi Berra's "It gets late out here early" too. Nice strikeout for Carignan leaves Carolina in a better frame of mind, down "only" 3-1.

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Sunday, 06/24/07

CWS: Beavs One Win Away

Oregon State has never been in this position before. The one that has them only having to win one of two games to win the national title. Of course last season saw them lose the first game, making the final two games must wins.

We'll see how OSU comes out tonight. My guess would be real loose, just like we've seen them in their four wins here in Omaha in 2007.

They'll have their workhorse on the mound tonight as they try and seal the deal, as righty Mike Stutes takes the bump. Stutes is 11-4 with a 4.03 ERA in 21 starts. He's tossed 127 1/3 innings, giving up 104 hits, 57 walks, and striking out 124. He's definitely a power guy. Opponents are hitting .224 against him.

For the Tar Heels, they'll also throw a righty as Luke Putkonen gets handed the ball. Putkonen is 8-1 with a 4.44 ERA in 16 starts. He's tossed 81 innings, given up 87 hits, while walking only 22, and striking out 59. Opponents are hitting .272 against him.

The redshirt sophomore was excellent in his first CWS appearance of '07, giving up only three hits and one run while striking out seven in seven innings against a very strong and hot Louisville batting order.

Meanwhile Stutes pitched very well in the win against Arizona State, as he went six innings, allowing four runs, but seemed to tire in the seventh. As always, a win's a win.

Another gorgeous day here in Omaha, as North Carolina will be tonight's home team, and with that, they are wearing their home whites with cut off sleeves that expose their Carolina blue t-shirts underneath with white caps and blue bills.

The Beavers will hope to dogpile for the first time since last year, in their road grey's with dark pinstripes and orange numbers and white OSU lettering ont he front. They were black hats with them. Personally, not a fan.

The crowd is settling in, as another large crowd is expected. Lots of orange looking for the first back-to-back champion in baseball since 1996/1997 when LSU won the title.

The wind is nearly calm for the first time in the last two weeks, and the temperature is in the upper '80's. We're set for baseball from Rosenblatt, as the team's lineup for their pregame introductions, as always, enjoy the game, and follow right along with Gametracker.

We'll either be back with a championship press conference, or a happy UNC bunch after this one.

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Saturday, 06/23/07

CWS: Fox Aint Happy

I feel like we've seen this before. The team out of the loser's bracket between these two clubs has lost the first game of the CWS Finals. Last year it was UNC beating Oregon State, this year it was the opposite. But if there's one thing that Tar Heels head coach Mike Fox can look at it, they came back to win the next two against his squad a year ago. The bottom line on Saturday night, Oregon State was a better team than North Carolina. Plain and simple.

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Saturday, 06/23/07

CWS: Champs Roll

Man, errors have really cost North Carolina against Oregon State . They did last year, and they did again today. The Beavers, with the help of two UNC errors, defeated the Tar Heels, 11-4 in front of the largest CWS Finals crowd in history.

The crowd of 26,887 saw OSU get on the board first in the second inning on behalf of a Jordan Lennerton two-run homer. Then in the bottom of the third, Mitch Canham added a SAC Fly to build the lead to 3-0.

The top of the fith saw UNC make a game of it, as Reid Fronk drove in his 57th and 58th runs of the season with a 2-run double that cut the lead to 3-2. But OSU, as resiliant as they have been, made sure the Tar Heels wouldn't even think they stood a shot.

The Beavers tacked on a run with Chris Hopkins RBI single in the bottom of the 5th, and then two more in the sixth with a John Wallace SAC Fly, and a Scott Santschi RBI single to make it 6-2. After the Tar Heels got a run back in the top of the 7th to make it 6-3, OSU put the game away in the bottom of the inning, with a four spot.

With two runners on and Joey Wong at the plate (one getting on a Tyler Trice throwing error), UNC's pitcher Trice fielded the SAC bunt attempt, and again, threw it away, but this time up the rightfield line, which allowed BOTH runs to score, and it turned it into a three base error, with Wong ending up on third base.

We'll be back with more from Rosenblatt following the press conferences.

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Saturday, 06/23/07

CWS: Ready To Go

The sun is shining, it's only about 80 degrees, and Oregon State and North Carolina are ready to start the 2007 CWS Finals. Oregon State is your home team, while the Tar Heels will be the road.

The Beavers are in their home off-white uniforms with black hats, while UNC is wearing its black tops with Carolina blue piping and numbers, with white pants and dark hats as well.The crowd is filing in, and we're expected to have just about another sellout in this year that will likely see the CWS attendance record that was set in 2006, fall.

The teams are being introduced, the Tar Heel fans behind first are up and waving their pom-poms, while the orange mass behind third is ready to do the same.

Baseball from Omaha, up next, we'll be back after the game with analysis and a whole bunch more, but for now, stay tuned to Gametracker for live scoring updates.

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Saturday, 06/23/07

CWS: Saturday's Pitching Preview

Here's a quick look at Saturday night's pitching matchup in game one of the CWS Finals.

North Carolina:
RHP Alex White 6-6, 4.74 ERA, 18 G, 17 GS, 93 IP, 92 H, 46 BB, 81 K, .269 BAA

Freshman Alex White has struggled mightily in the postseason, but just like Robert Woodard and Luke Putkonen have done, White is due for a big time start here in Omaha.

White last pitched in the 14-4 loss to Rice that sent the Tar Heels into the loser's bracket. White went just 1 1/3 innings, giving up five hits and six runs by walking one and striking out one. It was White's sixth loss of the year.

Then going back to his start against South Carolina in the super regionals, in that game, White gave up five hits, six runs (five earned), in 3 1/3 innings, while walking three and striking out two.

His start against East Carolina in the regionals really wasn't that much better, although he went five innings, he gave up nine hits, and seven runs, while walking one and striking out only one.

Like I stated earlier, he's due for a big time game in the postseason, and I'm sure head coach Mike Fox is thinking, "Tonight is as good a time as any."

Oregon State:
RHP Jorge Reyes 6-3, 3.00 ERA, 23 G, 10 GS, 75 IP, 65 H, 17 BB, 61 K, .232 BAA

Jorge Reyes is also a freshman, but he's had much better results in the postseason, as he's become the Beavers No. 1 starter. In his first CWS start of his career against Fullerton, Reyes recorded the win by giving up just three hits and one run, while walking two and striking three.

In his super regionals against Michigan, Reyes picked up the no decision after throwing seven shutout innings, allowing only three hits, and walking none. He also struck out one in the Beavers' 1-0 victory.

The regionals saw Reyes start in the second game against Rutgers, an elimination game, and in six innings, he allowed only two runs while striking out four to pick up his fifth win of the season.

So we have two freshmen that are going to go at it, but they've each pitched here at the CWS this season, so the jitters should be gone. And like OSU head coach Pat Casey said in the press conference yesterday, these guys aren't really freshmen anymore.

I'll tend to agree. See you tonight from Johnny Rosenblatt. First pitch schedule for 7:10 Eastern.

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Saturday, 06/23/07

CWS: What To Do On An Off Day...

Ever wonder what that big dome structure is over the rightfield wall at Rosenblatt Stadium? If you're like me, I sure did for years watching the CWS, and even when they would tell me it's part of the zoo, I still didn't know what was actually inside the crystal looking mammoth dome.

Friday was an off day here in Omaha, and after the press conferences were over, it was off to Zesto's to have "The Best Cheeseburger In Town" and a world-famous milkshake. The Going Yard guys profiled the place yesterday, and you can see just how they do it, by clicking here.

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Friday, 06/22/07

CWS: Different Roles For The Same Folks

OMAHA- Deja Vu all over again Yogi Berra always has told us. This weekend in Omaha, it will be just that, as North Carolina and Oregon State will meet once again to decide the national championship.

This is certainly not the national championship that anyone predicted at the beginning of the season, let alone the beginning of the postseason, and even for that matter, when we all got here at the end of last week.

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Thursday, 06/21/07

CWS: Same Place, Different Time

If the CWS finals sounds familiar, it's because it should. For the second straight season, North Carolina and Oregon State will meet in a best two-of-three to decide who the national champion is after the Tar Heels knocked off Rice, 7-4 today. It's really remarkable if you think about it. Nobody would have had these guys in here again. I mean let's be serious, only one time before has the final series featured the same two teams in back-to-back years, as the last time was in 1972 and 1973 when USC beat Arizona State each year. Well, maybe North Carolina, but Oregon State? Unbelievable. We certainly have to give them credit where credit is due, and there's a lot to be due. But let's talk about North Carolina.

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Thursday, 06/21/07

CWS: On To The Finals

The scoring opened in the bottom of the second, with a what would you know it? A UNC homerun!! Freshman phenom Dustin Ackley hit his ninth homerun of the season that hit off the top of the batter's eye in centerfield, awfully close to the Rice flagpole. He definitely planned it that way.

Rice, though, came right back with a two run single by Diego Seastrunk in the top of the third that put the Owls up by one. But never fear, those UNC bats have found the power stroke, as Tim Fedroff launched a two run homerun that put the Tar Heels up for good, 3-2.

Seth Williams added a solo shot in the fourth to make it 4-2, Josh Horton added a solo homer in the fifth, and Kyle Seager rocketed a two-run single that made it 7-2.

So that was four straight innings in which UNC hit a homerun. Not bad considering they had two all postseason coming into the game.

Rice would put up a two spot in the seventh with a Jordan Dodson RBI single and a Tyler Henley double, but with second and third and two outs and All-American Joe Savery at the plate, home plate umpire David Buck called out Savery on strikes on a pitch that was about two feet off the plate.

It caused Rice fans and players and coaches alike to start yelling words that rhymed with Buck's last name.

Rice didn't do much of anything the rest of the way against Andrew Carignan who closed it out for the final 2 1-3 innings for his 18th save of the year.

We'll be back with more from Rosenblatt.

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Thursday, 06/21/07

CWS: Since we're officially able to blog again

In celebration of that, here's a shot of Dustin Ackley rounding the bases during his 3rd inning home run.

The second part of the celebration will come when the NCAA - now in it's happy mood to be more lenient - starts allowing beer in the press box.

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Thursday, 06/21/07

CWS: One More To Go

We're one team away from our Championship Series, as Rice and North Carolina are preparing for what basically turns into a one game playoff to determine who will face Oregon State this weekend for the title. We have a great starting matchup on tap, as Rice will send out righty Matt Langwell comes in with an 8-1 record with a 2.11 ERA. While for UNC, it will be righty Adam Warren, who is 11-0 with a 1.95 ERA.

We saw each of these pitchers at some point in the CWS, out of relief. Langwell got rocked a bit in 1 2/3 innings against Louisville, but Warren pitched very well against Mississippi State, picking up the victory for the Heels.

Warren has only allowed more than two runs once this year in his starts. Looking forward to a great matchup in front of another great crowd, including my dad who has flown out from New York to see some of the greatest baseball fans in America.

It's a nice night but very hot, temperature is still 87, but it feels more like 97 walking around out there. Enjoy the game everybody.

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Thursday, 06/21/07

CWS: It's time for the NCAA to return the love

Yesterday I took my family and camera to the awesome Henry Doorly Zoo, right next to Rosenblatt Stadium, then to two College World Series games.

The zoo was incredible, the weather was perfect and the baseball was top notch.

It looked like another perfect day in Omaha.

Looks, however, can be deceiving.

Mostly because there is a group of suits that just don't seem to get it.

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Wednesday, 06/20/07

CWS: The End Of A Run

UC Irvine's run through the 2007 NCAA Tournament is definitely one of the highlights. Unfortunately the Anteaters' run has come to an end after a 7-1 loss to defending national champion Oregon State. The Beavers now move on to the Championship Series for the second consecutive season, and need just two wins to become back-to-back national champions.

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Wednesday, 06/20/07

CWS: Another One Bites The Dust

Unfortunately, another team has left us here in Omaha, and it's those loveable Anteaters. Oregon State ended UC Irvine's run in the 2007 College World Series, with a 7-1 victory on Wednesday night. With the win, the Beavers advance to the Championship Series for the second straight season, where of course, they won it last year

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Wednesday, 06/20/07

CWS: Eat This

Welcome to the nigtcap, as UC Irvine gets set to try and stay alive against Oregon State. With a win, the Beavers would return to the championship series after winning it all last year. A beautiful night is on tap, with temperatures still in the 80s.

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Wednesday, 06/20/07

CWS: They'll Meet Again

North Carolina homerun? Could it be? It is! UNC finally hit a homerun, only its second of the postseason today against Rice, as of all people, Dustin Ackley hit a three run homerun that put today's game out of reach, and kept the Tar Heels' hopes alive.

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Wednesday, 06/20/07

CWS: Welcome To The Postseason, Dustin Ackley

North Carolina's Dustin Ackley has officially arrived in the 2007 postseason, as he hit his first postseason homerun and broke out of a brutally tough stretch to keep the Tar Heels alive, as they won 6-1 over Rice. The two teams will now meet on Thursday to decide who will move on to the championship series.

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Wednesday, 06/20/07

CWS: Owls And Heels Again

Welcome back to Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium as North Carolina gets set to take on Rice. It's a gorgeous day, a little bit warmer than it has been the last couple of days, with temperatures expected to get up near 90, but there's not a cloud in the sky.

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Tuesday, 06/19/07

CWS: Wild Night In Omaha

So you want to be a national seed? There's now only two remaining after Arizona State was knocked off by Cinderella UC Irvine on Tuesday night, 8-7 in 10 innings in front of the second largest crowd in CWS history, 29,034. Where to start with this game? Might as well begin back when it all began.

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Tuesday, 06/19/07

CWS: Anteaters Live

UC Irvine has eliminated Arizona State by the final score of 8-7 in 11 innings. Much more to come but UC Irvine trailed 7-3 heading into the bottom of the 8th inning and came back to win it on an Ollie Linton RBI single with the bases loaded. Crazy scene as the Anteaters move on to play Oregon State tomorrow night.

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Tuesday, 06/19/07

CWS: Feels Like '81 In Here

When you turn on your television sets tonight and see Arizona State's high gold socks and bright gold hats, we're not back in 1981. The Sun Devils have brought back their uniforms from yester-year as they get set to play UC Irvine tonight in our second elimination game of the day.

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Tuesday, 06/19/07

CWS: Louisville's Run Comes To An End

No one expected them to be here. No one expected them to make the NCAA Tournament for that matter. What the Louisville Cardinals accomplished in not only making it to Omaha as one of the final eight teams left in 2007, but also winning a game here, is something that first year head coach Dan McDonnell can now use with his program for years to come. Remember the name, becuase they'll be back.

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Tuesday, 06/19/07

CWS: Tar Heels Alive

North Carolina lives on to see another day, as they defeated Louisville by the final score of 3-1. This was the quickest game by far of the week, as it featured only six hits. There was actually one less HBP than hit, as there were five on the day.

The scoring happened early, and nothing came across after the second inning. Logan Johnson hit his fourth homerun of the College World Series in the first inning, which tied the CWS record for most by an individual in the CWS. That gave the Cardinals a quick 1-0 lead.

North Carolina then came right back in the top of the second, with a Seth Williams RBI single to tie the game at 1-1. With runners on first and third and two outs, the next batter Garrett Gore grounded a ball to third, and Chris Dominguez threw it away, allowing not only the runner on third to score, but also Seth Williams all the way from first. That made it 3-1, and that's where it stayed the whole rest of the way.

UNC finally got a good pitching performance out of a starter, as Luke Putkonen picked up his eighth win of the season, while Colby Wark is your loser, falling to 3-4.

Much more to come from Rosenblatt, as we're down to five teams remaining in the 2007 season.

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Tuesday, 06/19/07

CWS: Kroll is MIA, guess I'll write a quick "preview"

I think Doug Kroll is still trying to shake off the hair of the dog that bit him last night or face down in the gutter somewhere. (Although I was the one that pulled an all-nighter in order to take a friend to the airport for his 5am flight). So I'll just let you know that North Carolina and Louisville are just about ready to throw out the first pitch in game 9 today from Rosenblatt.

First big thing I notice is that the wind is blowing straight in from center field, so that will play a huge factor in Louisville's "bash and pop" offense they've been relying on since they've been here in Omaha. Carolina hs hit just one home run the entire post-season, so they'll be less effected by this.

(Then again Chris Dominguez has been hitting some of these balls to that non-planet called "Pluto" anyway, so we may have some yard calls yet.)

On the mound:
North Carolina: Luke Putkonen (7-1, 4.74 and not so hot lately)
Louisville: Colby Wark (3-3, 3.63 and pitched decent against heavy-hitting Okie State last week)

Even with the North wind blowing in, it's still a pretty warm day. Hopefully the cloud cover we're experiencing now will stick around, since I'll be spending a good portion of the day in the stands.

Oh wait, there's Doug. He just walked in looking like the wreck of the Hesperus.

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Tuesday, 06/19/07

CWS: Is this heaven? No, it's Omaha

For one week of the year, though, this really does feel like heaven.

Especially since I'm not spending all my time in the press box with Kroll and Sorenson.

Witness...

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Tuesday, 06/19/07

CWS: Beavers Dig Omaha

The Beavers just seem to love Omaha. Obviously after winning it last year, they know how to play here and showed it, winning big 12-6 after leading 12-1 after six innings. The Beavers scored in every one of the first six innings, as they blasted Brian Flores and Josh Satow.

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Tuesday, 06/19/07

CWS: OSU Rolls

Oregon State defeated Arizona State by the final sscore of 12-6 on Monday night, capping a really eally long day of baseball. We finished up just about ten hours after we started.

The Beavers scored in every inning from the first through the sixth, putting up a two spot in the first, four spot in the second, one in the the third, fourth and fifth, and finally a three spot in the sixth.

Mike Lissman had four RBI in the first two innings, after driving in a run with a single in the first, and launching a three run shot to left in the second to get things rolling, as the Beavers never looked back.

Mike Stutes picks up the win after going six plus innings, allowing three hits, four runs, while walking five and striking out four. He didnt have his best stuff, but he battled and ran out of gas in that 7th inning.

Brian Flores gets hit with the loss, but we may see him again tomorrow night. The Sun Devils have another date with UC Irvine, who they beat 5-4 on Saturday, while Oregon State has tomorrow off, and will play tomorrow's winner in that game, on Wednesday.

Be back with more from Rosenblatt.

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Monday, 06/18/07

CWS: Change In Plans

Instead of starting lefty Josh Satow, Arizona State head coach Pat Murphy elected to start lefty Brian Flores. I'm not sure why.

Gotta love Murphy, he's a thinking man that will try anything to win. Flores is 11-1 this year with a 3.74 ERA and pitched well against Ole Miss last week. Let's see if his decision was a good one.

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Monday, 06/18/07

CWS: It Had To End Some Time

There were times during UC Irvine's 13 inning 5:40 win that some people never thought this thing was going to end. I was ctually surpised there's never been a longer game in CWS history, as we beat the record by 40 minutes. I have to give credit to Mark Etheridge for being right about seeing a really lon ggame. That's the reputation for West Coast baseball, especially in the Big West. The guys step out, the coaches change signs, they make their fair share of pitching changes and mound visits. Next thing you know we're in the 13th 5 hours and 40 minutes later.

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Monday, 06/18/07

CWS: As Long As It Gets

We just completed the longest game in College World Series history, as UC Irvine lives to see another day, as they defeated Big West rival Cal State Fullerton, by the final score of 5-4 in 13 innings. This one would have been long even without the extra innings, as we were at about the four hour mark when we headed to extra innings, and we finished at 5:40, surpassing the previous record from 1981 when Oklahoma State beat Arizona State, 11-10 in 13 innings, that took exactly 5 hours.

The winning run scored on a Bryan Petersen basehit in the bottom of the 13th, after Fullerton had lived another out when Matt Morris singled to left and leftfielder Josh Fellhauer gunned down Taylor Holiday at homeplate, but on the plate, runners moved to 2nd and 3rd, and Dustin Birosak gave up the gamewinner after coming into the game to face Petersen.

More to come from Rosenblatt, as Fullerton heads back to the West Coast, while UC Irvine now waits to play the loser of Oregon State/Arizona State.

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Monday, 06/18/07

CWS: Friends And Foes

They're the best of friends, UC Irvine head coach Dave Serrano and Fullerton head coach George Horton. Serrano used to be the pitching coach with the Titans, but on this day, they are foes. I'm sure they even went out and had a steak last night, but unfortunately for the Big West, somebody is heading back home to California after this one today. In our second elimination game of the week, The Anteaters and Titans will meet for the right to stay alive another day.

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Sunday, 06/17/07

CWS: Three Hour Tour

I'm convinced every game here these two weeks will be three hours! Another three hour game tonight, as Rice defeated North Carolina, 14-4. Part of the reason why the game lasted as long as it did, was the fact the Tar Heels used eight pitchers. And that ladies and gentleman, is an CWS record for pitchers used in a game.

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Sunday, 06/17/07

CWS: Rice For Real

The Rice Owls are here to win it all. Plain and simple. They beat up on the North Carolina pitching staff and won it running away, 14-4. The Tar Heels used a College World Series record eight pitchers in the defeat, with Alex White proving ineffective once again, only lasting 1.1 innings giving up six earned runs and five hits.

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Sunday, 06/17/07

CWS: Planting A Seed

This is the one a lot of us have been waiting for. Two national seeds are getting set to get underway here in Omaha as North Carolina and Rice will do battle with the right to remain in the winner's bracket. It's got the makings of being a CWS classic.

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Sunday, 06/17/07

CWS: Louisville Wins First CWS Game

In a year of firsts for Louisville, first year head coach Dan McDonnell has won the program's first CWS game, by defeating the Bulldogs of Mississippi State, 12-4. A power display is all that can be said about this Louisville team. They threw up 18 more hits on the board, and launched four homeruns, including two by third baseman Chris Dominguez.

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Sunday, 06/17/07

CWS: Louisville's Marks OK

Louisville starter Justin Marks got nailed in the knee with a linedrive in the bottom of the sixth inning in a very scary moment. The ball actually hit him in the inside of the knee, and he went down and rolled around writhing in pain for a couple of minutes, but got back up and took a couple of practice tosses before continuing on.

Marks walked a batter, then gave up a three-run homer to Brandon Turner before he was pulled by head coach Dan McDonnell. Marks was examined by doctors in the lockerroom where it was determined he would NOT need x-rays and it was labeled as only a bruise.

Definitely good news for the Cardinals.

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Sunday, 06/17/07

CWS: Red Hot Cards Win

Chicks dig the longball. Not sure if I do anymore, but we saw five more homeruns today, four by Louisville, en route to a blowout 12-4 win over Mississippi State. The Bulldogs are the first team to leave us here in Omaha, as they will head home after going 0-2. Without further ado, here's how the scoring went down this afternoon, again with the wind blowing straight out to leftfield.

Louisville's bats continue to stay hot, as they put up 18 hits on the afternoon, and put up crooked numbers in each of the first four innings. Logan Johnson hit his third homerun in two games in the first inning, a long bomb to centerfield, for his 16th of the season to make it 2-0. In the next inning, Chris Dominguez continued his unbelievable postseason success, launching his 14th homerun of the year, a no doubt about it shot to leftcenter to make it 3-0.

In the top of the third, Isaiah Howes hit a two run double to really break the game open, making the score 5-0 in favor of the Cards. In the top of the fourth, Daniel Burton launched a three run shot for his 8th homer of the year that made it 8-0. If you're wondering, that was the shortest homer of the day.

Mississippi State got on the board in the sixth with a three run shot by Brandon Turner, his third of the season, to cut the lead to five. But then Chris Dominguez came up again in the next half inning, and this time hit a homerun to leftfield that I still don't think has landed yet. It came about two feet from hitting that big scoreboard up there. An absolute mammoth blast, for his 15th of the year to give the Cards a seven run lead. Chris Cates followed with an RBI groundout in the inning, while Mitch Moreland added an RBI double off the top of the fence, one of those yellow partitions.

Logan Johnson capped the scoring for Louisville with a run scoring single, but no RBI in the ninth.

I can't believe how hot this team is. Louisville has been unbelievably hot, and they live to see another day.

Justin Marks is your winner, as he moves to 9-2, while Chad Crosswhite is your loser at 8-5. Time of the game was 3:18 in front of a crowd of 18,187 here at Johnny Rosenblatt.

More details to follow after the press conferences.

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Sunday, 06/17/07

CWS: Everyone Knows It's Windy

Story of today...The Wind! A stiff southerly breeze has swept over Omaha, and you know what that means? A wind that is blowing straight out to leftcenter. And I mean, the wind is blowing so hard that the flagpole is moving, and bent towards left. The forecast calls for temperatures right around 90 again, and wind gusts up to 35 MPH. Bottom line? Expect some high scoring affairs.

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Saturday, 06/16/07

CWS: Champs For A Reason

Oregon State is showing people why they are still defending national champs. It's one thing to win the title last year, and finish this season sixth in their conference. The Beavers proved the naysayers wrong once again, defeating Fullerton, 3-2 in a game that featured some homers and some pretty good pitching.

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Saturday, 06/16/07

CWS: How 'Bout Them Champs?

Don't count them out yet. Oregon State used a great pitching performance from starter Jorge Reyes, who went six innings giving up just one run and three hits, en route to a 3-2 win over Cal State Fullerton.

Oregon State got on the board first, and led this thing the whole way, with DH Mike Lissman rocketing a homerun to leftfield off Wes Roemer to make it 1-0, it was his tenth homer of the year.

The Beavers added a run in the secondas rightfielder Scott Santschi (making just his 22nd start of the year, roped an RBI single to make it 2-0. Then in the third, Fullerton's Scott Mahin got the Titans on the board with his tenth homerun of the year to cut the lead in half.

We went through the middle innings unscathed, until the top of the seventh when Santschi struck again. This time with a solo homerun, his first of the season to pad the lead and make it 3-1. The bottom of the 8th is an inning that coach Horton is going to want back. His Titans had 1st and 3rd with nobody out when Josh Fellhauer laid down a squeeze bunt to try and plate Joe Scott, but Scott stopped and was caught in between third and home. The rundown allowed Fellhauer to go to 2nd, and Hardman to third. A supplement fly ball to left by Mahin cut the lead to 3-2, but that's all they would get.

That's an inning where OSU handed them some runs, after an infield single that was a borderline error at third, but they just couldn't come through.

Things did get hairy in the ninth, as Wallach popped up to left with two outs, and LF John Wallace and SS Darwin Barney each looked at eah other at the ball fell in as an error was charged to Wallace. Patterson was pulled from the game for Eddie Kunz. OSU's closer came in and gave up a single to Jon Wilhite to put runners on first and third with two outs before getting a groundout to end things, and send home the huge Beaver contingent to their hotels, very happy.

More to come from Rosenblatt, where once againt he final score, Oregon State 3, Cal State Fullerton 2.

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Saturday, 06/16/07

CWS: Bleacher creatures

Well, I can't talk about the game of course (6th inning, 7:49 PM CDT), but that turns out to be a good thing during Game 4 of the College World Series. I'm comfortably ensconced (if a little cramped) in the left-center-field bleachers, three rows from the top of a packed Rosenblatt Stadium. And let me tell you, the focus here is not necessarily on the game.

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Saturday, 06/16/07

CWS: Day Two, Game Two

As the day for any West Coast college baseball fan continues, we have another great one set to begin here from Rosenblatt Stadium, as defending national champion Oregon State makes its Omaha return against a Fullerton team that was here in '06 as well.

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Saturday, 06/16/07

CWS: Bright Lights And Long Balls

First of all, give Pat Murphy the award for best press conference. It's always a good time, and he didn't disappoint today. Luckily, his team won for our sake, 5-4 in a great baseball game that featured real good pitching, and the longball.

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Saturday, 06/16/07

CWS: Sun Devils Use Long Ball

Finally not a slugfest. In today's opening game, Arizona State defeated UC Irvine by the final score of 5-4. Shockingly, a team didn't hit double digits in the hit department!! Pitching, what a concept!

Like yesterday, though, this one was all about "momentum," or like a basketball game, it was a game of runs (figuratively speaking). Arizona State got on the board first in the second inning with Matt Spencer's three-run homerun, his ninth homerun of the year. It was an absolute no doubt abouter. But then the Anteaters showed some fight.

In the top of the fourth, Bryan Petersen hit a two run triple to leftfield to cut the lead to 3-2. Sean Madigan followed with an RBI double to tie the game. Ollie Linton connected on an RBI single to take the lead 4-3, but the at-bat Irvine may want to remember is Tyler Vaughn who left runners on 2nd and 3rd as he grounded out to shortstop to end the inning.

The longball continued then for ASU, as CJ Retherford hit a solo homer, his fourth of the year to tie the game, and then the big blow by Ike Davis in the bottom of the 8th sealed the deal for the Sun Devils, sending them into the winner's bracket on Monday.

Your winning pitcher is Jason Jarvis, who improves to 2-2 on the year.

Your losing pitcher is Scott Gorgen, who falls to 12-3 on the season.

The attendance in the first session here at Rosenblatt, 19,368. Off to the press room, be back with much more.

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Saturday, 06/16/07

CWS: Another Day, Two More Games

As one might expect, it's hot in middle America in the middle of June, and today's no exception. Current gametime temperature is 88 degrees, with the high expected to end up right at about 90. If you needed one word to describe what it's like outside, i'd use, blistering. Arizona State and UC Irvine are set to go, and here's a quick look.

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Saturday, 06/16/07

CWS: Game three about to throw it out.

UC Irvine (45-15-1)
Arizona State (48-13)

It will be Matt Gorgen (12-2, 2.68), who has to be the hottest pitcher in the country the last few weeks matching up with Mike Leake (13-1, 3.59), who has only one loss of the year (but you knew that from reading the stats after his name, sorry, my fault.).

UCI is coached by Dave Serrano, who according to the press guide, graduated from some place called Trinity College. ASU is coached by Pat Murphy, who you either love or hate, and is a grad of Florida Atlantic.

Should be a wicked game, considering UCI's many underlying storylines (great pitching, rock-solid/spectacular defense, first time in Omaha) going up against Arizona State's Heavy Metal offense (think more Metallica-like than Winger).

The Sign of the Weekend---

(The sign reads "Management reserves the right to bend your hat if you look like a dork!" It's hangin' on the door of the Stadium View Card/Memorabilia shop right across the street from Rosenblatt. It's a beauty.)

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Friday, 06/15/07

CWS: Another Comeback

Game two, much like the first except without as many runs and hits, but still, a lot of scoring and a comeback was involved. North Carolina defeats Mississippi State by the final score of 8-5.

The Tar Heels fell behind 4-0 in the second after Robert Woodard had absolutely nothing, giving up seven hits in the process, including six in the second inning. He lasted just 1.2 innings.

But a two spot in the fourth, and a six spot in the sixth turned things around, and the Tar Heels were able to jump in front where the bullpen was able to hold things.

In that second inning for the Bulldogs, Russ Sneed knocked in two with a double, Connor Powers hit a SAC Fly, and Brandon Turner had an RBI single to give MSU the lead. But in the fourth, UNC started to chip away as Chad Flack hit an RBI single to score Dustin Ackley, while Benji Johnson followed with an RBI single of his own to cut the lead in half and made it 4-2. Then all heck broke loose in the bottom of the sixth. Seth Williams reached on an error by third baseman Russ Sneed and on the play a run scored to make it 4-3. Then Benji Johnson followed with a double literally off the top of the fence to tie the game at 4-4. After the Bulldogs loaded the bases, Reid Fronk was hit by a pitch to take the lead 5-4, Tim Fedroff hit a SAC Fly to make it 6-4, and finally Dustin Ackley followed with a two-run single to make it 8-4.

Mitch Moreland of the Bulldogs hit an absolute monster shot to straight away center that definitely pushed 450 feet to add another run in the seventh. But the Bulldogs were shut down in the ninth by UNC closer Andrew Carignan.

More to come from Rosenblatt.

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Friday, 06/15/07

CWS: Game Two

Back again. That's what North Carolina's mission has been since the final out was made last year against Oregon State in the championship series. They are back and ready to go. The Heels will take on the Bulldogs of Mississippi State.

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Friday, 06/15/07

CWS: Quite The Way To Open

Who would have told thought that two teams, top ten in ERA, would combine for 25 tickets and 34 hits between them. That's what Lousiville and Rice combined to do, as Rice defeated Louisville 15-10 in the first game of the 2007 College World Series.

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Friday, 06/15/07

CWS: Slugfest, Wow

I had everything all typed out praising Louisville for staying hot and continuing their roll from the Regionals into the Super Regionals and straight here to Omaha. But that serves me right for counting out a team in a college baseball game. Rice used three mult-run innings to overcome a 10-4 deficit, and defeated Louisville 15-10 in the first game of the 2007 College World Series.

Who would have thought this one would be a slugfest, when two of the best pitching staffs matched up against one another. But 25 runs and 34 hits later, that's what we're left with.

Louisville scored in each of the first five innings, and led 5-0, and led 10-4 after four and a half. But then the Rice bats REALLY woke up against Lousiville starter Zack Pitts. The Owls put up a three spot in the fifth, a run in each the sixth and seventh, followed by a huge six spot in the 8th to win the thing after trailing going into the 8th.

Will have details coming right after the press conference.

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Friday, 06/15/07

CWS: Rice wins game one 15-10

Louisville - 10 15 4
RIce - 15 19 0

Time of game 3:28

WP: Bobby Bramhall, 7-2
LP: Trystan Magnuson, 3-3

Danny Lehman and Joe Savery get fives after being knocked in by Jordan Dodson

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Friday, 06/15/07

CWS- The College World Series is about to start

This blog entry is NOT posted during game time.

This is the view from the press box at Rosenblatt as Rice and Louisville line up for the national anthem before the first game of the College World Series.

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Friday, 06/15/07

CWS: Game One Notes

Welcome to Omaha everybody as game one of the 2007 College World Series is set to begin. Louisville and Rice have each finished their BP and infield practice and the groudscrew is set to put the lines here on the field at Rosenblatt. Let's take a look at the Cardinals and Owls lineups.

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Friday, 06/15/07

Rice: Analysis you can't get anywhere else

Everybody's been breaking down the opening-day CWS matchups all week. We all know Rice is playing Louisville, we now know that it will be Rice freshman righthander Ryan Berry against Louisville junior righthander Zach Pitts. Louisville has been en fuego at the plate and runs like crazy on the bases, especially the ridiculous Boomer Whiting, who has 73 stolen bases on the year. That's more than the entire Rice roster has attempted (70). Rice has been so-so at the plate but filthy dominant on the mound, allowing less than two earned runs per game in the postseason.

So what new information can I give you in the scant hours before the 1 p.m. CT opener Friday? How about a karma report on the assembled teams, a Rice baseball history lesson and some tales from the real Road to Omaha.

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Friday, 06/15/07

Who takes the title in Omaha?

It's been a tournament of remarkable surprises so far, but I think that Omaha is where things will start to level out. We were asked to submit our picks, and I only saw three teams in person this year--Arizona State, Mississippi State and Rice--this year, yet I feel pretty confident in picking Wayne Graham's Owls to take home another title.

Why? Three reasons: Rice's ability to consistently get on base, to pitch as well as anyone in America and a hot streak that's unmatched by any team in America.

Let's start with the hitting. The Owls won't necessarily frighten anyone with their big bats (only two players slugging over .500) but what they do is wear pitchers down with the ability to work opposing arms deep in the count. Every hitter in the lineup by Diego Seastrunk have an on-base percentage over .400, and that enables the Owls to scatter men all over the diamond until the big hit comes.

And putting that kind of pressure on pitching makes other teams go to the 'pen, and even in Omaha, many teams don't have more than four or five good arms on the team, period. So, that patience will help Rice get some looks against six and seven-ERA pitchers as the games and tourney move along, where the odds really favor Rice.

Second, no one has got the mix of arms the Owls have. They've got a staff ERA of 2.83, and about eight quality arms who saw significant action this year (and a few more waiting behind them, just in case). They'll also have Cole St. Clair, one of their better arms, ready for Omaha. St. Clair threw just 21 innings all year after suffering a shoulder injury lifting weights, and the dominant lefty closer, who appeared on Team USA last summer, should be rounding into form as things get started in Omaha.

If that's not enough, consider this: The Owls have lost TWICE since a March 27 defeat at Texas, and one of those was an April 14 loss at Houston. Yes, that's winning 36 of 38 games in that stretch, including 27 of the last 28. Granted, Conference USA is not the ACC or the SEC, but there are some reasonably-good teams there, and no one challenged themselves out of the league like Rice.

Finally, baseball's a funny game where teams can lose or win a number of close games and allow their record to obscure how good a team they generally are. Assuming a team doesn't load up on patsies (and the Owls didn't), a team's overall runs scored and given up are a great indicator of how good a team they really are. Rice passes the test there, too, having scored over twice as many runs as their opponents (477 to 233).

If I had to go with a team besides the Owls, it would be Arizona State. Brett Wallace and the Sun Devils have what may be America's best offense (they slug .537 as a team), and a good rotation of Josh Satow, Mike Leake and Brian Flores. But teams need pitching depth to win a tourney like Omaha, and although those three can all go nine innings, I just don't see the depth behind them.

And, I'd be remiss if I left out North Carolina. The Tar Heels are built similarly to Rice, as they get on base and beat you with a lot of hitters who have some power, and a deep pitching staff as well. But I'll give the edge to the Owls here, too, because I don't think that the 'Heels have the arms at the very top of the rotation like Rice.

So there you have it: I like the Owls to be the last ones standing in Omaha this week in a tourney where five of the eight national seeds didn't make it to Omaha.

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Thursday, 06/14/07

CWS: Fullerton Playing Like Titans of Old

Don't look at Fullerton's regular season statistics when gauging its chances at the College World Series.

You can't judge the Titans by their .280 team batting average. You can't judge them by their 38-23 record. You can't judge them by their lack of a double-digit home run hitter. This is not the same team now that struggled to a fifth-place finish in the Big West.

Like Head Coach George Horton said after beating UCLA in the Super Regionals; there's just something about those uniforms.

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Wednesday, 06/13/07

Mississippi State Preview

With a knick knack paddy whack give the Dogs a bone, this old man came rolling home. The same could be said for Ron Polk and his Mississippi State Bulldogs as they roll into Omaha for the first time in 10 years. What will the results be? Soon, we shall see.

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Wednesday, 06/13/07

CWS: Guess who's back?

The champs are back for the third straight season and are riding a wave of success into Omaha. Oregon State knocked off regional host Virginia twice, Big East Champions Rutgers two times and then took two from Big Ten Champs Michigan during Super's.

The Beavers are as hot as any team entering the CWS, having gone 10-14 in Pac-10 play and just sliding into the tournament, the Beavers have put together a string of outstanding pitching performances to get into the final eight.

Here is a preview of the defending national champs, enjoy.

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Wednesday, 06/13/07

CWS: The Right Cards

The Louisville Cardinals arrive on Wednesday at the College World Series as one of the biggest stories. No one expected them to be here. Heck, no one ever has. The Cardinals, under first-year head coach Dan McDonnell, make their first appearance in the College World Series, in only their second postseason appearance in school history. Here's a look at one of the hottest teams in the nation.

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Tuesday, 06/12/07

CWS: Devils eye second chance at dogpile

After beating Ole Miss Sunday to punch their ticket to Omaha, the Arizona State Sun Devils executed the lamest dogpile I have ever seen.

They first just gathered together and hugged each other.

Then, as if someone realized, "Hey, we're supposed to dogpile!" they began to very orderly climb on top of each other until they created a pile.

As far as dogpiles go, this one was barely chihuahua-worthy.

"As soon as [the final out] happened, I looked at [SS Andrew] Romine because he's already been there, and I didn't know what to do," confessed first baseman Brett Wallace. "He started jumping up and down and he came over and gave me a hug. I honestly didn't know what to do."

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Tuesday, 06/12/07

Tar Heels Try To Take The Next Step

There's a new sheriff in town in the Carolinas, and his name is Mike Fox. The North Carolina Tar Heels, who were eliminated from post-season play by South Carolina in 2002-2004, faced down their old nemesis and advanced to the College World Series for the second straight year. Having come oh so close last year before a heartbreaking loss to Oregon State in the national championship game, the Tar Heels weathered the loss of standout pitchers Andrew Miller and Daniel Bard in the first round of last year's draft, and head to Omaha for an encore performance.

Here's a look at the Tar Heels around the diamond:

POSITION PLAYERS:
C Tim Federowicz, So (.357-4-64)
1B Dustin Ackley, Fr (.416-7-66, 11 SB)
2B Garrett Gore, So (.333-2-26)
SS Josh Horton, Jr (.331-8-50)
3B Chad Flack, Jr (.251-7-44)
LF Reid Fronk, Jr (.327-11-54)
CF Seth Williams, Jr (.301-8-40)
RF Tim Fedroff, Fr (.344-4-36)
DH Kyle Seager, Fr (.311-2-28)

The Tar Heels lost only Jay Cox from the every day lineup from last year's team, and after plugging in a couple of impressive freshmen haven't missed a beat. And they haven't even missed Matt Spencer, who started 46 games last year and has had a big year at Arizona State after transferring. Although they have hit fewer home runs (64 vs 83) and stolen fewer bases (46 vs 91) compared to last year's team, they have still managed enough offense to get things done.

Ackley, Collegiate Baseball's Freshman Player of the Year leads the team in batting average, RBI, stolen bases, and hits. He's struggled in NCAA tournament play (.182 BA), but had the game winning hit in the bottom of the ninth against East Carolina to win the Chapel Hill Regional. Gore and Seager shared second base until Gore settled in there, and he is a difficult out in the nine hole. Seager has been productive since taking over at DH. Horton was drafted in the second round by the Oakland A's, and although he's committed 17 errors, has made some outstanding defensive plays and has a great arm, not to mention that he's probably the best clutch hitter on the team. Flack has had a down year offensively, but it was his two-run home run on Sunday night which broke a 4-4 tie (and a 9 game homerless streak for UNC) to give them the lead for good on the way to a Super Regional Championship. That homer came exactly one year after his two home runs beat Alabama to send UNC to last year's CWS. Fronk played third base his first two seasons, but after struggling there at times has made the move to left field and excelled both defensively and as the leadoff hitter. Williams has been impressive defensively in centerfield and leads the Tar Heels in hitting in NCAA play (.444). A big year at the plate allowed Tim Fedroff (yes, it's easy to get him confused with Tim Federowicz) to take over right field. Federowicz is the clean up hitter and second on the team in RBI; he'll occasionally come out from behind the plate to pitch in relief as well.

STARTING PITCHERS:
Robert Woodard, Sr (10-2, 3.01)
Alex White, Fr (6-5, 4.22)
Luke Putkonen, So (7-1, 4.74)
Adam Warren, So (10-0, 2.09)

Woodard is the stabilizing force and rudder of the team; he is 33-5 for his career and went 22-0 at home. He had a complete game shutout against Clemson in last year's CWS. White is legit- he has great tools but only two wins in his last eight starts; he's gone 0-1 with a 12.96 ERA in his two NCAA starts so far. Putkonen is a talented draft-eligible sophomore, taken in the third round by Detroit. He has also been inconsistent late in the year, with only one win in his last six starts (0-0, 9.00 ERA in NCAA play). Still, he's 13-1 for his career. How good was UNC's bullpen in the Regionals and Super Regionals? Warren went 10-0 as the midweek starter and didn't see the mound in either round. If UNC gets off to a good start in Omaha, having him as a fourth starter could be huge.

BULLPEN:
Andrew Carignan, Jr (2-1, 1.36, 15 saves)
Rob Wooten, Jr (6-1, 2.15)
Matt Danford, Sr (5-0, 2.83, 1 save)
Tim Federowicz, SO (2-2, 4.05, 3 saves)

Carignan throws smoke and has been UNC's nearly flawless closer the past two seasons, getting 15 saves each year. He had a gutty 4 inning relief appearance Sunday night against South Carolina, holding them scoreless as UNC's offense took control of the game. Wooten has 41 relief appearances and really emerged in the post-season; he appeared in all 6 UNC games of the first two rounds, winning three. He didn't allow a run and struck out 14 batters in 9 2/3 innings. Danford has done a little bit of everything in the bullpen and is 19-5 in his UNC career. His action in the first two rounds has been limited only because Wooten has been throwing so well.

North Carolina has come from behind in the sixth inning or later in each of their past five victories, and hope that experience in winning close games will get them to the top of the hill at Rosenblatt. At a school with such high profile coaches as Roy Williams and Butch Davis, baseball coach Mike Fox has quietly built UNC into one of the top programs in the country. Annual trips to Omaha may become a common occurrence for Tar Heel fans. Hopefully with the growing of the baseball fan base and construction of a new, larger stadium it will remain a special treat and not an expectation.

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Tuesday, 06/12/07

CWS: Wallace Award Choices

I was given the privilege to cast a ballot in this year's 2007 Brooks Wallace Award. The award, named after the former Texas Tech shortstop and assistant coach, is presented annually to the nation's top collegiate baseball player. With the list trimmed to 10 players, it was my job to select the top three, so here's who I selected.

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Tuesday, 06/12/07

CWS: Fear the Mighty 'Eater

Make no mistake, UC Irvine is not headed to Omaha to sightsee.

"We're not going to Omaha just to go," said Coach Dave Serrano. "We're going to Omaha to try and win a national championship, and we've got as good a shot as anyone else."

Serrano's right about that. The Anteaters are a loaded team, and here are five reasons why one shouldn't overlook UC Irvine.

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Monday, 06/11/07

Corvallis: Sights and Sounds

It is indescribable what happened to the Michigan pitching staff in today's match-up at Goss Stadium. After Zach Putnam threw a gem in a 1-0 loss, Michigan's staff could not find the plate against the Beavers of Oregon State. The Wolverine staff combined for 10 walks and a hit batter including four from starter Mike Wilson who went 1.1 innings.

Oregon State struck early as plating four runs in the second thanks to Wolverine pitchers offering free passes. OSU was able to benefit from a 3 hit 3 RBI day by shortstop Darwin Barney, whose double in the fifth plated one of three runs that inning.

OSU starting pitcher Mike Stutes was lights out on the hill racking up nine strikeouts against the Wolverine bats. Stutes gave up only four hits to UM including two solo shots over the left field wall by Michigan center fielder Eric Rose.

As the game ended, OSU lined up and celebrated with hand shakes to each other and then with the Wolverines. OSU players revealed later, that you get one dog pile a year and they did not want to waste it.

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Monday, 06/11/07

Corvallis: Back to Back to Back to Omaha

After a pitchers duel in Game One, it was an indescribable Game Two that sent Oregon State back to Omaha with an 8-2 victory over the Wolverines. I will have more for you after the post game press conference, including details on scoring, a fan recap and quotes.

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Monday, 06/11/07

Corvallis: Mike and Mike on the Mound

We are about to get going here in Corvallis, Oregon. It is a beautiful Monday afternoon during finals week as the Beavers and the Wolverines get ready to tangle in Game Two of a Best of Three Super Regional. Oregon State is the home team today and is wearing their off white uniforms with Beavers on the chest in old-school lettering, black hats with the traditional OSU baseball logo. Michigan is on the road in grey uniforms with blue lettering across the chest, blue hats with a yellow M.

Michigan looks to get revenge from the 1-0 loss yesterday in a Zach Putnam one hitter. OSU who has not lost a series this season after winning Game 1, looks to get back to Omaha for the third straight season.

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Monday, 06/11/07

Fullerton: Unlikely Titans in Familiar Territory

UCLA needed a career performance from freshman pitcher Gavin Brooks tonight to have a chance against Fullerton. They got it.

But the Fullerton pitching staff was just a little bit better as CSUF didn't allow any earned runs in a thrilling 2-1 Super Regional clinching victory over UCLA.

"That was as good of a baseball game as I've been involved in in a long long time," Fullerton Coach George Horton said. "This is about as sweet as it gets for me."

The sweetness he was referring to was the fact that of 15 Fullerton teams to earn a trip to Omaha, this was one of least likely to make it. The Titans struggled in conference play and finished the regular season with a 6-11 run. They finished fifth in the Big West. They have two hitters in the starting lineup hitting better than .300. But now they're one of the last eight teams in the country that will play for the CWS title starting next week.

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Monday, 06/11/07

Fullerton: Titans Fans Get Final Cheer

Tonight's game provided plenty of excitement on its own, but a little help from Tommy Lasorda and a fully-charged crowd made for an electric atmosphere at Goodwin Field.

The Titans fans, sensing the impending trip to Omaha, showed up in full force; and Fullerton needed every bit of help they got in pulling of the 2-1 clinching win. Dodgers great Tommy Lasorda even showed up to sign autographs and show some support.

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Monday, 06/11/07

Fullerton: Titans Edge UCLA for Trip to Omaha

After a 12-2 snoozer in Fullerton's favor on Saturday, we were treated to a thriller tonight as the Titans pulled out a 2-1 win over UCLA to complete the 2-0 Super Regional sweep and punch their ticket to Omaha.

Both teams got outstanding pitching performances as Jeff Kaplan earned the win with 6.2 innings of one-run work followed by shutout ball from the CSUF bullpen. UCLA freshman Gavin Brooks looked about as good as somebody can in a loss with 12 strikeouts, no walks and two earned runs in eight innings of work.

UCLA went into the ninth with the 2-1 deficit and it looked like it would tie it up when Justin Uribe led off with a double and reached third base with one out. But he was thrown out at the plate when third baseman Evan McArthur fielded a groundball and threw a perfect strike for the fielder's choice out at home.

I'm off to get the scoop from the press conferences and will be back to wrap things up.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Tempe: Wrapup -- the Art of the Dogpile

It's always fun to watch teams clinch a berth in Omaha just to see how they react. Most come together in a joyous, emotional dogpile that makes you wonder how no one gets hurt. Rice didn't dogpile Saturday, sending the message that they're not satisfied with making it to Omaha, that they want to win the whole thing and dogpile then.

Arizona State did neither.

They kind of gathered together and hugged, then slowly and orderly started piling up on each other once they realized that dogpiles are seemingly required behavior.

The good news for ASU is that they have the talent to earn another chance to dogpile this season.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Chapel Hill: Sweet Swan Song For The Bosh

It was "a great way to send out Boshamer Stadium", according to North Carolina Coach Mike Fox, as UNC came from behind yet again to defeat South Carolina 9-4 and earn a second consecutive trip to Omaha. The Tar Heels will meet Mississippi State on Friday, June 15th in the late game.

Trailing 4-1, UNC scored three runs to tie it in the top of the sixth, then took the lead on a 2 run Chad Flack home run in the top of the 7th inning. "The Stopper", Andrew Carignan pitched four innings of scoreless relief to earn the win. Carignan, the UNC closer who usually pitches only one or two innings at a time, struck out pinch hitter Drew Martin to end the game and set off a frenzied celebration by the Tar Heels. Catcher Tim Federowicz hurled the ball high up over the backstop following the final out, with the ball landing a few feet away from where I was sitting on press row.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Tempe: Satow pitches Devils back to Rosenblatt

Look out Omaha, Murph's coming back to town.

Arizona State got 7.2 innings of shutout pitching from Josh Satow and a game-breaking homer from Brett Wallace to beat Ole Miss 7-1, sweeping the Tempe Super Regional series.

The win sends the Sun Devils to the College World Series for the 20th time, the third time under head coach Pat Murphy.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Tempe: Dogpile alert

It was the most orderly and safety-conscious dogpile I've ever seen, though.

The Arizona State Sun Devils will head back to Omaha for their 20th visit.

The Devils rode 7.2 shutout innings from little Josh Satow to a 7-1 win, sweeping Ole Miss in the Tempe Super Regional.

Back in a bit with a game story, quotes, and a wrapup.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Corvallis: Note on Game Two

Forgot to mention in my previous entries the time for game two.

Game two in Corvallis depends on the outcome of Arizona State and Ole Miss. If ASU wins then the Beavers and Wolverines meet at 4; Pacific. If ASU loses the teams tangle at 1; Pacific.

I for one am hoping for a 4 o'clock start time, because I have a final tomorrow. Stupid Intro to Visual Arts.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Fullerton: Got Any Extra Tickets?

I love walking through the parking lot at a sporting event with a computer strapped over my shoulder and my media credential in full view and having somebody ask me if I have any extra tickets. No; I don't have any extra tickets.

It happens at pretty much every sold-out event that I cover and it never ceases to amaze me when people don't put two and two together. Anyhow, the point is that Fullerton fans are sensing a clincher tonight and the demand appears high for what could be the last home game of the season before a trip to Omaha.

They sense a win tonight with good reason. Nothing from UCLA's performance on Saturday prompted me to believe that they're going to put up a fight tonight, even if Bruins Coach John Savage doesn't think it will be tough to bounce back from a 12-2 drubbing (he said so in the press conference). Maybe he knows something that I don't.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Louisville: Finally, Some Supperlatives

Isn't the best part about the end of a tournament the awards? Well, I guess so. But Louisville made it real easy to do so, by completely shutting down the Cowboys, which came in with one of the top ten offenses in the nation, hitting at a .326 clip. Well, they left with their tails between their legs, scoring just five runs in three games, including a shutout in the first game of the super regional.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Louisville: Comments And Other Stuff

There was 3:31 of baseball, but the greatest moments probably came after the final out when the Cardinals players and staff all mobbed each other around the pitcher's mound for the traditional dogpile. To be honest, I'm not sure what the appeal of that is, as I'm not sure how more players don't come out of their hurt. But to each his own. Plus, this one was over after the fourth inning!

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Louisville: Omaha In The Cards Today

Where to start with this one. It was ugly yet sweet at the same time, and it was real cool to be apart of a historical moment for a school. The final score from Louisville today, the Cardinals 20, and Oklahoma State 2. The Cards will travel to Omaha for the first time, in only their second postseason appearance ever. Let's get into some details about today's thrashing.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Corvallis: Info and Quotes

Not one runner for either team reached base until the bottom of the fourth when Michigan lead-off hitter Jason Christian rapped a base hit before OSU starter Jorge Reyes sat down the next three Wolverines he faced. On the other side of things, Michigan starter Zach Putnam had a perfect game going until surrendering a walk to Scott Santschi in the top of the sixth. He did however keep his no hitter until the ninth. In as much of a pitchers duel as you get in college baseball, Putnam began the ninth having already thrown 111 pitches. He began the inning walking Santschi for the second time in the game. OSU coach Pat Casey went with the quick and aggressive Braden Wells as a pinch runner and had Lonnie Lechelt bunt him to second. Lead-off batter Chris Hopkins went down on strikes before freshman Joey Wong hit a hard ground ball through the infield scoring Wells from second.

Below are quotes from the press conference's. Michigan, coach Rich Maloney and starting pitcher Zach Putnam. Oregon State, coach Pat Casey, second baseman Joey Wong, starting pitcher Jorge Reyes and pinch runner Braden Wells.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Corvallis: Didn't realize Goss could rock like that

Goss Stadium was rockin' as 3,284 fans packed into the stadium and into temporary bleachers in the outfield. The crowd was obviously very orange and black with a contingent of blue and yellow in the stands down the first baseline. Fans packed the walkways outside Goss, standing on buckets and make shift risers. In the parking garage across the street fans stood against the walls to catch a glimpse of the action. Center field has become home to "Scaffolding Land" as fans build structures to view the game free of charge.

Every time an OSU pitcher got two strikes on a Wolverine, Beaver Nation was on its feet clapping and stomping. Of course as Joey Wong slapped the ball past the shortstop and third baseman scoring Braden Wells, OSU fans exploded, I have expected to see a re-enactment of Beaver Nation pouring onto the field at Reser Stadium after the Beaver football team knocked off USC.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Chapel Hill: Heading to Omaha

UNC has taken the deciding game, 9-4, to advance to the College World Series in Omaha, behind four innings of relief by closer Andrew Carignan.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Corvallis: I can not believe that was a college game

Michigan starting pitcher Zach Putnam took a no-hitter into the ninth inning and began the inning with a walk of Beaver outfielder Scott Santschi. Braden Wells entered as a pinch runner and advanced to second on a Lechelt sac bunt. After Chris Hopkins struck out, freshman Joey Wong got the first hit of the game for OSU an RBI single into left field through the infield giving the Beavers the 1-0 victory against the Wolverines.

More to come after I get back to my room, and quotes from the press conference to come.

OSU 1- UM 0

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Wichita: Wrapping It All Up

UC Irvine is headed to the College World Series, thanks in part to a 3-2 win over Wichita State today at Eck Stadium. Here's some parting thoughts as we turn our focus to Omaha...

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Tempe: Can we top last night?

I'm back on the roof of the press box at Arizona State's Packard Stadium for game two of the Tempe Super Regional.

After last night's magical 4-3 ninth-inning comeback win over Ole Miss, the Devils are one win away from setting a date Saturday in Omaha with the UC Irvine Anteaters.

An Ole Miss win would force a winner-take-all game tomorrow.

The game will begin at 4 p.m. local time, and I know what you're thinking -- why in the name of Oddibe would anyone schedule a June baseball game in the desert at 4 p.m.?!??!

Well, it's because of television, and the boys in Bristol may get some real excitement, as it's about 143 degrees here and the buzzards are already circling the stadium waiting for someone to drop.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Wichita: How Sweet It Is for UC Irvine

Dave Serrano wanted everyone to enjoy this moment. Everyone.

The UC Irvine coach came into the press conference with not only four of his players, but with all of his assistant coaches, trainers and staff, making the room crowded, but full of smiles from a bunch of happy Anteaters.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Chapel Hill: Crunch Time

Who wants go to Omaha? With a trip to the midwest mecca of college baseball on the line, North Carolina and South Carolina will battle for that honor.

Here are the starting lineups for the deciding game of this series. South Carolina won the coin toss and will be the home team.

UNC:
Reid Fronk LF
Tim Fedroff RF
Dustin Ackley 1B
Tim Federowicz C
Josh Horton SS
Chad Flack 3B
Kyle Seager DH
Seth Williams CF
Garrett Gore 2B

Luke Putkonen (7-1, 4.46) P

USC:
Travis Jones 2B
James Darnell 3B
Justin Smoak 1B
Phil Disher DH
Trent Kline C
Andrew Crisp LF
Harley Lail RF
Reese Havens SS
Steven Reinhold CF

Mike Cisco (6-2, 3.76) P

PREGAME: Kyle Shelton of UNC was the first player out on the field for warmups. All the South Carolina players ran out and touched the College World Series sign on the outfield wall as they began their pre-game warm-ups. The crowd filed in earlier for this game than the earlier game, since the sun is setting and temperatures are now bearable.

BURNOUT: About 15 minutes ago there was a loud buzzing noise, followed by a thick puff of acrid, black smoke from the truck that carries one of the extra sets of lights for the ESPN broadcast. Fortunately, there has been no more smoke or disconcerting noises and the lights on this truck are still functioning.

NO TRESPASSING: As soon as I arrived for this game, I tried to walk up to the top of Ehringhaus dorm to get a view of the field from the balcony, as several have done for the first two games. Darn it, I was foiled. At the third floor there was a security door through which I could not pass. Either those watching from up there have an access card/code, or they are craftier than me.

ELECTION 2008: On my way to the game, I passed a rally for former North Carolina Senator and presidential hopeful John Edwards. The son of a mill worker was born in South Carolina, raised in North Carolina, started college at Clemson, finished at NC State, and received his law degree from UNC. No word on which team he's pulling for- probably the one with the most voters.

NO LIVE BLOGGING: Follow the game on GameTracker, and Touching the Bases will be back after the game.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Wichita: The Agony of Defeat

When you go down the tunnel to the media entrance for the press conference, only a curtain seperates a hallway that the media walk through and the Wichita State locker room. With the curtain open, you could see some very pained faces on the looks of the Wichita State Shockers.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Wichita: How This Game Was Won

Right now I'm standing (and sweating) in the WSU press box. The interviews are finally finished, the Anteaters have finally made their way back into their clubhouse, and it's time to tell the story of how UC Irvine claimed its first trip to Omaha.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Chapel Hill: Game Two Wrap

North Carolina native Arik Hempy pitched 6 2/3 innings for South Carolina to keep the Gamecocks alive and force a third game in the Chapel Hill Super Regional. After throwing balls on his first five pitches, Jeff Jeffords righted the ship and picked up his sixth save, while Alex White (6-5) took the loss for UNC.

Player of the Game: Justin Smoak, South Carolina
After going 0 for 3 in the first game, Smoak had an RBI double, solo home run and scored three runs in going 2 for 3 to lead the Gamecocks at the plate.

Could Have Done Better: UNC lefthanded hitters
As a group, they went 3 for 17 with 6 strikeouts, mostly against Hempy.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Wichita: Omaha, Meet the Anteaters

For those of you who don't know the UC Irvine Anteaters, you'll be able to learn all about them at Rosenblatt Stadium.

Bryan Petersen delivered a double that bounced off the wall in right center, sending Anteaters leaping out of the dugout to greet Matt Morris at home, and ending the season for Wichita State. In dramatic fashion, UC Irvine wins 3-2, taking the Super Regional 2-0 and advancing to the 2007 College World Series.

Of course, our coverage is far from done here in Omaha. We'll get quotes, reactions, and a final wrapup here from Eck Stadium. Once again, Irvine can rejoice, as their beloved Anteaters will taste Omaha for the very first time.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Corvallis: Looks like we might get some baseball

Mother Nature is trying her hardest to delay this series once again. It looked like the clouds would pass but they opened up and it is starting to sprinkle again. It should stop soon though. We have the same pitching match-up that was set to to take place yesterday as Beaver freshmen Jorge Reyes takes the hill against Michigan's Zach Putnam.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Chapel Hill: Gamecocks Even Series

South Carolina withstood another North Carolina comeback and a long weather delay to hold on and beat the Tar Heels, 8-6, in game two of this series. Arik Hempy gets the win, while Alex White takes the loss.

The deciding game will be played tonight at 7 pm.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Louisville: All Comes Down To This

You know how they say there's nothing better than a Game Seven? Well in college baseball, there's nothing better than a game three in a super regional with a trip to college baseball's mecca on the line. This afternoon from Jim Patterson Stadium in Louisville, it will be the Louisville Cardinals hosting the Oklahoma State Cowboys in a one game decide it all. Let's get down and dirty.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Chapel Hill: Game Two, Part Two

After a rain delay of approximately 17 hours, we'll pick up the second game of this Super Regional in the middle of the seventh inning, starting at 2:36 pm. The resumed game, and third game if necessary, will be on ESPN2. Either way, this will be the final day of baseball at the 35 year old Boshamer Stadium- until it gets rebuilt starting as soon as the game ends.

Again, no live blogging, so keep up to date with Gametracker.

I'll be back after the game to give you the rundown.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Wichita: A Lot on the Line

It's an overcast morning here at Eck Stadium in Wichita, Kansas, as we get set for the second game of this 2007 NCAA Super Regional. UC Irvine attempts to take their place among college baseball's elite with a trip to Omaha, while Wichita State looks to force a deciding game and give the masses of yellow and black something to cheer about.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Tempe: Wrap on the Instant Classic

Wow.

This one had it all.

Ole Miss ace Will Kline shut down the nation's best hitting team and took a 3-1 lead into the ninth, but Arizona State rallies for three runs to win it 4-3.

Wow.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Fullerton: Dominant CSF Win Makes Statement

Something has gotten into this Fullerton team. Evidently they woke up recently and realized that yes; they are one of college baseball's elite programs. They're expected win big and make deep runs into the postseason. They're not expected to finish the season 6-11 and limp into the NCAAs.

But whatever ailed the struggling bats and ace Wes Roemer, who had a subpar season (by his standards) after a stellar 2006 campaign, is not an issue right now. Fullerton shelled Tyson Brummett for eight hits and nine runs in just 4.1 innings. This is the same guy who pitched a complete game against them earlier this season.

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Sunday, 06/10/07

Tempe: Devils rally to shock Rebels.

Will Kline pitched the game of his life and shut down the biggest bats in the NCAA for eight innings.

Unfortunately for him, he couldn't go nine.

The third-ranked Sun Devils, who entered the game batting .351 as a team and averaging 9.7 runs per game, were held scoreless for the first seven innings, but rallied for three runs in the ninth to shock Ole Miss 4-3.

Brett Wallace delivered the game-winner on a two-out single to center.

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Fullerton: Rowdy Fans Glad to Have Titans Home

After having to watch their Titans travel for Regionals, the Fullerton fans were more than ready to make up for missed time in today's 12-2 win over UCLA. They were numerous, loud and sometimes obnoxious in cheering the Titans on.

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Chapel Hill: Weather Delays Us Until Sunday

First lightning, then rain has led to the postponement of the South Carolina-North Carolina game until Sunday.
The game is in the middle of the seventh inning, and will be resumed at 2:36 pm Sunday.
If a third game is necessary, it will still take place as planned at 7 pm tomorrow night.

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Fullerton: Titans Cruise Past UCLA

Ok. After a hectic start to the day and adjustment to our new NCAA-imposed ban on providing actual live updates, I've gotten into a rhythm here in Fullerton. And so has the home team.

UCLA may have had a fighting chance against Fullerton if innings lasted two outs instead of three. But that's clearly not the case, and a pair of two-out rallies in the first two innings set the tone for the Titans' 12-2 drubbing in the first game of their best-of-three Super Regional series.

Tyson Brummett, who pitched a two-run complete game victory against Fullerton earlier in the season, managed to get the first two batters out of each of the fist two stanzas. But it was disaster from there on, as the Titans racked up five consecutive base runners and three runs in the first and four straight base runners and two runs in the second to put the Bruins away early.

UCLA looked ready to respond with three hits to start the first against Wes Roemer, but only managed one run and didn't score again until Fullerton already held an 8-1 lead. Roemer went on to log a complete game victory.
I'm off to the press conferences to search for some juicy quotes; I'll be back with a complete rundown of the game and everything else here at Goodwin field.

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Houston: No excuses, crazy fans, and the importance of experience

Although he did not pitch and went 0-fer on Friday, Joe Savery provided a lot of the storylines for this super regional. His draft-day press conference Thursday was as emotional as can be, but he showed his sense of humor after today's game.

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Houston: Savery leads Owls back to CWS

Thanks to some controversial calls early in the game and some terrific pitching throughout, Rice advanced to its sixth College World Series in the last 11 years and its second in a row with a 5-2 victory over Texas A&M Saturday night before a Reckling Park-record crowd of 5,234.

FIrst-round draft pick Joe Savery kept himself from having to pitch in a Game 3 by going 3-for-5 with a home run and 3 RBI, and Owl starter Matt Langwell benefited significantly from a first-inning interference call that negated two Texas A&M runs. But Langwell settled down to work into the seventh, and closer Cole St.Clair finished the game for his eighth save of the year. Rice will play the winner of the Oklahoma State-Louisville super regional next Friday in Omaha.

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Tempe: Hotter than the devil

It's a dry heat.

It's a dry heat.

It's a dry heat.

And the thermometer in my car said it was 104 degrees of dry heat.

I'm at Packard Stadium on the edge of the Arizona State campus getting ready for a 6 p.m. start of game one of the Ole Miss-ASU super regional.

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Wrapping up the Starkville Super Regional

Well, it's over. Mississippis State has taken the series 2 games to none with win today. But first things first....

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Fullerton: Titans, Bruins Square Off

Fullerton knows Super Regional baseball. I didn't even have to get past the parking lot to realize that the ante has been upped this week with UCLA and Cal State Fullerton squaring off for the right to go to Omaha.

The parking lot at Goodwin Field is filled with tents and tailgaters and people were searching for extra tickets on the sidewalk for this sold out Fullerton Super Regional. The Titans have four national championships and plenty of experience in postseason play. It shows.

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Chapel Hill: Game Two

North Carolina will try to seal the deal against South Carolina tonight and join Mississippi State in Omaha for the College World Series. However, to do so they'll have to hold down the potent USC bats and get strong pitching from freshman Alex White (6-4, 3.87). They'll also have to come up with some offense against Arik Hempy (6-3, 3.38), the junior lefthander who bounced back from Tommy John surgery to be a force on the mound for the Gamecocks this year.

UNC came from six runs down to score 9 runs with two outs in the sixth and seventh innings last night to take game one, 9-6. There were 2,895 in attendance for that one.

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Wichita: Wrapping Up Day One

We've finished the first game from Wichita, with UC Irvine winning a pitcher's duel over Wichita State, 1-0. Here's some observations and analysis from today's action.

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Houston: No pressure, guys

Both teams will face plenty of pressure today, with Rice a win away from its sixth trip to the College World Series in the last 11 years, and Texas A&M needing to win to force a decisive Game 3 tomorrow. The best news for the Aggies is that they are unlikely to be fazed by trailing the series. A&M lost its Big XII Conference Tournament opener but rebounded to take the tournament title. In the regional round, the Aggies lost a winners' bracket game to Louisiana-Lafayette before rallying with a win over Ohio State and back-to-back triumphs over ULaLa to reach this weekend. The Aggies will start sophomore righthander Kyle Thebeau (3-5, 4.50), pitching on four days' rest after a career outing in Monday's regional final. Rice will counter with sophomore righthander Matt Langwell (7-1, 1.73), the team's ace of sorts during the latter part of the season.

There's more to this preview, but once the game begins, you will have to resort to GameTracker to follow along.

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Louisville: Wrapup And Analysis

There's nothing better than a game where either team can go home or go to Omaha. This is what it's going to be like tomorrow here in Louisville. Each coach will throw the kitchen sink out there between the lines to stay in the game, and each team still has enough arms left out there where tomorrow shouldn't get too much out of hand. But let's get back to today real quick.

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Louisville: Quotes And Comments

On a day where Louisville could have sent themselves to Omaha for the first time, it really felt like it in the stadium. There were more people than even yesterday's record crowd crammed in on a gorgeous day that saw temperatures in the mid-80s and not a cloud in the sky.

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Louisville: Just Not In The Cards

For the second straight day, everything was going their way. The pitching had been fantastic, the bounces went their way, the calls went their way, and when they needed it, their bats supplied just enough. But in the end, on the shoulders of their best reliever, Omaha just wasn't in the cards today for Louisville. Oklahoma State defeated Louisville by the final score of 3-2 in 12 innings.

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Dogs punch ticket to Omaha with 8-5 win

Mississippi State advanced to the College World Series for the first time since 1998 with a rousing 8-5 victory over the Clemson Tigers. Mitch moreland came in for Aaron Weatherford with 1 out and 2 on in the bottom of the 9th to save the win. A NCAA record crowd of over 13,000 fans cheered and rushed the field as the last out was made.

More later

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Wichita: Tomorrow is Proving Day

The message from both teams during the post-game press conference was the same. It was a great pitcher's duel, the ball bounced UC Irvine's way, and tomorrow was going to be the day to prove something to the fans, as well as a nationwide audience.

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Corvallis: We Play Tommorow

Game called, tommorow at 1 p.m. Pacific.

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Wichita: Round One to UC Irvine

If you wanted a low-scoring, pitcher's duel, this was your game...

UCI.....000...000...010....1..7..0
WSU..000...000...000....0..8..0

Irvine manages to score the only run of the game on a two-out, bases loaded grounder that Shocker pitcher Noah Krol couldn't handle, allowing Cody Cipriano to score from third. Wichita sent the winning run to the plate in the bottom of the ninth, but Tyler Hill popped a foul ball to third, stranding Josh Workman at first and sending an Eck Stadium record crowd of 8,153 back home disappointed.

Meanwhile, it was another outstanding performance from Anteater P Scott Gorgen, who proved he's the real deal with his second straight complete game.

WP - Gorgan (12-2)
LP - Womack (3-2)

We'll be back with quotes, analysis, and a wrapup of today's action here in Wichita.

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Corvallis: Guess What? It is raining!

Go figure it is pouring right now with an hour to the start of the game. Even with the FieldTurf in the infield it is looking sketchy as to whether or not this game is going to be played today. If it does however Michigan is the home team and is in the third base dugout while the host Beavers are in the visitors position down the first base line. The starting pitchers are slated to be Zach Putnam for the Wolverines. Putnam has eight wins with four losses coupled with a 4.13 ERA. Slated to start on the bump for the Beavers is freshman Jorge Reyes who earned starting spot midway through the season allowing him to collect five wins on three losses with a 3.48 ERA. I will keep you updated until the start of the game. Oh, and I just met Barry Larkin that was pretty cool.

Rain note-
It is expected to keep on raining throughout the day so keep your fingers crossed the stero-typical weather passes.

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Wichita: Getting Set for Game One

It's a great day for baseball here in Wichita, as throngs of fans are filing into Eck Stadium for today's opening game of the 2007 NCAA Wichita Super Regional. The UC Irvine Anteaters are warming up as we speak, preparing for a showdown with Gene Stephenson's Wichita State Shockers.

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Louisvlle: Round Two

If we look at a Super Regional like a heavyweight bout in boxing, Oklahoma State took their punches yesterday, and lost the first round to Louisville in a big-time way. But just like in boxing, Round One doesn't matter that much if you come out and win Round Two. The Cowboys will be looking to do just that when they face Louisville at noon trying to keep their season alive.

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Saturday, 06/09/07

Game 2 Matchup

It's 7 AM on a Saturday morning, and I am sitting in the Leftfield Lounge at Dudy Noble Field. Things are setting up for a great game 2. Folks are already out and cooking around the outfield, and feeling the effects of 94% humidty at this time. Game time is calling for temps of about 85 with 65% humidity!!! And the matchup on the field should be even hotter than that!!

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Friday, 06/08/07

Chapel Hill: Final Wrap

In the 9-6 UNC game one Super Regional victory, reliever Rob Wooten (6-1) got the win for the third straight game. Closer Andrew Carignan pitched two scoreless innings to get his 15th save. Curtis Johnson (1-3) took the loss in relief for South Carolina.

"Came from behind again, didn't we?" That's how North Carolina Coach Mike Fox started the post-game press conference after UNC came from behind late to win for the third straight game.

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Friday, 06/08/07

Chapel Hill: Post-Game

As expected, the crowd at tonight's game was about evenly split between fans from South Carolina and North Carolina. The capacity crowd was well-behaved, despite the rather strong rivalry that has developed after playing each other now four times in the past six years. I saw one UNC fan who was razzing the Gamecock faithful during the game, but never saw any real chirping back and forth. UNC basketball players Brandon Wright and Wayne Ellington were among the crowd early on. Both were freshmen this past season, and Wright is expected to be a high draft choice in the upcoming NBA draft. Ellington will return to UNC next season.

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Friday, 06/08/07

Houston: Breaking down Game 1

What a game. There are a ton of things to talk about after this one, but first a quick look ahead to tomorrow's Game 2. A&M head coach Rob Childress was a bit coy when asked for tomorrow's starter, saying he would wait for Rice to name its starter. Moments later, he confirmed the obvious - it will be either lefthander Kirkland Rivers (2-3, 5.61) or righthander Kyle Thebeau (3-5, 4.50), the regional hero, tomorrow. Rice head coach Wayne Graham announced righthander Matt Langwell (7-1, 1.73) as his starter.

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Friday, 06/08/07

Houston: Owls pull out amazing win in 10th inning, 3-2

Ignored in the draft earlier today, Rice junior leftfielder Jordan Dodson came through with the game-winning single in the bottom of the 10th inning after starting the game-tying rally in the ninth as Rice rallied to beat Texas A&M 3-2 Friday night at Reckling Park in Houston before a crowd of 5,074.

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Friday, 06/08/07

Chapel Hill: Game One

UNC takes game one 9-6, after battling back from a 6 run deficit.

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Friday, 06/08/07

Lollar gets birthday present, Dogs get win!

John Lollar turned 22 on THursday of this week. On Friday, he got a late birthday present, and shared it with the entire Mississippi State team. Lollar, the junior pitcher from Germantown, TN was the winning pitcher Friday in the Bulldog's 8-6 win over Clemson.

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Friday, 06/08/07

Houston: Sneaking one in before NCAA-imposed silence

We're not going to be able to bring you anything interesting during the game (thanks, NCAA) but here's a bt of a preview for today's Rice-A&M opener at Reckling Park in Houston.

Once the game begins, your best bet is following along on GameTracker.

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Friday, 06/08/07

Louisville: Cards Roll To Big Win

Since blogging is now not allowed during play, it's time to fit nearly everything into one post. Don't get me started on the policy, but it is what it is. Louisville defeated Oklahoma State 9-0 in front of a Jim Patterson Stadium record crowd of 4,023, as the Cards hosted their first postseason baseball event ever. It was my first time seeing both teams this year, and let me tell you folks something, Louisville is for real.

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Friday, 06/08/07

Dogs win 8-6

Dogs win 8-6 over Clemson. Clemson jumped to an early 2-0 lead, then saw it vanish on a Connor Powers 2 run homer in the 5th. Clemson responded with a 3 spot in the top of the 6th, only to see MSU reply with a 4 run bottom of the 6th to take a leadd that they would never give back.

John Lalor picked up the win in relief, and Aaron Weatheroford got the save.

Attendance was announced at 12, 620......Largegst ever crowd for a SUper Regional. It was only the 7th largest crowd at Dudy Noble Field. Fans in the outfield celebrated the victory and were settling in for a long afternoon of babrbecue and celebration.

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Friday, 06/08/07

Chapel Hill: About to Get Going

Game one of the Chapel Hill Super Regional is about to get started, pitting South Carolina against host North Carolina. Harris Honeycutt (8-5, 3.59) will start for the Gamecocks, while Robert Woodard (10-2, 3.02) will try to get a leg up for the Tar Heels in this series.

Approximately 2,500 college baseball fans will cram into Boshamer Stadium for this one. The main stands hold about 2,000 people, while another 500 or so will be out on the grassy, terraced berm along the first base line. This area, which contains picnic tables and usually hordes of kids running around playing, will disappear next year when Boshamer Stadium is rebuilt and the main stands will extend down to this area. UNC got a bit of a jump start by pulling up some of the bushes that are going to be lost anyway and creating another couple of hundred "seats" for this area.

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Friday, 06/08/07

Let the games begin

Well it's finally time. Baseball in June at Dudy Noble Field on the campus of Mississippi State University. And who better to help Mississippi State bring it in, than the Clemson Tigers. These two teams are no starnger to each other, having played each other in 2006 at the Clemson Regional. THis year, the stakes are raised a bit, as the winner moves to the Big Diamond, Rosenblatt Stadium, and a berth in the college world series. WHo will it be? Let's find out

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Thursday, 06/07/07

Tempe: Super matchup that's hotter than the weather

I feel like I drew the long straw for super regional assignments.

Because the NCAA selection committee put every western team into the left side of the bracket, most of the super regional matchups are very regional but not that super.

But Ole Miss snuck into the western bracket as a one-seed and now they'll head west.

Yeah, North and South Carolina will be a war and Texas A&M at Rice will be a hoot, but can you really ask for more than Mississippi and Arizona State?

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Thursday, 06/07/07

Wichita: Omaha On The Line - Shockers vs. Anteaters

This weekend, America's pastime will travel to America's heartland, as the amber waves of grain beckon us to Wichita, where the UC Irvine Anteaters, fresh off an impressive stroll through the heart of Texas, face off against the Wichita State Shockers, a team of tradition that looks to make new treads on a traveled path to Omaha.

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Thursday, 06/07/07

Fullerton: Surprise Matchup in Southern California

UCLA (33-26) at Cal State Fullerton (36-23)

The fact that there's an all Southern California affair in this weekend's Super Regionals is not a surprise. The fact that San Diego or Long Beach are not among those teams is. But that's the case as Cal State Fullerton pulled off the upset in San Diego's Regional round last weekend and is rewarded by hosting UCLA starting on Saturday.

Four-time NCAA Champion Fullerton is obviously no stranger to the Super Regionals, having been here the previous four years, but wasn't expected to make it this far this season. The Titans stumbled down the stretch to close the regular season 6-11 and weren't even a lock to make the NCAA field. They did earn a No. 2 seed and took advantage when top seed and No. 8 national seed San Diego lost its first two games last weekend. The Titans went 3-0, defeating Fresno State and Minnesota to advance to the next round.

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Thursday, 06/07/07

Corvallis: Beavers Welcome Super Regionals Back

Welcome back to Corn-valley, Super Regionals. For the third straight season Super Regional’s are at home at Goss Stadium as the No. 16 Beavers welcome the No. 15 Michigan Wolverines.

After Michigan knocked off No. 1 Vanderbilt in the Nashville Regional it was announced that regardless of who the Wolverines met in Super’s they would be traveling away from Ann Arbor. Oregon State knocked off Virginia to clinch the Charlottesville Regional title. Michigan whose stadium is under renovation did not put in a bid to host, leaving the NCAA no choice but to send them traveling.

“I saw a lot of energy and a lot of fun,” Oregon State coach Pat Casey said. “You could see the magic late in the game. Hopefully they carry it into the series against Michigan.”

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Thursday, 06/07/07

Houston: Emotional draft day for Rice

With the weekend's super regional between No. 2 national seed Rice and Texas A&M on tap for the weekend, the focus at Thursday's press conference was supposed to be on the college game. But when Joe Savery's cell phone went off during the Rice portion of the press conference, Major League Baseball stole the show, and Rice head coach Wayne Graham choked up at the mic.

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Thursday, 06/07/07

Chapel Hill: Carolinas Super Regional Preview

The Gamecocks of South Carolina will travel north to Chapel Hill to take on their northern neighbors, the Tar Heels of North Carolina, in a battle for baseball bragging rights in the Chapel Hill Super Regional starting Friday night at 7 pm EST.

South Carolina (45-18) will be the visiting this time as they take on North Carolina (51-12) for the fourth time time in the past six years in NCAA post-season play. USC got here by virtue of winning their Super Regional, going 3-0 by beating Wofford (9-1) and Charlotte twice (12-8, 11-6). UNC went undefeated in winning its regional against Jacksonville (6-0), East Carolina (11-10), and Western Carolina (6-5). The Gamecocks eliminated the Tar Heels from the Regionals in 2002 and 2004 and the Super Regionals in 2003. All three times the games were played in Columbia at Sarge Frye Field. This will be the first time a Super Regional has been held in Chapel Hill.

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Thursday, 06/07/07

Louisville: Super Regional Preview

Baseball is the one sport where big upsets do happen, and where teams that you didn't think would still be around, let alone hosting in the round of 16, are well, still around and hosting. Two number three seeds will meet for the right to head to Omaha this weekend, when Oklahoma State travels to Louisville. Nobody, and I mean, not even the most fanatical of fans could have picked this one even out of a hat in a random drawing. Allow me to toot my own horn for a second while stating that I did predict that Missouri and Arkansas were not going to win the regionals that they hosted last week. The only problem was, I got the wrong team coming out of each of them. Instead of Creighton playing at Miami this weekend, we've got the Cowboys and the Cards from L'ville.

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Tuesday, 06/05/07

Charlottesville: All-Tournament Team

2007 NCAA Charlottesville All-Tournament Team
DH - Todd Frazier, Rutgers
C - Beau Seabury, Virginia
1B - Jordan Lennerton, Oregon State
2B - Joey Wong, Oregon State
3B - Lonnie Lechett, Oregon State
SS - Darwin Barney, Oregon State
OF - James Conrad, Lafayette
OF - Chris Hopkins, Oregon State
OF - Dave Williams, Rutgers
P - Joe Paterson, Oregon State
P - Sean Doolittle, Virginia

Most Outstanding Player - Joe Paterson, Oregon State

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Tuesday, 06/05/07

Charlottesville: OSU eliminates Virginia 7-3

OSU will be advancing to the Super Regionals for the third straight year after knocking off first-seeded Virginia 7-3 to win the Charlottesville Regional. The Beavers will host Michigan in a three-game series that will start on Saturday in Corvallis.
Oregon State won three straight games in which it could have been eliminated.
Virginia has now reached the NCAA Tournament four straight years, but has yet to advance to a Super Regional.

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Tuesday, 06/05/07

Charlottesville: OSU up 7-3 in top of seventh

In the bottom of the sixth, the Beavers extended their lead to four, 7-3, on a RBI base hit up the middle by Jason Ogata. The crowd has become quiet and resigned here at Davenport.

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Tuesday, 06/05/07

Charlottesville: Matt Packer in for Smith, OSU leads 5-3 in bottom of sixth

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Tuesday, 06/05/07

Charlottesville: OSU takes out Stutes, puts in Eddie Kunz, leads 5-3 in fifth

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Tuesday, 06/05/07

Charlottesville: Alex Smith in for Jacob Thompson, OSU leads 5-3 in the top of the fourth

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Tuesday, 06/05/07

Charlottesville: Another lead change

OSU leads 5-3 after two innings. Lonnie Lechelt hit his second home run of the weekend to lead off the inning and OSU then loaded the bases. Jacob Thompson came in to replace Casey Lambert and allowed a sacrifice fly to the warning track in left off the bat of Darwin Barney. Two batters later, Jason Ogata singled to right, scoring Chris Hopkins. Joey Wong was gunned down at the plate to end the inning.

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Tuesday, 06/05/07

Charlottesville: Virginia takes 3-2 lead

Virginia responded to OSU's two-spot in the first with three runs in the second to take a one-run lead. Beau Seabury, who had led off the inning with a single, scored on a two-out wild pitch by Stutes. Tim Henry then looped a base hit down the left line to drive in two.

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Tuesday, 06/05/07

Charlottesville: OSU takes first inning lead

With one out and runners on first and second, Mike Lissman hit a line drive just inside the right field foul line for a RBI double. Jason Ogata then grounded out to second base, driving in a second run.

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Tuesday, 06/05/07

Charlottesville: Championship Day at Davenport

The crowd is trickling in and the grounds crew is watering the field in preparation for noon's decisive showdown between UVA and OSU. Casey Lambert, who pitched 6 2/3 innings in relief on Saturday, willl start for the Cavaliers while Mike Stutes, who started for OSU on Saturday, will take the ball again today.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Charlottesville: Hopkins sparks OSU comeback

OSU was trailing 3-1 in the top of the 8th when light-hitting Chris Hopkins (1 HR on the season) came to the plate. The junior center fielder came through big-time for the Beavers, sending a towering shot over the wall in left-center. Inspired by their teammate, the Beavs went on to score two more runs that inning and one in the ninth to force a decisive championship game on Tuesay at noon.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Final thoughts on the College Station Regional

First of all, I want to thank CSTV for giving me an opportunity to Blog on this weekend's games. It was a great regional and the teams were amazing, all of them. This regional had anything you could ever want.

Kyle Thebeau put the exclamation mark on it for Texas A&M. In front of a capacity crowd here at Olsen Field, he struck out the final four batters for a complete game, and he allowed only two runs to the Louisiana Lafayette Cajuns. It was a comeback effort all weekend for Texas A&M. After defeating Le Moyne in game one, they fell to the Cajuns in game two and had to bounce back to win a double-header on Sunday.

Thebeau then took them on his back to win the finale and advance to the Houston Super Regional, defeating the Cajuns one last time, 5-2. The MVP went to Blake Stouffer of Texas A&M, who had a career day yesterday against OSU, hitting for the cycle and clubbing six RBIs in one game.

This was a very competitive group of teams. I really only saw one blow out in the seven games. I hope I get this kind of chance again in the future. Thanks again to anyone who has been keeping up with me and reading this. Gig 'em Aggies.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, SC: It's over.

The South Carolina Gamecocks will be headed to Chapel Hill, NC to take on the Tar Heels in the Super Regionals.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Wichita: Shockers Win Regional

Quick 8th for the Shockers. Gillaspie and Workman struck out, and Hill was out from a grounder to 2b.

Banwart struck out Steele. He walked Fon, and a team meeting follows at the mound. Castro comes in as a pinch hit for Abel. He gets walked, and Weldon comes in to run at first.

Noah Krol is the new pitcher for WSU coming in at the 8th inning.

Top of the 9th, and Weber is up to bat for WSU. Stoffel in pitching for Perry. Weber hit a grounder to 2b, and is out at 1b. Dirks hits a grounder to cf, and gets on 1b. Schermerhorn strikes out swinging for the 3rd out.

Bottom of the 9th, and Arizona is up to bat. They need 3 runs to head into extra innings, and 4 to win it.

That is one out for Arizona as Sedbrook strikes out swinging. Up is Ziegler, he strikes out.

2 outs, one more and this game is done with. Rhinehart, strike one, and strike two. He gets a hit to first, and Shockers win.

A victory dog pile is seen on the field, and the players get up to shake hands with the Wildcats. Not a bad game. Both teams played great. I know that sounds corney but it is true! Very clean game from the boys.

Well this now means that Wichita may host the Super Regional. That will be an exciting weekend, as was this one.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, SC: More Gamecocks

Going to the ninth inning the Gamecocks just hung another four spot on the board to take an 11-6 lead. Jeff Jeffords is still in there trying to close it out.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Charlottesville: Championship game scheduled for noon tomorrow

UVA and OSU will meet at noon to determine who moves on to the Super Regionals. Neither coach has chosen a starting pitcher yet. With the Vandy loss, Virginia would host a Super Regional against Michigan if the Cavs advance.

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: Michigan, the champions of Nashville

Dominic de la Osa grounded out to short on Adam Powers' first pitch to start the 10th.

Pedro Alvarez then a ball to about as deep center as one can hit it and not have it go out, and Derek Van Buskirk made a clutch catch for out No. 2. I couldn't tell if the ball was headed out or not, and the second-base umpire hesitated for a moment to make the call as Van Buskirk didn't come down with it and display it immediately.

Ryan Flaherty then lined a 1-2 pitch through the left side of the infield for a two-out baserunner.

Matt Meingasner watched two balls, then another, then a strike, then tapped a check swing back to pitcher Powers, and Michigan is going crazy in the middle of the field.

And hats off to them. They deserve it.

And Vanderbilt, the No. 1 seed, has been knocked out of the field.

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: One last chance for Vandy to stay alive

Brett Jacobson has gotten Vandy out of the 10th without further damage, and Vandy will send the exact three guys it wants: Dominic de la Osa, Pedro Alvarez and Ryan Flaherty, to the plate in the bottom of the inning.

It's 4-3 Michigan, as the crowd is trying to shake off the Alan Oaks bomb and is making noise between innings.

And now, Michael Powers comes on for Michigan.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, SC: Bottom Eight

Carolina has pushed another run across on an Andrew Crisp sac fly. 8-6 Carolina with 2 on and 2 outs.

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Monday, 06/04/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #2 Louisiana-Lafayette: Ninth inning

STRIKE THREE TO START OFF! THE CHANT IS STILL "THEBEAU!"

STRIKE THREE SWINGING AGAIN! TWO GONE!

STRIKE THREE SWINGING AND THEBEAU HAS THE COMPLETE GAME! WHAT A GAME! AGGIES ADVANCE!

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: Stunner

We wondered why Michigan pinch-hit for cleanup hitter Zach Putnam with .188-hitting freshman Adam Oaks, who had one home run.

Oaks just crushed a 3-1 offering by David Price over the fence in left-center, giving Michigan a 4-3 lead again.

And Price has now been pulled for Brett Jacobson.

4-3 Michigan, one out in the ninth, and the crowd here is stunned.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, SC: Here Come the Pesky Niners

The Niners have scratched across another run in the top of the eighth making the score 7-6 in favor of South Carolina. Jeff Jeffords, one of Carolina's best relievers, has just entered the game with two outs and a man on first.

Top 8, 7-6 Cocks.

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: And Michigan stays alive

Shea Robin hit a routine ground ball to Jason Christian at second, and Christian, who's been great at short all tourney, just gagged by throwing the ball about six feet wide at first giving Vandy a leadoff man at first.

Brad French popped a bunt foul, then fouled off another bunt to get down 0-2. And with two strikes, he laid down a perfect bunt to advance Robin to second.

But David Macias popped to second, and Alex Feinberg lined to center, so it's still tied.

And David Price takes the mound for one more inning, and he'll see the No. 3-5 UM hitters.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Wichita: Banwart still going strong

Ryan Perry now pitching for Arizona. Abel at ss catches the hit by WSU's Schermerhorn for the 2nd out. This time a hit does get past Abel at ss, and Sublett gets a double.

Banwart is still going strong in the 7th inning having not let in any runs and only 2 hits from the Arizona Wildcats. Arizona gets their 2nd out as Rhinehart is gone with a catch by 3b. Third out for Arizona.

WSU 3 AZ 0

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: Price shuts 'em down

Vandy's David Price, on in relief of Casey Weathers with a man on and none out in the ninth, gave up a sacrifice bunt for an out that advanced Kevin Cislo to second, then struck out Jason Christian and Brad Roblin on a grand total of six pitches to keep the game tied.

Price is screaming as he comes off the mound, and so's the crowd.

For the record, the Commodores have now gotten an inning out of a Friday starter, a Saturday starter, a Sunday starter and a closer who'd already pitched twice.

Tim Corbin said he'd find a way to piece-meal this game together. I guess he did.

And to top it off, freshman Mark Lamm--who would burn a redshirt year--is warming up in the 'pen.

Shea Robin, Brad French and David Macias due up in the ninth of a three-all game here.

Baseball just doesn't get much more dramatic than this.

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: And here comes Price

David Price threw 130 pitches Friday night, and is coming on with nobody out in the ninth as Casey Weathers walked Kevin Cislo on five pitches.

So it's just about all or nothing for Vandy, as the Commodores really don't have any arms left after this.

Michigan 3, Vandy 3 in the top of the ninth in a classic baseball game from Hawkins Field.

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Monday, 06/04/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #2 Louisiana-Lafayette: Eighth inning

Two out single up the middle for Parker Dalton. I'm writting a column for my newspaper, and as this game gets closer to a finish, I will only give pertinent updates from now on.

Play made at third. On to first to retire the side. Go time right now for the Cajuns.

2-0 count to the leadoff man and Childress is out to talk to Thebeau. This is likely his last batter. He has really been clutch today in a decisive game.

Base hit down the line by Bourque to lead off the inning. He's putting together quite a night offensively for the Cajuns. Thebeau remains in.

Another single. This time by Alexander. Childress SHOULD get him now. Tying run comes to the plate. The dangerous Nolan Gisclair.

Great atmosphere. Crowd chanting "Thebeau," cheering him on.

Big out made by shortstop. Throw to first for the first out. Runners advance. Not out of trouble by a long shot. Jon Lucroy now up.

STRIKE THREE! TWO GONE NOW. THIS CROWD IS ON THEIR FEET! HUGE OUT FOR THEBEAU!

AMAZING! STRIKE THREE LOOKING AND THEBEAU IS OUT OF IT!

THREE MORE OUTS LEFT FOR A&M! WHAT AN ATMOSPHERE!

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: Meingasner magic

After getting down 0-2, Matt Meingasner fouled off three pitches, took two balls and lined a single to center, scoring the tying run here with two outs in the eighth.

Parker Hanks then got down 0-2, watched a ball, then grounded out to second.

But Vandy is alive, closer Casey Weathers will be asked to go another inning, and he'll try to get the No. 8, 9 and 1 hitters for the Wolverines out as Vandy will also have those hitters up in the ninth.

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: There's one run

Flaherty flies to center on the first pitch, de la Osa takes third, two outs, 3-2 Michigan over Vandy, bottom of 8.

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Monday, 06/04/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #2 Louisiana-Lafayette: Seventh inning

LEADOFF TRIPLE SPLITS THE GAP IN RIGHT CENTER BY KYLE COLLIGAN! Good start for A&M, who really wants some insurance.

Walk issued to Hicks with one out. Runners at the corners now.

Grounder to second and play cannot be made! Run scores as Blake Stouffer reaches and collects another RBI. Aggies increase the lead to 5-2.

High fly popup to second and the play is made to retire the side.

A&M gets an important run. 5-2 Aggies. Really time to go to work now for the Cajuns.

Good start for Thebeau. Strikeout swinging.

Little popup to third. Easy play to first. The Cajuns are punchless against Thebeau.

Long fly to center but it is playable. That ends the inning. A&M is 6 outs from advancing. The crowd can feel it.

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: And the Commodores make some noise

Alex Feinberg popped up with one out and a man on first, and Dominic de la Osa went opposite-field with a double into the corner.

Michigan is now walking Pedro Alvarez with one out to pitch to Ryan Flaherty, who has a 34-game hitting streak.

Stay tuned....

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: Pitching change for Michigan

Chris Fetter walked David Macias to lead off the inning, which has the crowd at Hawkins Field roaring. UM coach Rich Maloney wasted no time in pulling Fetter for third baseman Adam Abraham as Alex Feinberg took ball one.

Maloney's effort may have been in part to quiet the crowd, but it may have just given the Vandy fans time to think, as they break out into the deafening "black/gold" cheer instead.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Wichita: Defense on fire

Bottom of the 5th. Rhinehart gets a hit for AZ that flies over the 1st baseman's head for a single. Glenn hits one towards 3b, and Rhinehart is out at 2nd, but Glenn is safe at 1st. Diallo Fon strikesout for AZ, and that is it for the 5th.

Attendance here at the Championship game is around 7800 people. It is quite a crowd here tonight. Second largest at Eck Stadium

Arizona takes to the field for the top of the 6th inning. Workman comes up to bat for WSU. He is walked, and Hill is up to bat. Workman steals 2nd. Hill's hit is caught by AZ ss, Abel, and that is WSU's 1st out. Weber runs on the strikeout to first base, and the catcher throws it to first for the out.

Arizona now up to bat. Dwight Childs gets to first from a hit by Banwart. Fantastic play by Gillaspie as he runs infield then dives down to catch the bunt by Abel. Gaston get a single out to cf, and now up for AZ is Sedbrook. Sublett again with a great play. He catches Sedbrooks ball, tosses it to Coleman who is covering second, and then Coleman sends it to first for the out.

End of 6th innning, WSU 3 AZ 0

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: Is this the break Vandy needs?

With a man on first and one out, Doug Pickens hit a scorcher... but right at second baseman Alex Feinberg for an easy 4-3 double play to end the top of the eighth.

That has the Vanderbilt crowd energized for a few minutes as "Sweet Caroline" plays over the P.A. It's been like a morgue here the last couple of innings, as the realization that a 54-12 record and a national No. 1 seed could be going down in flames.

Vandy sends 1-3 hitters Macias, Feinberg and de la Osa out to start the eighth.

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Monday, 06/04/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #2 Louisiana-Lafayette: Sixth inning

Line shot right to second to start the sixth. One out.

Bunt popped up right to the pitcher for the second out.

Jammed him. Popup down the third base line is easy for the third out.

Another ideal 1-2-3 inning for Lafayette. Their offense needs to respond.

High pop to shallow right is easy for the first out.

Popup on the infield and that's an easy second out. Thebeau has calmed down nicely after a two run third. He's giving coach Rob Childress some valuable innngs here.

Strike three swinging and Thebeau is mowing them down. The crowd loves it. Inning over. Time running out on the Cajuns.

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: Fetter still fooling 'em

Michigan starter Chris Fetter still has the Commodores tied up in knots. He's struck out just three, but has kept Vandy hitters off-balance with his soft-tossing ways, getting Commodore hitters to pop up or hit harmless ground balls all night.

The Commodores hit Fetter hard in the fourth, when they had him on the ropes after Pedro Alvarez homered and Ryan Flaherty and Matt Meingasner followed with solid singles. But Flaherty got picked off third, and Fetter got a couple of ground balls to get out of the inning.

Vandy's Casey Weathers is on for his second inning of relief, and looks tough tonight. But pitching's not the issue, as the top of the Commodore order will come up in the eighth and the 'Dores six outs from elimination.

Weathers strikes out leadoff man Adam Abraham, and it's 3-1 Michigan with one out in the top of the eighth.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Charlottesville: OSU stuns Virginia 5-3

more details to follow soon...

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Monday, 06/04/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #2 Louisiana-Lafayette: Fifth inning

Fly ball to center for first out.

Hot shot to third bobbled but he stays with it for out number two.

Grounder to deep second but handled. On to first. 1-2-3.

That's something Lafayette needed. Let's see if their bats can respond similarly.

Good start for Lafayette. Van de Keere with a liner over second for a single to lead things off.

Hit and run works for Lafayette. Single right through third and short by Bourque. Runner can't reach third, however. First and second with nobody out.

Fly ball to right. Play made and a good throw back to the infield holds the runners. One away.

Popup to short. Play made but the flip gets away. Runner heading to third but he's out on a good throw made by Dalton! That was an odd double play.

That certainly takes the wind out of the sails of the Cajuns. They had the first two on with nobody out and didn't even move them over.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Charlottesville: OSU up 5-3

Oregon State has scored four runs in the past two innings to take a 5-3 lead. Joe Paterson is on the mound right now in the bottom of the ninth, looking to shut down the Cavaliers, and set up a winner-take-all showdown tomorrow at noon.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, SC: Serving Up a Hot "Dish"

Phil Disher hits a grand slam in the bottom of the fourth to catapult the Cocks back ahead 6-5. We're in the top of the fifth now.

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: Fetter still has Vandy tied up

Vandy has seven hits and a walk off Michigan's Chris Fetter through six complete, but the only run Vandy has is on the ball that Pedro Alvarez hit out of the park.

Vanderbilt will now send closer Casey Weathers to the mound to start the seventh.

Michigan 3, Vandy 1 as the visiting Wolverines are now hitting in the seventh.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Wichita: Now the game gets started!

Workman gets a double as hits ball traveled down the lf line. Hill lines out to ss, and that is the inning for the Shocks.

Back to the beginning of the batting order for the Wildcats, Gaston strikes out swinging. Ziegler follows with a strike out, and that ends an quick 4th inning.

Heading into the 5th, Weber slams the ball right out of the park for the first homerun of the night! Weber, Shocker catcher, puts the Shockers on the board.

They now lead 1 to 0.

Dusty Coleman follows, and he gets hit right off the bat on the shoulder to the boos of the Shocker fans. They boo Colla again as he gets ready to pitch to Dirks. Dirks get a hit that lays out the second baseman, and he gets to first as Coleman advances to third.

Wildcats are warming up Guilmet, and Burns. Guilmet was the Wildcats' starting pitcher for this tournament, and he is brought in to pitch in the bottom of the 5th.

Shocker fans start chanting, as Guilmet gets ready at the mound.

Here we go with Schermerhorn up to bat. He hits a double that sends in Coleman for the run, and Dirks is safe at third. Shocks up 2.

Dirks comes in for the run, as Brown's hit is caught for the 2nd out. Shocks at 3, Arizona not up on the board.

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Monday, 06/04/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #2 Louisiana-Lafayette: Fourth inning

One away on a fly to right.

Tough hop can't be handled over in short on a chopper by Parker Dalton. He reaches with one out.

Slow grounder to second and there's no chance for the double play. On to first for one out. Two away and a runner at second.

Grounder up the middle handled by short. On to first BUT COLLIGAN IS SAFE! Runners hold at the corners with two still out.

Line drive to center but it's right at the fielder. Side retired.

Cajuns almost gave some of their hard work back, but good job by Pilgreen getting out of some trouble. I'd say they still have the momentum.

Strike three looking on the outside corner. Not the way Cajuns wanted to get started.

Another strikeout for Thebeau. Two gone now. Cajuns need to make some contact.

They do there but it's a grounder right to short to end the inning.

Nothing doing in the fourth. 4-2 A&M.

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: Pulling out all the stops

Sunday starter Cody Crowell just gave Vandy an inning, and now it's Saturday starter Mike Minor's turn. The left-hander starts the sixth for Vandy and gets a pop-out to right on the first hitter.

Vandy left 10 men on in Saturday's loss to Michigan, and 12 on in yesterday's win. So true to form, Vandy's left five on through five tonight, and had a man picked off at third, for good measure.

Michigan still leads 3-1 in the top of the sixth.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, SC: Niners are Scrappy Little Dudes

The Charlotte 49ers have earned the respect of everyone in attendance. From a great coach to a group of scrappy ballplayers, these guys refuse to stop going at it 100 miles per hour all the time.

They've posted four runs in the top of the fourth to take a 5-2 lead. So far, after three and a half they've outhit the Gamecocks 11-2.

I'm sure Ray Tanner is happy to only be behind by three at this point.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Wichita: 3rd inning and no one on the big board

Coleman grounded out to 3b for the out. Dirks not happy with the call, as he is struck out on what looked like a ball. Schermerhorn is walked getting hit on the shoulder by the pitch. Schermerhorn has a close one as he tries to steal 2nd on Sublett's at bat, and dives back to first just in time. Sublett strikes out, and the Shocks head in.

Brown runs in and catches the ball in the Shockers bullpin to get the out. Up batting for Arizona is Abel, and he gets the third out as strikes out.

No score......

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: You know you're on when....

a team's No. 5 hitter swings and misses at stuff you're throwing in the dirt, and that's how nasty Vandy reliever Cody Crowell's slider is tonight.

Crowell was lit up by Austin Peay yesterday, but evidently has it going tonight. Crowell inherited Tyler Rhoden's first-and-third, no-out jam in the fifth with Michigan's No. 4-6 hitters coming up. He struck out Zach Putnam and Adam Abraham, then got a harmless fly ball to left to retire Doug Pickens.

So, the Commodores still trail 3-1, but Crowell's fantastic job keeps them in the game for now.

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Monday, 06/04/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #2 Louisiana-Lafayette: Third inning

Another double hit off the wall in right. Great piece of hitting by Stouffer, who is still on a tear. Robichaux may want to think about pulling Glass now before this gets worse.

Said and done. Matt Pilgreen, who had a fantastic game against Ohio State, takes the mound. Runner at second with no one out. Aggies threatening, already with a 4-0 lead.

Bunt bounced off home plate and HIGH in the air. That holds up long enough to get the runner to third.

Bouncing ball to second. Play at the plate. STOUFFER IS OUT. FIRST BASE COACH FOR A&M IS EJECTED FOR ARGUING WITH THE UMPIRE! This is getting heated quickly. Now Childress out to talk to the ump.

Well, out of all that, Anders reaches first and the Aggies can't score. Two gone.

Strike three swinging and the side is retired.

Things got a little hairy that inning, but finally resolved. A&M still with the lead and the momentum.

Long fly ball to right is just short of the track for out number one.

Colligan makes a sliding catch in center to pull down out number two. That thing was falling fast.

Devon Bourque reaches on an error. Cajuns are yet to have a hit.

Just as I typed that, Xavier Alexander reaches on an infield single. Runners at first and second with two out. Childress out to talk to Thebeau. He wants to nip this in the bud.

BASE HIT OVER SECOND. THAT WILL SCORE A RUN! Nolan Gisclair comes through and there are runners at the corners. Two gone still.

BASE HIT JUST PAST SHORTSTOP FOR AN RBI SINGLE! Jon Lucroy with the RBI and here come the Cajuns. 4-2 A&M. Runners go to the corners.

High fly to right and that's easy for the third out. Inning over.

Good job by the Cajuns fighting back. They aren't going to lay down. 4-2 going to the fourth.

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: It's not how hard, it's where you hit it

With a runner on first and none out, Brad Roblin hit a ball off the dirt area in front of the plate that softly fell over third baseman Pedro Alvarez's head and rolled down the line in left. I didn't see what happened when the ball got into the corner, as that view is obstructed from the press box, but Matt Meingasner must have had some trouble with it, as it seemed as if it took forever for him to field it.

In the meantime, Jason Christian scored from first.

Now, Nate Recknagel lines a single to left, and Tyler Rhoden, who's gone four-plus innings, is done after giving up seven singles, a homer and that double.

First and third for Michigan, who leads Vandy 3-1 with no outs in the top of the fourth.

Rhoden's replacement will be lefty Cody Crowell, who was knocked out early yesterday in a first-game start against Austin Peay.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, SC: Carolina Takes the Lead

In a move that could be questionable for the entire off season, Charlotte Coach Loren Hibbs put starter Luke Stahl back on the mound after a three hour rain delay. Stahl had already thrown 49 pitches when the game initially started. The Gamecocks jumped on him quickly, loaded the bases and squeezed two across before the inning was over. 2-1 Carolina in the top of the fourth inning.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Wichita: Confusion over who called it

A little arguement arupts as the third baseman, first baseman, and pitcher all go for the catch on Gillaspie's hit. Who called it? I don't really know, but someone was a little angry, but they get over it and the game continues. WSU dh, Josh Workman strikes out for the Shockers' 2nd out. Hill gets a single out to lf, and Weber follows with a pop up caught by 1b, 3rd out for WSU.

Great play seen at second and first, as WSU gets both runners. Just boom, boom, boom, catch at 3rd thrown to 2nd thrown to 1st. 2 outs for AZ, and Steele strikes out for the 3rd out.

Still Scoreless in the 2nd

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, SC: PLAY BALL!

Two hours and fifty six minutes later, we're back to playing some baseball. Carolina has loaded the bases in the bottom of the third. Trent Kline is up. One out. Charlotte leads 1 - 0.

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: Bullpen activity

With a .303 average against and a fastball that's measured with a sundial and a release point that comes in low, I was wondering if the Commodores, who had one baserunner the first time up, might hit him better.

Sure enough, four of the first seven hitters have hits off Fetter the second time around.

And now, Vandy's awful baserunning continues, as on Fetter's fake-to-first, spin-to-third move works as Ryan Flaherty gets caught in a rundown.

Two away, a man at second for Vandy in the bottom of the fourth.

Michigan 2, Vandy 1

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: Alvarez goes deep

I had just commented to the Nashville City Paper's Brett Hait that Michigan's Chris Fetter might be the kind of pitcher that gives Dominic de la Osa and Pedro Alvarez fits because his stuff doesn't look as if it breaks 75 mph.

Immediately afterwards, Alvarez, a lefty, hit a ball about 410 feet over the wall about 30 feet to the left of dead-center, and the Commodores have pulled within a run.

Ryan Flaherty followed with a single to left to extend his hitting streak to 35 games, one shy of the SEC record.

Now, Matt Meingasner has blooped a single to right, so first and second now with nobody out.

The crowd's into it now, and Vandy starters Cody Crowell and Mike Minor are warming up in the 'pen if Rhoden runs into trouble.

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Monday, 06/04/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #2 Louisiana-Lafayette: Second inning

LONG FLY BALL AND IT'S OUT OF HERE FOR A HOMER! CRAIG STINSON STARTS THE SCORING FOR A&M WITH A HIGH DRIVE THAT CLEARS THE WALL IN LEFT! He put a great swing on that and A&M strikes first. 1-0.

THAT ONE IS A GAPPER! Brian Ruggiano lines it over the shortstop and into left center and he LEGS IT INTO A TRIPLE! He drove that one nicely to find the gap. Runner on third with one out. Glass needs to be careful here and not give this wild crowd anything else to cheer about.

Bunt down the first base line is perfect by Feltner. The throw just gets him at first but another run scores for A&M. 2-0 Aggies out to the early lead.

Shot over to third is MISPLAYED! That should be an error as Parker Dalton reaches first.

Wild pitch and Dalton will advance. Glass needs to get it under control here before this thing gets worse.

LINE SHOT BY DANE CARTER INTO LEFT CENTER. THAT ONE GETS IN THE GAP AS WELL! RBI double and another run scores and it's 3-0. Aggies are making Glass pay for his mistakes. These are some fat pitches.

ANOTHER SHOT UP THE MIDDLE FOR AN RBI SINGLE! This time it's Kyle Colligan coming through. He'll get to second on a bad throw home. 4-0 now. Aggies are teeing off. This may not be Glass's day.

Finally a chopper to third retires the Aggies.

Aggies with some clutch two-out hitting. Buddy Glass can't afford any more innings remotely like that one. A&M came to play today. 4-0 Aggies.

Easy pop just out of the infield at second and there's one away.

Strike three looking. That's the last thing the Cajuns want to do. They can't be handing Thebeau confidence boosters by not taking the bat of their shoulders.

Strike three swinging this time. Thebeau is dealing to start.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Charlottesville: OSU gets one back

The Beavers narrowed Virginia's lead to two, 3-1, on a bizzare play in the top of the sixth. With no outs and runners on first and second, Mike Lissman hit a ground ball to UVA third baseman Patrick Wingfield. Wingfield tagged third for one out before making an errant throw to first base. Darwin Barney, who had been at first at the start of the play, sped around the bases but Wingfield got in his way at third. The umpire called interference and Barney was awarded home.
Jake Rule is now pitching for Virginia.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Wichita: Here We Go!

Game 7, Schermehorn gets a hit that flies past the 3rd baseman for a single. Schermerhorn steals second on a wild pitch from Colla, and then decides to go ahead and run to third while Arizona scrambles to fetch the ball. Brown still batting for the Shocks, and he strikes out swinging for the third out.

Arizona now on the plate. Dirks and Hill go running after a pop up fly hit by Gaston. They look like they are about to collide, but thankfully they dont run into eachother, and Hill gets the out.

End of the 1st inning, and no one has anything up on the board.

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Monday, 06/04/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #2 Louisiana-Lafayette: First inning

Kyle Colligan draws a walk with one away for the first baserunner of the game for A&M.

He's thrown out on a bullet on the very next pitch. Cajuns have handled A&M's speed quite well during the regional. Tough task.

Another walk. This time there are two gone, Hicks goes to first. Glass may be a little wild this inning.

High pop to end the inning.

Good job by Glass pitching around some walks. Cajuns coming up.

Strike three swinging on three pitches. Good sign for the Aggies to have Thebeau, someone who has struggled for them, get off to a good start.

Strike three swinging again. Two strikeouts to start off.

Great play by second baseman Parker Dalton. There was a sharp grounder that ricocheted off of the first baseman's glove. It bounced right to Dalton who hung with it and threw a strike to the pitcher covering. Inning over.

Not much action that inning. Good start for both pitchers.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Wichita: Game 7- Championship

This is it. Game 7 to determine the winner of the NCAA Regionals here in Wichita, Kansas. Arizona Wildcats are up to face the Wichita State Shockers, with the Shocks having homefield advantage. This game will be the deciding game to see where the Super Regionals will take place.

Starting pitcher for the Wildcats will be #16 Mike Colla. #14 Travis Banwart will pitch for the Shockers.

Top of the batting order for Arizona is Jon Gaston. Wichita has Andy Dirks starting it off.

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: Recknagel strikes again

Michigan's Nate Recknagel just hit a towering home run on to Memorial Gym over the 35-foot wall in left, putting Michigan up 2-0 in the top of the third with one out.

Recknagel's the guy whose bases-loaded double in the Saturday night meeting between the two teams provided the bulk of the offense in Michigan's 4-3 win over Vandy.

Tyler Rhoden must have been rattled, as he threw two straight balls before Shea Robin went out to speak with him. Rhoden then got two strikes, two foul balls, and a third that was caught in foul territory, so two are away now.

Michigan 2, Vandy 0 in the championship game here in Nashville, top of the third.

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Monday, 06/04/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #2 Louisiana-Lafayette

Championship monday here in the College Station Regional. This will be the deciding game of this regional to determine who moves on to the Rice Super Regional in Houston. This is the third of three games between the Texas A&M Aggies, and the Louisiana Lafayette Cajuns.

A&M was able to force this championship game by defeating the Cajuns last night by a score of 4-1.

Buddy Glass makes the start for the Cajuns. He has a 7-4 record in 14 starts and a 3.28 ERA. Kyle Thebeau gets the nod for A&M. He has a 2-5 record in 8 starts and a 5.10 ERA.

It's been a spectacular weekend of games, and I really hope this championship game is just as good.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Charlottesville: Virginia strikes first

Virginia scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth to break the ice here in Charlottesville. The big hit was a two-run single to right by Mike Mitchell. OSU's Braden Wells almost made the catch but pulled up just short on the sinking line drive. The ball bounced away from him and Beau Seabury and Jeremy Farrell scored easily. Later in the inning, Tyler Cannon drove a double over the head of Wells to the warning track, driving in Mitchell.
Turpen was replaced by Blake Keitman after the Mitchell single.

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: Wolverines strike first

A leadoff single by Adam Abraham, a one-out single by Derek Van Buskirk, and a check-swing single by Kevin Cislo that hugged the third base line loaded the bases for Michigan, and Eric Rose flied out to left to produce the game's first run.

Rhoden then wild-pitched runners to second and third, then Jason Christian bounced a high hopper to first that Brad French struggled with the sun to field, then grabbed, then jogged to the bag for the third out.

Michigan 1, Vandy 0 after 1 1/2.

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: Slow and slower

Those are the two speeds Michigan's Chris Fetter showed in the first to the Vanderbilt lineup, however, it was very effective as the righty gave up just a bunt single to Dominic de la Osa, two pop-ups and a harmless ground-out to second.

In fact, it's not a bad way to pitch this Vandy lineup at all, as they've had some some trouble against off-speed stuff this year.

I don't think I've ever seen a 6-foot-8 guy show less power in an inning than what Fetter just showed.

No score after one.

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: Rhoden sets UM down

The jitters may have gotten the best of Vandy's Tyler Rhoden to start the first, but he settled down nicely thereafter.

After going 3-0 to leadoff man Jason Christian, Rhoden got him on a 3-2 ground-out to first where Rhoden covered the tag after it looked like Brad French nearly lost the hopping baseball in the sun (yes, that's right: there's a brutal sun right behind the press box here).

He then struck out Brad Roblin on three pitches, and after Nate Recknagel's first-pitch single up the middle, got Zach Putnam to fly to right.

Michigan 0, Vandy coming to bat.

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: This one's for all the marbles

Boots Randolph played a superb national anthem on the saxophone here in Music City, and Vanderbilt and Michigan are moments away from starting the title game of the Nashville Regional. Vanderbilt, the home team, takes the field as the bleachers and the stands alternate the "black/gold" cheer.

It's righty Tyler Rhoden (4-0, 5.66) on the mound for Vandy against righty Chris Fetter (6-3, 4.71). Both teams have seven right-handed hitters in the lineup.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Charlottesville: Scoreless after three

We have a pitcher's duel her at Davenport Field. UVA's McAnaney has retired eight of the 11 hitters that he has faced while Turpen has retired 8 of 10.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Myrtle Beach: Mercifully Over

It's over in Myrtle Beach. Well, it's been over since the third inning, but it's seriously over now. This one was never in doubt, as Clemson rolls on through to the Super Regionals with a 15-3 victory over Coastal Carolina.

more >
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Monday, 06/04/07

Charlottesville: OSU-Virginia underway

A lively capacity crowd is on hand at Davenport Field as the Cavaliers square against Oregon State. With a victory, Virginia would advance to its first Super Regional appearance in school history. Junior left-hander Pat McAnaney (2-0) is on the mound for the Wahoos while Daniel Turpen (9-1), who pitched the final three innings of this afternoon's game, is on the hill for the Beavers.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, SC: Rain Delay

Another squall on the horizon and the teams leave the field here in Columbia, SC. There is one on and no outs for the Gamecocks in the bottom of the third with James Darnell, the teams leading hitter, at bat. The 49ers still lead 1-0.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, MO: Cards Take Columbia, Mo. Regional 16-6

Despite loading the bases in the 9th, Mizzou has fallen at home to the Cardinals of Louisville.

For the #3 seed Cards, this is the first regional championship in school history. And this team will be scary, especially since they will be able to hit with Oklahoma State.

16-6 is the Final, All-Tourney Team is in the link below.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Chapel Hill: Regional Wrap

North Carolina came back from a one run deficit to score two runs in the top of the ninth, then held on in the bottom of the inning to defeat Western Carolina, 6-5, and advance to the Super Regionals. Josh Horton, who had the two run single that drove in the eventual winning runs, was named tournament MVP (he was 5 for 12 overall). Rob Wooten (5-1), who pitched in all three games of the tournament for UNC, got the win with 3 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. Andrew Carignan pitched the ninth inning to pick up his fourteenth save.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, MO: Mizzou Left To Three Outs

After a 1-2-3 top of the 8th, the host Tigers are down to their final outs. It will take a miracle comeback to overtake the Cards 10-run lead... assuming they don't take any on in the bottom of the inning.

Which isn't something I would bet against.

Bottom 8... 16-6 Louisville, and the Cards have 21 hits

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Monday, 06/04/07

Round Rock: Final Wrap -- Smells of Omaha

Before this weekend, I had only seen an anteater once, in a zoo. I saw what it looked like, I saw how it moved, but I wasn't close enough to pick up its smell. Now I know.

Anteaters smell like Omaha.

This bunch has ridiculous speed, flashy gloves, disciplined bats, two stud pitchers, and most importantly, supreme confidence in themselves and determination.

Baseball programs always advance in steps each season. (Oregon State's title came the year after an 0-and-2 Omaha visit.) Before this weekend, Irvine had never won a postseason D-I game, so it seems really stupid to expect much more than this from them.

Yet there I was after the press conference, congratulating Taylor Holiday and telling him, "See you in Omaha."

ZOT!

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, SC: Niners Strike First

Carolina's Mike Cisco has worked himself in and out of jams through the first two innings. The Niners were able to scratch one across though on an errant throw from CF Steven Reinhold. After one and a half it's the Charlotte 49ers up 1 - 0.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, SC: The Cisco Kid

Sophomore Mike Cisco gave up two singles to start the game and then struck out two .400 hitters in a row (one was looking) and struck out .338 hitter Chris Taylor to end the inning.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, MO: Ejected

Up by 10, Boomer Whiting squared around to bunt. The next pitch he took it on a word that's a letter away from 'bunt.'

And as he ran down to first, reserve Lendsey Thomson exited the Mizzou dugout and had some words for Boomer. Home plate ump Mike Conlin took two steps towards him and gave him the heave-ho.

And again, Louisville manager Dan McDonnel is out jawing to Conlin, despite his team's comfy lead.

It could get ugly out here with tempers flaring... U of L 16, Mizzou 6 after six innings.

Kyle Hollander is in again for the Cards... it'll be tough to improve on his numbers, but we'll see if he does.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, SC: Cocks Take the Field

The Gamecocks have taken the field and we'll be underway in just a minute. Charlotte has to win two. Whoever wins this at the end of the day is headed to Chapel Hill where the Tarheels have already wrapped up their Regional.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Myrtle Beach: Gettin' Real Ugly

A five spot in the third, and a five spot in the fourth has made the score 12-0. Still only one out in the fourth, and Clemson has 14 hits, including a couple bombs by Marquez Smith and Taylor Harbin. The Tigers are running on everything, and there's not much else to say but, ball game over.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, SC: First Pitch Delayed

Today's Charlotte @ South Carolina game (or games, if Charlotte wins the first) has been delayed. With a massive Southern thunderstorm about 10 miles away, officials have decided to push back the start time to 4:25. For those in other parts of the country, it sounds odd to have "massive thunderstorms" in the same sentence with a 25 minute delay. However, in South Carolina and other states way "down here," it's not unusual to have sun blacked out suddenly by massive clouds, then a massive downpour and then sun again in twenty minutes.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, MO: Cardinals In Charge

We're only through five here and Louisville is pouring it on.

They lead 16-5 after a Jorge Castillo home run and a Pete Rodriguez RBI 2B.

Louisville is hitting .581 as a team today, and nothing Mizzou puts out there can douse the flames.

One would think that U of L couldn't keep up this pace, but they have. If they do face OK. St in the Supers, expect runs, runs, and more runs.

Meanwhile, Tiger RF Aaron Senne just absolutely cranked another one to lead off the 6th... Mizzou has an uphill battle here, but that can't hurt.

'Ville... 16, Mizzou... 6

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Monday, 06/04/07

Charlottesville: OSU eliminates Rutgers with a 5-2 victory

Jorge Reyes pitched six strong innings and Daniel Turpen, for the second time this weekend, threw three innings of solid relief, as the Beavers advanced to play first-seeded Virginia this evening at 6 p.m. Rutgers, the Big East regular season co-champion and the winner of the Big East Tournament, finished its season with a 42-21 record.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, MO: Dominguez Dominant

WOW. Chris Dominguez has sent another one out of here, this time oppo just hooking around the rightfield foul pole with two aboard.

Let's update his numbers: after doubling earlier, he is 7 of 18, scored 7 times, and knocked in 11 baserunners.

Despite his jawing, it's going to be tough to keep him off the ol' ballot now.

12-5 Louisville.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Chapel Hill: North Carolina Wins Regional

Western Carolina couldn't get it done against Carignan in the ninth, and UNC advances to the Super Regionals with a tough 6-5 victory.

More to follow...

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Monday, 06/04/07

Chapel Hill: Last Chance for Catamounts

Following Horton's big hit, Chad Flack singled. Pinch hitter Kyle Shelton lofted a deep fly to the left field corner that was hauled in on the warning track by Jonathan Greene.

6-5 UNC going to the bottom of the ninth. Closer Andrew Carignan will face Shaft/Murphy/Strausbaugh...

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Monday, 06/04/07

Chapel Hill: Heels Take Lead

Josh Horton has just singled to right-center to drive in 2 runs and put UNC ahead 6-5. Two outs with Chad Flack at the plate.

WCU has the top of its order up in the bottom of the ninth.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Chapel Hill: Getting Tense

After Reid Fronk struck out, Holland walked Tim Fedroff and Dustin Ackley. Tim Federowicz has just flied out to RF, but both runners advanced. So we have two out with runners and 2nd and 3rd, and Josh Horton at the plate. He struck out with the bases loaded in the seventh. Chris Masters, a lefthander who pitched well in relief against East Carolina last night, has come on to try and shut the door on North Carolina and force another game.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Charlottesville: OSU leads 4-2 at the seventh inning stretch

OSU scored its fourth run in the bottom of the sixth on a RBI base hit by Mike Lissman. Daniel Turpen has come on in relief for the Beavers and retired the side in order in the top of the seventh.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Myrtle Beach: D'Alessio Bomb

Andy D'Alessio has gone yard, again. It ties him for second all-time in Clemson history with 58, and it was a two run shot to put Clemson up by two in the first. Just like yesterday scoring four in the first, has put a damper on this real big crowd once again. Not quite as many people here as yesterday (about 6,200), but it's real close to 6,000. D'Alessio also tied himself for fifth on the all-time RBI list at Clemson with 213.

David Sappelt led off the bottom half for Coastal with a hit down the leftfield line, but he studdered rounding first, and was thrown out by Addison Johnson by a step. Tough way to start.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, MO: No Love Lost

Mizzou didn't score in their part of the 3rd, but they sure did help to stir up an already boiling pot.

It appeared that Tiger LF Aaron Senne stepped on Cardinal 1B Daniel Burton's leg as he tried to beat out the second part of a double play. Cards Manager Dan McDonnel came out to complain, and the umpires talked to both dugouts.

Then, as the inning ended, third base ump Bill Speck came over to talk to the U of L bench which apparently hadn't stopped jawing. McDonnel came out and back up his squad, and we are back to baseball at the moment.

Cards added one in the 2nd... it is now 9-5 in the bottom of the 3rd.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Chapel Hill: Still 5-4

Western Carolina could manage only a single in both the bottom of the seventh and eighth innings.

UNC got Seth Williams on base in the eighth. He singled with two out and the ball got past left fielder Jonathan Greene. Williams kept going and ran through a stop sign by Coach Mike Fox and wound up at third. Greg Holland got Garrett Gore on a check-swing third strike, so UNC will have only one more chance.

We head to the ninth with Fronk/Fedroff/Ackley up for UNC.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Charlottesville: Meade goes deep

RU catcher Frank Meade just hit a "No doubt about it" shot over the bleachers in left field. The Scarlet Knights still trail by one, 3-2, in the sixth.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Round Rock: Anteaters advance

California Smallball normally produces single-run innings. UC Irvine's brand produced three three-run innings to finish off Texas 9-6 and win the Round Rock Regional.

The three unearned runs they put up in the eighth compliments of two Texas errors really proved important, as Texas put on a furious rally in the ninth.

Taylor Holiday was named regional MVP.

Irvine will either play at Wichita State or Arizona in a super regional next weekend.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, MO: Tigers Roar Back

Batters five through nine in the Mizzou lineup have scored, and there are two on for Jacob Priday here in the top of the 2nd.

What a ballgame. Mizzou has five hits in the inning, and Skylar Meade hit a batter to bring a run, and his relief, Kyle Belanger, walked in another.

The third pitcher of the inning, Gavin Logsdon forced Priday to ground out to second... and it is 8-5 Louisville in ANOTHER wild one through one and a half.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Charlottesville: Rutgers chips away at OSU's lead

In the top of the fifth, the Scarlet Knights pushed across their first run of the day on a two-out base hit to center off the bat of Ryan Hill. After Dave Williams followed with a single, OSU's Reyes was able to work out of the jam by inducing a fielders choice groundball to the shortstop.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Myrtle Beach: We Ready

What a day for baseball. Not a cloud in the sky, it's 83 degrees, and it feels like 88 as we get set for the first championship game between Clemson and Coastal Carolina. If Coastal Carolina can find a way to win, we'll play again at 7pm. An interesting pitching matchup on tap, as the groundscrew does their finishing touches to Coastal Federal Field.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Round Rock: Texas hands Irvine insurance runs

Two Texas errors helped Irvine plated three insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth. At the end of eight, it's 9-5 'Eaters.

With one out, 1B Chance Wheeless booted Bryan Peterson's grounder. UCI coach Dave Serrano pulled a surprise pinch hitter. Dillon Bell, who was 1-for-12 on the season, strode the plate, took a couple of pitches and an ugly swing, then lined a single into right. Kyle Russell charged the ball and despite having no chance to get the runner at third, uncorked a high throw that sailed into the Irvine dugout on the fly. Peterson headed home to make it 7-5, and Bell was awarded third base. Ollie Linton was hit by a pitch and stole second, and with two outs, 9-hole hitter Tyler Vaughn lined a two-run single to center to score two more.

9-1-2 are due up in the 9th for Texas.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Chapel Hill: Catamounts Holding Serve

There was a pitching change for Western Carolina that I must have slept through. Tyler Sexton, who started the Friday game against East Carolina came on in relief of Tyler Johnson to start the fifth. After giving up a leadoff double to Reid Fronk that eventually led to a run, he retired 8 in a row. However, Fronk and Fedroff had two out sngles in the seventh and Sexton walked Ackley and was replaced by Greg Holland with the bases loaded.

Tim Federowicz greeted Holland with a single through the left side of the infield to score Fronk and pull UNC to within one run at 5-4. Holland struck out Josh Horton with the bases loaded to prevent further damage.

It's seventh inning stretch time....

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, MO: I Hope You Took the Over

Finally, Mizzou gets out of the first inning, but not before U of L brings eight around to score.

Mizzou is clearly pressing in the field, with a big throwin error by Kyle Mach accounting for at least one of those runs coming around to score.

The thing about Mizzou is that they haven't won with pitching; they've won by gritting it out on offense. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Tigers make a run (if the first inning didn't totally deflate them.)

Top 2, 8-0 Louisville.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, MO: Ayi Papi! Chris Dominguez Slams In Four

The quick-strike Louisville offense did it again as Chris Dominguez cleared the bases with his second HR in as many games.

Look at Dominguez's weekend line: 6 of 16, 5 R, 8 RBI.

And Aaron Crow's day is already done after a base hit, a fielder's choice, and another single by Chris Cates plates another U of L run.

6-0 Cards.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Charlottesville: Sloppy defense costs Rutgers

OSU tacked on two runs in the bottom of the fourth to take a 3-0 lead. Scott Santschi scored the first run of the inning when he sprinted home after RU catcher Frank Meade made an errant throw back to RU pitcher Matt Giannini. Jordan Lennerton, who had reached base on an error by RU third baseman Tim Querns, later scored on a RBI base hitby Joey Wong.
Rutgers committed three errors in the first four innings, not something you'd expect from a club fighting to keep its season alive.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, MO: Cards Jump On Top, 1-0

After nabbing the Golden Sombrero by striking out four times last night, Isaiah Howes was due.

He knocked in the first run of the ball game with a base hit back up the box.

Four consecutive singles in the inning, and it's 1-0 Cards in the bottom of the 1st.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Round Rock: Irvine is three outs away

Maybe the rain suspension helped Irvine's pitching, too.

It is ace Scott Gorgen on the hill for the Anteaters, and he mowed down three straight Texas hitters in the top of the eighth.

Texas will have Travis Tucker, Jordan Danks, and Kyle Russell up in the ninth.

Longhorn reliever Joe Krebs got through Irvine's 7th allowing only one baserunner on a HBP, and Randy Boone is on to pitch the bottom of the 8th for Texas.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Chapel Hill: Catamounts Are Legit

UNC picked up a run in the fifth on a leadoff double by Reid Fronk, who eventually scored on a sacrifice fly by Dustin Ackley. That drew the Tar Heels to within 4-3.

But Western Carolina has answered right back off Luke Putkonen, when Blake Murphy led off with a solo HR to right-center field to re-establish a 2 run lead. The Catamounts got two more on base but UNC brought in Rob Wooten with two out and he stopped the bleeding. Wooten has pitched in all three UNC games in this regional.

UNC went down in order in the sixth, and Tyler Johson is now in a groove on the mound for WCU.

In the middle of the sixth, it's 5-3 Western Carolina.

Just got a call from a friend at the Austin Regional, and it sounds like the Longhorns are on the verge of going down and out.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Columbia, MO: Regional Championship Set In Columbia

Today will be the third time in three days that Missouri takes on Louisville with the two teams splitting the first two contests.

The Cardinals certainly swung momentum back their way by defeating the Tigers 4-3 last night. Besides the emotional lift, the crowd in Columbia is noticeably smaller as the tournament creeps into the work week.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Chapel Hill: Catamounts Come Alive

UNC could do nothing in the 4th with a single by Seth Williams.

The WCU bats have come out this inning. Steven Strausbaugh was hit by a pitch to start the inning and Kenny Smith and Jonathan Greene followed with singles, the latter driving in the first Catamount run. John Ingram then hit a hard smash down the third base line that Chad Flack fielded initially. It looked like he was going to be able to step on third and then throw to first for the double play, but he dropped the ball and everyone was safe. Then Nick Liles hit a line drive double down the right field line to drive in two. A groundout by Donnie Wilson drove in ingram and finished the scoring for Western Carolina.

They have life with a 4-2 lead heading into the 5th. Tyler Johnson has settled in after a shaky start and is doing a good job for WCU. He'll face the top of the order in the fifth.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Round Rock: Here we go again

The longest seventh-inning stretch in the history of baseball is about to end.

Texas' Jeff Boes popped up to end the top of the 7th at 8:22 p.m. last night. At about 1 p.m., UC Irvine's Taylor Vaughn will lead off the bottom of the 7th with the Anteaters leading 6-5.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Chapel Hill: Now 2-0 Heels

UNC added a run in the third on consecutive singles by Garrett Gore and Reid Fronk and a sacrifice fly by Tim Fedroff.

WCU got a leadoff single by Brent Greer, but he was erased on a 6-4-3 DP off the bat of leadoff hitter Barrett Shaft. Blake Murphy was caught looking to end the inning. I've not been to a WCU home game, but Shaft surely uses the theme from the movie "Shaft" for his at-bat song. That's a no-brainer. Any Western Carolina fans who know?

Wow, is it hot! Still, I'd rather boil in the sun than face the threat of rain. I just hope my fingertips don't get scorched on my keyboard.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Chapel Hill: Heels Break Through

UNC scored first on a one out walk to Josh Horton followed by singles by Chad Flack and Kyle Seager. SethWilliams hit into a 6-4-3- double play to end the scoring.

The Catamounts went 1-2-3 in the bottom half.

UNC 1-0 after two.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Charlottesville: OSU takes lead

The Beavers jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first on a Rutgers defensive miscue. Catcher Frank Meade threw the ball into centerfield trying to gun down Jason Ogata at second. Chris Hopkins, who had stolen third on the double steal, jogged home.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Chapel Hill: Scoreless First

UNC went down in order in the first.

Western Carolina threatened with a two out double by Steven Strausbaugh and walk to Kenny Smith, but Jonathan Greene flied out to centerfielder Seth Williams to end the inning. Williams made a nice diving catch to rob Greene of a hit.

UNC catcher Tim Federowicz somehow busted his chin in the inning, but after a brief delay for a bandage got right back behind the plate.

The seats are not quite full yet, but a lot of fans are standing up under the shaded walkway to avoid the heat and sun.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Charlottesville: RU runs itself out of inning

With two outs and Mike Bionde on first, Dave Williams doubled down the right field line. Bionde tried to score and was thrown out easily at home by OSU right fielder Scott Santschi.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Charlottesville: Rutgers-OSU about to get underway

The Star Spangled Banner has been sung and Day Three of action in Cville is about to get started. In the 1 p.m. elimination game, RU's Matt Giannini (5-4) faces off against OSU's Jorge Reyes (4-3) as the Scarlet Knights and Beavers fight for the right to play Virginia this evening at 6 p.m.

In response to a comment below, teams are able to reset their 25 man rosters between the Regionals and Super Regionals and between the Super Regionals and CWS.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Chapel Hill: Hot and Sunny in Chapel Hill

The rains of yesterday are a distant memory, as today it is expected to be 88 degrees and mostly sunny. It's already steaming here. Eric Sorenson would love it.

North Carolina is the visiting team for this game, needing just one win to take the Regional title. They'll pitch Luke Putkonen (7-1, 4.23). Western Carolina is the official home team for this game and will start Tyler Johnson (3-3, 6.04). Coach Todd Raleigh said last night that he may use a potpourri of pitching to get through this game, and he hopes a second game.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Tempe: Signing Off

It's with mixed emotions that I'm posting my last blog from the Tempe Regional. I've had fun at the games, met some cool people and enjoyed the local scene, but with all things considered, I'm still glad that I don't have to climb the ladder to the roof of the Brock Ballpark pressbox to sit in the heat again on Monday. Thanks Arizona State for not letting this go to another day.

With that said, the Sun Devils put on a pretty good show this weekend. On paper, they were the class of the region and on the diamond, they were the class of the region. They won the first two games behind solid pitching and really showed why they may be the most feared offensive team in the country with the 19-run championship round showing.

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Monday, 06/04/07

San Diego: What a difference a week makes

If anyone read my preview for the San Diego Regional, you knew I wasn't too high on Cal State Fullerton's chances of making it into the Super Regionals.

I thought it was ridiculous that they got a No. 2 seed and that after finishing the season 6-11, I thought the Titans were most likely not going to be ]a threat in the NCAA Tournament.

Ooooops.

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Monday, 06/04/07

San Diego: The fat lady has sung

A small contigency of fans (maybe 300) stuck it out till the very end to watch Fullerton close out Fresno State, 13-2, to win the San Diego Regional at Tony Gwynn Stadium and advance to the Super Regionals next week.

The Titans will greet the winners of the Long Beach Regional, UCLA, at Goodwin Field next week.

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Monday, 06/04/07

San Diego: San Diego Regional All-Tournament Team

Who would have thought three days ago that there would not be a single Torero on the All-Tournament Team. Well that's the kind of weekend that its been here at Tony Gwynn Stadium.

So here it is...

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Monday, 06/04/07

San Diego: It is all but over

Titans lead 12-1 going into the ninth inning. Cal State Fullerton is headed to the Super Regionals, what else is new.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Long Beach: All-Regional Team

Long Beach Regional

All-Regional Team

MVP: Jermaine Curtis - UCLA

Catcher: Ryan Babineau - UCLA

First: Brandon Godfrey - Long Beach State

Second: Denny Duron - Pepperdine

Short: Chad Schroeder - UIC

Third: Jermain Curtis - UCLA

Outfield: Robert Perry - Long Beach State and Justin Uribe - UCLA

Designated Hitter: Cody Decker - UCLA

Pitcher: Ryan Zink - UIC and Gavin Brooks - UCLA

That's it from Long Beach! Have a great night!

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Monday, 06/04/07

San Diego: Fullerton extends lead, another scary moment

It is looking more and more like the Titans are going to Super Regionals, again. Fullerton's Nick Mahin hit a bases clearing triple to put the Titans up 9-1 in the sixth.

Because UCLA beat Long Beach State in the Long Beach Regional, the Titans will host a Super Regional (against UCLA) next week if they can hold on here tonight.

Early in the sixth inning, Fullerton's Corey Jones was hit in the head by a pitch. Jones lied on the ground for a couple minutes before walking off the field. It was the second time today a player was hit in the head with the ball. In the first game today, Tanner Scheppers was hit in the head while pitching by a line drive. Scheppers was taken to the hospital but returned to Tony Gwynn Stadium.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Oxford: wrap up

Rebel offfense got the most in championship game shootout. Ole Miss broke the school's NCAA Tournament runs record with 21. Alex Kliman and Justin Henry each had four hits for Ole Miss and Zach Miller and Zack Cozart both had four.
Sam Houston State continued the offensive mometum with its gutty victory in the first game of the day, but the Bearkats (40-24) ran out of pitching.
SHSU actually led 9-8 in the middle of the fourth, but Ole Miss put together a nine-run fourth in which everyone in the Rebel lineup scored and Ole Miss ran away.
OM pitcher Craig Rodriguez (2-2) allowed a run on two hits over 3.1 innings to stymie the Bearkat mometum and allow Ole Miss to run away with it.
More below.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Tempe: We're Done -- ASU Cruises

In the end, the ASU bats were too strong and the Nebraska pitching staff was worn too thin as the top-seeded Sun Devils emphatically advanced to next week's Super Regionals with a 19-7 win over no. 3-seed Nebraska.

I'm gone to report from the press conference and will check back in one last time from Tempe.

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Monday, 06/04/07

San Diego: Klipp experiment works

Fullerton head coach George Horton went with a reliever who had only pitched 33 innings all year to start Sunday night's game - and it worked.

Justin Klipp was great for 4 2/3 innings, giving up only one earned run on four hits, while striking out four.

Bryan Harris took over for Klipp and struck out Erik Wetzel to finish the fifth inning.

So through five, Fullerton leads 6-1.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Fayetteville: Wrapping It All Up

We've finished things up here at the 2007 Fayetteville Regional, won this year by Oklahoma State.

Here are some final thoughts on what all we've seen this weekend....

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Monday, 06/04/07

Tempe: ASU Slams Door Shut

Now that'll kill a rally. Just when Nebraska charged its way back in to this ball game, the Arizona State bats slammed the door shut. Petey Paramore and Matt Spencer got hits to start the eighth before Zach Herr hit Andrew Romine to load the bases and put an end to his day.

Matt Foust, a starter, came in to face C.J. Retherford, who didn't waste any time. He crushed Foust's first pitch over the left field wall for a 'don't mess with us in our own house, it's time for you to go home' grand slam.

Needless to say, the home ASU crowd and Sun Devil Fan No. 1 were stoked.

And it didn't stop there. The Devils got three more hits, two more runs and went through two more Nebraska pitchers before the bleeding stopped to the tune of a 15-7 ASU lead.

Now I have been more than impressed with Nebraska's hustle and resilience to make the championship round after struggling to start Regional play here in Tempe. They've done a great job and deserve to be commended for it.

But this game and this Regional are over. ASU is too good of a team and has too big of a lead too late in the game on its home field to even think of not winning.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Long Beach: UCLA Is Feeling Super

Not since 2000 has the UCLA baseball team felt as super as they do tonight.

This is because for the first time in seven seasons, the UCLA baseball program is extending their season into Super Regional action by beating Long Beach State in the final game of the Long Beach Regional 7-4.

"It was a hard fought game," UCLA coach John Savage said of his team's performance tonight. "It started out rough as Tim Murphy struggled early. He found his composure and found his strikes. It was a game where we did what we needed to offensively and kept going at them. It was a great win for our program."

Pitching complete game for the Bruins -- which was their third starting pitcher to have completed his game during the weekend -- was Murphy who gave up eight hits, four runs, walked two and recorded eight strikeouts in 140 pitches.

"I was running a little bit low in the tank, but you always have to think you have a little bit more left in you and we went out and got it," Murphy said.

Helping encourage Murphy along to the complete game was the UCLA offense that connected for two runs in the third inning, four runs in the fifth inning and one more in the sixth to give them the edge. Along with the offense doing their job during the at-bats, UCLA's defense also staved off a pesky Long Beach State team that was fighting off a long day at the ballpark that started with their 4-3 win over University Illinois-Chicago.

"I give our guys a lot of credit," Long Beach State coach Mike Weathers said. "When you are in that elimination game and playing two in a day, it's not easy. I thought our guys did a great job with it."

Long Beach State did not go down quietly as the Dirtbags struck first by recording three runs in the first and one run in the third. Yet as their bats cooled down in the night air, continuing on to a Super Regional was not in the cards for this season.

"I know a lot of people only remember the last game, but as I just told the guys that this season was incredible when we had 21 out of 35 new guys and everyone learned so much," Weathers said. "Even though we came up short, we weren't even in it last year, so I am real proud of them."

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Monday, 06/04/07

Long Beach: The Bruins Have A Great Weekend At The Beach

We're all done here in Long Beach as UCLA holds onto their 7-4 lead to advance to a Super Regional.

Stay tuned, box score, noteable quotes and All-Regional Team to come...

Final
UCLA 7
Long Beach State 4

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Monday, 06/04/07

Long Beach: I Can Not Tell A Lie

AJ 'I'm a real boy!' Pinocchio is pinch hitting right now.

There are three outs left in Long Beach State's season and the boy who can not tell a lie gets the first crack of the bat.

Yes, I've been waiting all weekend to file a legitimate blog on the kid who has no strings.

There's a full count on the board and we are waiting to see if Long Beach State's puppet master coach Weathers made the right move.

Unfortunately, Pinocchio is going back on the shelf as he popped out to shallow center field.

Stay tuned...

UCLA 7
Long Beach State 4

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Monday, 06/04/07

Tempe: Life From Lincoln -- Huskers Rallying

Don't count the Huskers out just yet. They've scored four unanswered runs, put an end to Josh Satow's night and turned a 9-3 deficit into a 9-7 game.

They picked up one run in the sixth, but the real damage was done in the seventh. DJ Belfonte walked and Craig Corriston lined a triple down the third base line to cut the lead to 9-5. When Andrew Brown singled to score Corriston, the Sun Devils put in Matt Spencer to pitch for Satow.

That prompted the most questionable decision of the evening. Whoever's controlling the sound here at Brock Ballpark started playing the theme from Smokey and the Bandit with the lyrics "We've got a long way to and a short time to get there."

As my friend John -- a TV guy from Lincoln -- pointed out, that's a great rallying cry for a team trailing 9-6 in the seventh inning. It seemed to help the Huskers, who picked up another run when Spencer couldn't get an out. In fact, all he could manage was a wild pitch and an error.

Enter closer Jason Jarvis with two on and no outs. He finally stopped the bleeding. The Huskers picked up another run on a ground ball out, but Jarvis put a quick end to a dicey situation.

As for Sun Devil Fan No. 1, he missed recording most of the Nebraska rally. He did muster the energy to sing during the seventh inning stretch and was certainly root root rooting for the Devils.

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Monday, 06/04/07

San Diego: Scheppers is back on the bench

Fresno State's Tanner Scheppers, who was hit in the head by the ball on a line drive while pitching against Minnesota earlier today, has returned to Tony Gwynn Stadium and is sitting in the Bulldog dugout.

Scheppers was seen giving high fives and hugging teammates during the fourth inning in Fresno State's second elimination game of day, against Cal State Fullerton.

Earlier today, Minnesota's Kyle Baran hit a line drive that hit Scheppers directly in the head. Scheppers was on the ground for about 10 minutes and was put on a stretcher and taken to a nearby hospital via an ambulance.

Fullerton is leading the game 5-1, with the Bulldogs batting in the bottom of the fourh inning.

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Monday, 06/04/07

NASHVILLE: Pitching matchups for Monday night

It should be Tyler Rhoden (4-0, 5.66) for Vandy to face Michigan's Chris Fetter (6-3, 4.71).

However, there's a story behind the numbers. The seldom-used Rhoden pitched Vandy to the SEC Tournament title game last weekend against Arkansas, while Fetter was the Big Ten ERA champion (2.22) last year.

Vandy's got closer Casey Weathers and walk-on Jason Cunningham, who pitched five shutout innings in a key spot against Ole Miss in last week's tourney, available. UM' has closer Adam Abraham and Michael Powers in reserve.

It should be a classic at Hawkins Field tomorrow night between two teams who can really hit the ball.

Interestingly, Vandy is now a game from a Super Regional without an extra-base hit from all-American Pedro Alvarez.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Long Beach: Six Outs To Go!

After 3 1/2 hours, we are in the home stretch as we just started the top of the ninth.

Tim Stewart got us one step closer to having a winner with out number one.

Stay tuned...

UCLA 7
Long Beach State 4

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Monday, 06/04/07

Fayetteville: Post-Game From the Finale

Dave Van Horn doesn't mince words. Ever. Tonight, after Oklahoma State's 7-6 win, he kept things simple, while giving praise to the victorious Cowboys.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Long Beach: Can I Use A Lifeline? Call-A-Friend?

This one is for Mark Saxson from the Orange County Register and Peter Yoon from the LA Times as they have been my partners in crime all weekend here at the Beach.

We had a scary moment here in the press box as one of the guys from the UCLA radio station almost unplugged our internet connection in hopes of fixing his phone line connection problem. Never mind that no one has touched the box since we all plugged into it before the first game of the day, but while checking the connection, UCLA radio almost disconnected every one else.

As just discussed, the internet connection is the lifeline to the outside world for all of us who have done just about everything but sleep here at Blair Field since Friday.

It could have been ugly.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Fayetteville: Chatting With the RBI Girls

We couldn't finish out our coverage here in Fayetteville without talking with the tournament's top dancers: the Arkansas..oops..I mean NCAA Regional RBI Girls.

As the CSTV television crew spoke with captain Rachel Smithson, who has now been in two blogs, three online videos and now an on-air clip for CSTV (that's got to be a CSTV record for a cheerleader) we decided to talk to some of the newer RBI Girls, who are experiencing a regional for their first time.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Long Beach: Rawhide!

After seeing a lightening-quick half inning like we just had here in the bottom of the seventh during Long Beach State's last at-bat, that classic song of "Rawhide" creeps into my mind as I want to keep these innings moving.

We are now in the top of the eighth and look, it's the one thing that can add time to a game -- a pitching change.

This time Long Beach State is bringing in Ryan Shaw.

Shaw is 6-2 with a 2.47 ERA.

Stay tuned, he's warming up and there is one out on the board with UCLA's Carrithers at second.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Fayetteville: Region's All-Tournament Team

Here's the 2007 Fayetteville Regional All-Tournament Team, dominated with players from the champion Oklahoma State Cowboys...

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Monday, 06/04/07

San Diego: Fullerton looking good

Thanks to a John Curtis 3-run homerun in the third inning, Cal State Fullerton has taken a a 5-1 lead. Curtis has been on fire during the San Diego Regional, recording seven hits in less than three games. The Titans are still batting here in the top of the third.

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Monday, 06/04/07

Tempe: Air Delivery

The Sun Devils picked up some momentum and Nebraska gave them a helping hand as ASU extended its lead to 9-3 in the fifth. CJ Retherford got things started with a single with two men on to score Petey Paramore from third.

Then Nebraska catcher Jeff Lanning overthrew third base trying to make a play for the second error of the inning. Matt Spencer scored on the errant throw and Retherford scored when Tim Smith grounded out to the pitcher.

As for Sun Devil Fan No. 1, he's now texting his boy in the stands, who in return keeps looking up to the press box with long distance fist pounds to celebrate the ASU success. Nice.

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Monday, 06/04/07

San Diego: Nice relay, game stays tied

With one out in the second, and runners on first and third for the Titans, Fresno State got out of jam with a nice realy double play.

Steve Susdorf caught the ball in left field and then fired the ball to relay man Tommy Mendonca, who from about 15 feet away threw a strike to catcher Dan Grubb who tagged Fullerton's Matt Wallach out at the plate.

Through two innings, we are tied at one.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: Top Seven, No Change

We are in the top of the seven and UCLA is still up 7-4.

Stay tuned...

UCLA 7
Long Beach State 4

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Colubia, SC: FINALLY!

Charlotte wins 12-10. NC State goes home. Tomorrow at 4pm est, the Gamecocks and Niners go at it again. At this point we know Mike Cisco is pitching for USC, but unsure of who is pitching for Charlotte - as if they have anyone left...

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tempe: Hey Look -- No Runs

For the first time tonight, we've rolled through an inning with no action. Six batters stood up and six batters sat down as ASU maintains a 6-3 lead through four.

Since I've got some time, I can give you an update of Sun Devil Fan No. 1 sitting next to me in the press box. After cheering ASU on throughout the game, he's now calling his mom with updates. Through my process of astute deduction, I've come to the conclusion that he is not a neutral reporter.

Now I'm left to ponder -- who is the biggest fan -- Johnny Huskerfan or Sun Devil Fan No. 1? Johnny Huskerfan got a sunburn to show his school colors and made more noise than all of Riverside's fans put together this afternoon, but Sun Devil Fan No. 1 snuck his way into the press box to make a home movie of the game. I don't know -- it's a tough call.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: Running Out Of Steam?

As we are in our third day and sixth game, there are a few of us in the press box who definitely are running out of steam.

Long Beach State also seems to be running out of steam while UCLA is picking up steam with their last run here in the top of the sixth inning.

Meanwhile, we have another Long Beach State pitching change as Dustin Rasco takes a turn on the mound for the Dirtbags.

Rasco is 1-0 with a 4.00 ERA in 23 appearances.

Stay tuned..I may need to get some coffee or refined sugar from the concession stands so I can record my sixth complete game of the weekend.

UCLA 7
Long Beach State 4

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Now, it's over

Vanderbilt has survived its pending dismissal from the tournament by winning a pair of elimination games against Austin Peay and Michigan, the latter a 10-7 game that lasted over 3 1/2 hours.

So, the two teams will meet again tomorrow night, and the Hawkins Field breathes a collective sigh of relief as Brett Jacobson strikes out Nate Recknagel with a man on in the ninth.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Michigan making it interesting

Michigan trails Vandy 10-6 in the ninth, but it's far from over. The Wolverines have runners on the corners with one out, and the No. 2 hitter Brad Roblin at the plate... so stay tuned.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

San Diego: Fresno ties it up

The Bulldogs start the bottom of the first with singles from Erik Wetzel and Loren Story and then Brian Lapin hit a chopper to short, which allowed Wetzel to score from third.

Something I've noticed about Cal State Fullerton fans: They love to complain. Every ball call that is kind of sort of close to a strike and the Fullerton fans go bananas. It's hilarious.

Bulldogs are still batting in the bottom of the first, with a runner on first and one out.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: UNREAL!

I can't believe this, but NC State DH Mike Roskopf just hit a three run bomb to right center field in the bottom of the eighth. Charlotte had already added an insurance run in the top half of the eighth.

The score is 12-10 Charlotte. There have been six home runs in this game and 14 on the day.

I'm beginning to think I'm being punk'd by Aston Kutcher.

Oh man, Charlotte 3B Aaron Bray pulls a Bill Buckner bringing the tying run to the plate. A passed ball moves the recipient of the Buckner re-enactment, Pat Ferguson, to second. Caleb Mangum is up who's already homered tonight. Heck, I think I might be the only guy here who hasn't homered tonight.

Ohhhhh, Mangum fouls out.

Going to the top of the ninth, 12-10 Charlotte.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: Wilk-em To The Game

We have another Long Beach State pitching change as freshman Adam Wilk is warming-up on the mound.

Wilk is 3-0 with a 4.75 ERA in 21 appearances and three starts.

Stay tuned...

UCLA 6
Long Beach State 4

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: Mississippi State comes out on top

Top-seeded Florida State finished an impressive 35-6 at Dick Howser Stadium this season, but two of those losses came this weekend and cost the Seminoles dearly. Two-seeded Mississippi State beat the Tribe two nights in a row to hand the home team an early postseason exit and advance themselves to the Super Regional.

Mike Martin and the Seminoles had won eight previous NCAA Regionals in Tallahassee coming into the weekend, including 20 of their last 23 games, with an all-time record of 70-21. However, healthier than they have been and with a number of close and quality losses to end the season, the Bulldogs snuck into the regional with a deceiving record, put the pressure on the Noles and swept the field.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: They Had Nuthin For Us!

With only one runner getting on-base thanks to a walk, the Dirtbags had nuthin for us -- or themselves -- in the bottom of the fifth.

We're in the top of the sixth and Ryan Babineau is up at-bat.

Stay tuned...

UCLA 6
Long Beach State 4

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tempe: Huskers Answer

Nebraska picked up another run in the third and for the first time tonight, kept ASU from scoring. Jake Opitz and Andy Gerch led off with singles and Bryce Nimmo sent Opitz home with a sacrifice fly to cut the Sun Devils lead to 6-3.

Meanwhile, Dan Jennings settled down and kept the Sun Devils to four batters and no runs in the bottom of the third.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

San Diego: Hardman goes yard

Fullerton's Clark Hardman just nailed a ball against the "Aztec Baseball Wall of Fame," for a leadoff homerun to start the game. Can't get a better start than that.

An interesting statistic: Cal State Fullerton is 24-3 in games in which it can advance in the NCAA Tournament.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: The Bruins Will Have Another

Thank-you-very-much!

It's another run for UCLA as the Bruins finished the top of the fifth by adding four runs to take the lead 6-4.

Stay tuned...Long Beach State is up to bat.

UCLA 6
Long Beach State 4

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Running Out of Time

Going to the top of the eighth inning, the score remains 11-7 Charlotte. Stay tuned though, with the way today is going, there should be a few more home runs and at least ten more runs from someone.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Well, they didn't blow it open. But...

Vandy's Ryan Davis laid down a nice bunt on a squeeze against Michigan's Alan Oaks, who'd pitched just a third of an inning this year. A run scored, and although Shea Robin flied out to deep center to end the inning, the Commodores now just need to hold a five-run lead to get a second chance against Michigan tomorrow night.

And the way Brett Jacobson is dealing, holding the Wolverines scoreless since entering with no outs in the fourth, those chances look pretty good.

Vandy 10, Michigan 5, Wolverines sending the No. 4-6 hitters to the plate in the 8th.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Can Vandy blow it open?

Things have been quiet in Nashville for a while, but Vandy's threatening to blow a 9-5 game open in the eighth.

The Commodores have the bases loaded, and Michigan's brought in Alan Oaks, who has pitched a third of an inning this year, against Vandy pinch-hitter Ryan Davis.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: I Do Know A Dirtbag!

And it's not one of my ex's that lives in Texas.

Instead, it's my friend Cameron from the Long Beach State Athletic Department who is one of the few, but proud who is actually reading my blogs.

Long Beach State FINALLY got an out on UCLA, but the Bruins were able to tag up to home plate and score another run.

Stay tuned...

UCLA 6
Long Beach State 4

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tempe: Oooh... That Stings

This is the performance I expected tonight. Kiel Roling and Ike Davis knocked in a couple more runs for ASU and the Sun Devils have a 6-2 lead through two. Nebraska needs to respond or this one could get out of hand.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Wichita: WSU wins, Going on to the Championship!

Shockers get the three outs quickly, as Arizona hits a line drive, and the Shocks get the out at first and third.

Brett Bascue comes in to pinch hit in the bottom of the third. Shocker fan roar, as Bascue gets to first on a walk. Jones comes in to run for Bascue.

Shocks have two outs in the 9th.

Cheers erupt, as Schermerhorn makes a homerun out in center field for the Shockers. What a play. The Shockers now are to play tomorrow at 7pm for the Championship Game.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Myrtle Beach: Setting Up The Rematch

Oh boy, where to start. First of all, Coastal Carolina wins 6-5 after trailing 5-3 in this one. If you're St. John's, pat each other on the back for an outstanding season, and an outstanding regional. They are going to head back to Queens and feel like they could have easily won this thing. They blew that game against Clemson, beat VCU, and blew this one against Coastal, on a call that could have gone either way.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

San Diego: Fullerton going for another Super Regional

Cal State Fullerton is looking to advance to its fifth straight Super Regional, when it goes up against Fresno State tonight at Tony Gwynn Stadium.

Since the Titans won their first two games of the San Diego Regional, they could conceviably lose tonight and win tomorrow and still advance to the Super Regionals.

Fresno State, who beat Minnesota 11-6 in the first elimination game today, needs to win both tonight and tomorrow to advance to next week.

The Titans will start Justin Klipp (2-0, 2.18 ERA), and it will be Klipp's first start of the season. The Bulldogs will send Brandon Burke (4-6, 4.25 ERA) to the hill.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Round Rock: We're suspended until tomorrow, Augie speaks

We'll resume tomorrow at 1 pm with Irvine coming to bat in the bottom of the 8th leading Texas 6-5.

If Texas rallies for a win, we'll play a winner-take-all game one hour following the game's conclusion.

"Some things are beyond our control, and the weather is obviously one of them. I hope our crowd will come back and support this team, because they have given every ounce of energy trying to win this thing." -- Augie Garrido

See you tomorrow...

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: You-See L-A Go Far

UCLA isn't out of this quite yet according to Gabe Cohen.

With bases loaded, Cohen just hit a stand-up double that bounced off the centerfield wall and scored Carrithers and Crawford to put the Bruins on top 5-4 with no outs.

Stay tuned...

UCLA 5
Long Beach State 4

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tempe: Speaking of a Rowdy Crowd...

Part of the one here in Tempe is sitting next to me in the press box. I'm not sure what his official capacity is, but some dude has a camcorder and a lot of love for the big ASU first inning and promptly gave the shocker/pitchfork hand signal (scroll down to Saturday night's blog for an explanation) with the rest of the Sun Devil faithful. Good times.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Myrtle Beach: What's Up Dock?

Dock Doyle just hit a sacrafice fly to leftfield that plated the go ahead run in the bottom of the 8th. It was a real close play at the plate, as the throw from Brian Kemp was in plenty of time but Monaghan's tag was up on the hip, and we all believe the hand got in of David Anderson. It's only fitting that he scores the potential winning run after taking a tough luck loss in their first game today. Last licks for St. John's.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tempe: This is Not a Pitchers' Duel

When we last left mighty Arizona State and the scrappy, resilient Nebraska Cornhuskers, I left a question for the Sun Devils and our faithful readers at home to ponder. After watching Nebraska open strong with a two-run first inning, would the potent Arizona State bats be able to respond?

The answer is -- yes. Very much so. We're through one inning of play and Nebraska has already gone to its bullpen. Like Nebraska, ASU got five hits in its first turn at bat. Unlike, Nebraska, not all of the Devils' hits were singles. Nebraska starter Thad Weber got leadoff hitter Tim Smith out, but that was it. Brett Wallace walked and Eric Sogard singled before Kiel Roling promptly gave ASU a 3-2 lead with a shot that just cleared the right field wall.

Ike Davis, Petey Paramore and Matt Spencer all logged hits as well to add another run and put a quick end to Weber's day. Dan Jennings came in to stop the bleeding, but ASU already had a 4-2 lead and the backing of a rowdy crowd.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Chapel Hill: Final Wrap

Western Carolina has advanced in the Chapel Hill Regional to face host and #3 national seed North Carolina. The Catamounts eliminated East Carolina with a 9-5 victory. Brock Thornburg (4-2) got the win with 5 1/2 innings of relief for starter Corey Martin. Chris Masters closed it out with 2 1/3 innings of perfect ball, including four strikeouts, to post his first save. Josh Dowdy (5-2) took the loss for East Carolina.

"It's a gratifying win," said Catamounts Coach Todd Raleigh. He said he is unsure of who will start tomorrow's game against the Tar Heels, but that just about any of his pitchers could be called into action. Drew Saberhagen, who threw 117 pitches in eight innings last night, told Raleigh he can pitch tomorrow, and even scribbled his name on the lineup card tonight in volunteering to pitch if needed

The game took only 2:43 to play, and the official attendance was 2,235. That was obviously the paid attendance, as there were probably half that number in the stands due to the inclement weather and long rain delay.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Cowboys Win Regional

For the second straight year, the #3 seed has won the Fayetteville Regional.

Arkansas got the tying run at first, as Casey Coon hit an infield single with two outs. However, Jeff Nutt struck out swinging, and Oklahoma State has won the Fayetteville Regional and will advance to meet the winner of Missouri and Louisville in the Super Regionals.

The crowd is emptying fast, as what seemed to be a very promising year for Arkansas has ended in utter disappointment, while what seemed to be a collapsing year for Oklahoma State just found new life.

Arkansas ends their season at 43-21. Oklahoma State improves to 41-19 on the year.

We'll be back with the following...
*All-Tournament Team results
*Post-Game Reactions
*Feature with two of the RBI Girls
*Final Wrap-Up from this weekend.

Once again, Oklahoma State has captured the Fayetteville Regional, defeating the Razorbacks 7-6.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: To My Friends at the Long Beach Regional

How many dirt bags do I know...

Wow. You've asked a great question. Let's see, assuming my brother-in-law won't read this because he knows nothing about sports, my brother-in-law is more than just a dirt bag. He's a lot of things, dirt bag is just the tip of the iceberg.

John Biggins from 29 years ago in 1st grade - he was a dirt bag.

I'd like to nominate OJ Simpson as a dirt bag (my thoughts are in no way indicative of CBS or affiliated their partners).

A-Rod, dude, screaming "I got it, I got it!" as run past an infielder is pretty dirt bag if you ask me.

OK, back to work, NC State is threatening yet again.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Wichita: Tied

8th inning, and Rhinehart is up for Arizona. Rhinehart gets walked, and Glenn comes in and hits. A catch at 3rd base gives AZ their first out, and up now is Steele. Steele hits and tries for the double, but is out at 2nd. Confusion, as no one knows whether the ump called a foul or not. Fon ran to first on a wild pitch, and this crowd is not too happy with that.

WSU brings in #4 Noah Krol to pitch.

Childs hitting against Krol. He gets a hit, and Gillaspie rushes after it and gets him out at first for the third out.

WSU now batting, starting off with Gillaspie. He hits one to center right for the out. Up now, Jackson. He's out at first. 2 outs for the Shox. Weber up now, and he is out at first also. Very quick inning for the Shockers.

Still tied at 3 to 3. Fans are starting to get restless... stay tuned.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: No Miracle, No Runs, Just Goose Eggs

Here we are at the top of the fifth.

UCLA could not find a miracle in the top of the fourth and Long Beach State lost their bats in the bottom of the fourth as we have a couple of goose eggs on the board for this inning.

Stay tuned...

UCLA 2
Long Beach State 4

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Houston: Wrapping it up

We're closing out the weekend here in Houston, as Rice saved itself from playing a Game 7 with a 3-1 win over TCU this evening.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #2 Louisiana-Lafayette: Ninth inning

Hot shot through at third. Big spot here for the Cajuns.

DOUBLE PLAY BALL TO THIRD AND THE AGGIES TURN IT! BIG PLAY, TWO GONE!

STRIKE THREE LOOKING AND THAT'S THE GAME!

WE"RE GOING TO DAY FOUR! WHAT AN EXCITING REGIONAL THIS HAS BEEN! Regional championship coming up tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. Aggies win this one 4-1.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Here We Go...Bottom of the 9th

The crowd is calling those Hogs one more time, hoping for some last inning heroics at Baum.

Arkansas trails Okla. State 7-6, and we're down to the last three outs in this game.

They've just handed out the All-Tournament Team ballots. I filled mine in, but I might be ripping it up by the end of the night, if Arkansas has anything to say about it.

Tschepikow, Forsythe and Coon will face Jordy Mercer in the bottom of the ninth. We're down to this here in Fayetteville.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: How Many Dirtbags Do You Know?

If ex-boyfriends count, then I know about five.

If you are talking about members of the Long Beach State baseball team, well, I can't say I know a single one.

I bring this up because in between today's two games, I saw a shirt only a Long Beach State mother could love:

My son is a Dirtbag.

Love it!

With this cute play on words having now been seen twice today, it begs the question, how many Dirtbags do you know? Let's discuss:

My brother is a Dirtbag.

My cousin is a Dirtbag.

My uncle is a Dirtbag.

My brother-in-law is a Dirtbag.

My son-in-law is a Dirtbag.

I am the mother of a Dirtbag.

I am the sister of a Dirtbag.

Your father is a Dirtbag.

I am a Dirtbag writer.

My employee is a Dirtbag.

Please feel free to add your own in the comments section.

UCLA is hoping for a miracle right now as there are two outs, a runner on first and Brady Dolan is up to bat with a 2-1 count.

Stay tuned...

UCLA 2
Long Beach State 4

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, MO: Monday, Monday

We're going seven in Columbia, Mo.

Mizzou left runners on first and second as Kyle Hollander gave another gutty performance out on the mound and willed the Cardinals to victory, 4-3.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tempe: One Base at a Time

Nebraska clearly has no intentions of going back to Lincoln on Monday. The Huskers came out swinging in the first, running up five base knocks and two runs on Josh Satow's tab. Satow threw a lot of pitches to get out of the inning, and unless he settles down soon, his night isn't going to last long.

Craig Corriston, Andrew Brown, Jake Opitz, Jeff Tezak and Bryce Nimmo all logged hits, with Tezak and Nimmo picking up the RBI for the 2-0 lead. Now we see if the vaunted ASU bats can respond.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Hogs Down to Last Three Outs

Jake Dugger sent a blast to right, but it was caught at the warning track, and Oklahoma State is now just three outs away from a regional.

Brian McLelland is back on the mound for Arkansas, and will try to give the Razorbacks a chance to tie or win this game in the bottom of the ninth.

The 8-9-1 batters for the Cowboys are up in the top of the ninth, and they lead it 7-6.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

San Diego: Fresno State wins, next up is Fullerton

The Bulldogs scored six in the first and another four in the fourth, which was more than enough for Fresno State, as they beat Minnesota 11-6.

Brian Lapin, who plays center field and is 6-foot-6 (that has got to be some sort of record), went 2-for-5 with two RBIs and a first inning homerun.

There is still no update on the condition of Bulldog starting pitcher Tanner Scheppers, who left the game after being hit in the head with a line drive in the fourth inning. He left Tony Gwynn Stadium conscious and responsive before being taken to a local hospital.

Fresno State will now try and continue their season one more day, when they go up against Cal State Fullerton. The Titans beat the Bulldogs 6-4 last night.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: Thud

This is the sound of how Long Beach State finished the bottom of the third as Brandon Godfrey's fly ball out to centerfield fell into the glove o Justin Uribe.

Yes, despite have the bases loaded for a second time in the inning, the Dirtbags could not bring any more home.

More sound effects to come...

UCLA 2
Long Beach State 4

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Hogs Cut Lead to One

Danny Hamblin reached base on a throw that went way over Rebel Ridling's head and into the pitcher's dugout, sending Hamblin to second. With two outs, Brian Walker doubled to the power alley, making it a 7-5 game.

2 outs, Walker's on second, and Jacob Julius is the tying run at the plate. Julius smacks it to center field, Walker scores...and it's 7-6 now with Julius on first and two outs. The go ahead run is at the plate in the form of Jake Dugger.

Stay tuned, as hog calls are once again filling the air...

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: Are YOU Talking To ME?

Apparently UCLA pitcher Tim Murphy has two words for Long Beach State's Danny Espinosa - 'Sit down!'

This outburst was heard as Espinosa was walking back to the Long Beach State dugout after being struck out by Murphy.

These two words not only got the Long Beach State fans on their feet, but home plate umpire Jeff Head had a few words with Murphy and then with UCLA coach John Savage in hopes of diffusing the situation.

Now, it's Long Beach State coach Mike Weathers who is upset with Head's call that Perry only had a single -- when it should could have been a double.

In addition, third base umpire Doug Williams had to get the Long Beach State bench to back down after getting animated over the call. I know, Williams was trying to avoid potential suspensions a la Suns versus Spurs style.

Long Beach State has the bases loaded and one out on the board. Steve Tinoco just struck out and Brandon Godfrey is up to bat.

Godfrey is a 5-foot-9 freshman, but his single up the middle to bring home Peterson and keep the bases loaded, was just heard over at the Long Beach State campus three miles away.

Stay tuned... we are not out of it yet...

UCLA 2
Long Beach State 4

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Speechless

With a man on first and no outs, and No. 5 hitter Ryan Flaherty having gotten hits in seven of his last eight at-bats and riding a 34-game hitting streak, Flaherty laid down a bunt against Michigan's Eric Katzman.

Hopefully, I don't have to explain why that's a bad play. To make it worse, Pedro Alvarez was thrown out at second.

And now, Matt Meingasner walks to get that all-important runner advanced.

Vanderbilt 9, Michigan 5, top of 6.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #2 Louisiana-Lafayette: Eighth inning

Line shot past first by Jonathan Lucroy for a good start to the Cajun eighth. They need to get started quickly.

Another base hit by Lafayette. This time it's Tatford. That should be the last batter for Migl. Two on with no outs.

Standing round of applause for Scott Migl. GREAT performance. 7+ innings and no runs surrendered yet. However, both runners are his responsibility.

Travis Starling now on to pitch for A&M. He needs to nail down six more for the Aggies to stay alive. Tough spot here, though.

LONG FLY BALL, BUT IT'S CORRALED IN RIGHT FIELD! Gisclair might have got under it a little. Runner at second moves to third and a big first out for A&M. Runners at the corners.

Another long fly ball but this one hangs up for Colligan in center. Runner easily scores from third on a sacrifice fly and the Cajuns are on the board, 4-1. However, there are two outs now.

Pinch hitter Justin Robichaux lines one up the middle for the Cajuns. Runners at second and first and the tying run is coming up to the plate. This might go down to the wire just like last night.

Chopper to first stays fair and playable. Side retired. Big pitches made by Travis Starling for the Aggies. Cajuns get on the board but are three outs from defeat. 4-1 A&M.

A&M goes down in order. Last chance coming up for the Cajuns.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Are We In Colorado?

Another three runs thanks to two long bombs by N.C. State's Pond and Mangum has gotten them right back in it. The score is 10-7 in the top of the sixth - wait - check that. As I type, Charlotte just scored again. 11-7 Charlotte and guess what... they are threatening to score some more. First and second occupied by Niners, there are no outs.

So far, we've seen 13 HR today. Four a piece in the previous two games and five in this one.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: Noles are done, MSU advances

Mississippi State pulled off a 9-4 win to complete the upset and knock out the Seminoles in front of their home crowd. The Dogs will advance to the Super Regional after beating Florida State two nights in a row.

First baseman Brandon Reichert led off the ninth and punched a ball deep down the right-field line that landed foul by inches. He took the next pitch deep too, this time to center field, but MSU center fielder Jeffrey Rea chased it down at the track.

All-American second baseman Tony Thomas Jr. came up next but struck out and shortstop Mark Hallberg hit a grounder to second for the easy out at first to end the game.

Lots of happy Bulldog fans and I'll be back in a few with postgame reactions.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, MO: Pridaaaay, Pridaaaay, Priday Good

Bottom of the 9th, and Kyle Hollander has just given up his first hit in the regional.

A solo shot to Jacob Priday. Priday has been nasty, going 3 of 6 with 3 R and 4 RBI against the Cardinals.

4-3 Louisville in the bottom of the ninth, no one out.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Jacobson get it done, with help from an umpire

Vanderbilt needed Brett Jacobson to pitch tomorrow night, but in a pinch here on Saturday, will take what they can get now.

With no outs and two on, Jacobson got No. 3 hitter Nate Recknagel to pop to left for out one. Then, on a 2-2 pitch, Zach Putnam hit into what was ruled a 6-4-3 double play, though replays showed Putnam barely beat the throw at first. Putnam reacted with disbelief when the call was made, and for good reason.

Vandy 9, Michigan 5, five complete here at Hawkins Field.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

San Diego: One last chance for the Gophers

Yesterday, the Gophers had a five run lead going into the ninth inning, before watching it slip away to San Diego as the Toreros tied it (but lost in extra innings).

Today, the Gophers are down by five, and if they don't at least tie it, the 2007 University of Minnesota baseball season would be over.

So here we go.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Myrtle Beach: All In A Name

No quit in these Chants. After an error on St. John's pitcher George Brown when he threw the ball down the rightfield line that scored one to cut the lead to 5-4, and then a SAC Fly by Dock Doyle tied the game at 5-5. Coastal had a chance for more with a runner on third and only one out, but St. John's new pitcher Justin Gutsie (an appropriate name) got out of it after getting Bortnick and Vrable back to back. A good one here as each team tries to live at least another 20 hours or so, heading to the 7th, tied at 5.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: One of the longest HR I've ever seen in college ball...

In what is slowly becoming the longest day of my life, Charlotte RF Chris Taylor hit a two run home run that hit the roof of the batting cage on the girl's softball field beyond the left center fence.

Going to the bottom of the fourth, it's Charlotte ahead 10-4.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tempe: It's All on the Line -- Huskers and Devils

The sun is setting in Tempe on what promises to be an electric night at Brock Ballpark.

Nebraska, on the heels of a complete game effort from Johnny Dorn in an 11-1 trouncing of Riverside, faces powerhouse Arizona State with a berth in the NCAA Super Regionals on the line.

The Sun Devils, known for their big bats that produce almost nine runs a game, have been winning with similar pitching efforts all weekend and start ace Josh Satow (11-3 2.72 ERA) tonight.

I'm honestly surprised to see Nebraska here after a pair of listless efforts on Friday and Saturday. Riverside clobbered the Huskers, 10-5 on Friday and Nebraska needed a five-run seventh inning to slip past Monmouth to stay alive on Saturday.

But a completely different Nebraska team showed up against Riverside this afternoon. They dominated what appeared to be a superior UC Riverside team in every aspect of play.

Dorn was locked in, striking out 12 while giving up five hits, six walks and just one run in nine innings. They'll need a similar effort tonight to get past the Sun Devils and their rowdy home crowd. They'll also need some help from their small but vocal contingent of fans in enemy territory.

With a win, ASU advances. If Nebraska wins, we play one more for all the marbles on Monday.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: Last chance for Noles

The Bulldogs strung together three straight singles to load the bases on FSU's Fairel in the bottom of the eighth and right fielder Mitch Moreland kept it going with a two RBI single of his own to give Mississippi State a five-run cushion heading into the ninth.

Fairel was replaced by right hander Jimmy Marshall after throwing career-highs with 4 and 2/3 innings and six strikeouts. Marshall struck out the last two batters of the innings and the Noles have one more shot at a come back.

MSU's Aaron Weatherford shut down the Seminoles in the eighth, throwing two K's and fielding a chopper to first, but the Dogs will make another change to send right fielder Mitch Moreland to the mound for the ninth.

The Noles are just one inning away from elimination now and will need nothing short of a miracle to pull it out. Brandon Reichert will bat first in the nine hole.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Six Outs Left for Razorbacks

Arkansas got Jeff Nutt on first with a walk, but couldn't get anything else. We head to the eighth with Okla. State leading 7-4, and just six outs away from winning the Fayetteville Regional.

The fans aren't leaving just yet...attendance is 8,128 for this game. The average attendance per game at this regional has been 6,452, which leads all regionals at this point.

The Cowboys bat in the top of the eighth, up three runs.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Christiani's toast

Vandy's Tim Corbin has pulled Nick Christiani with nobody out in the bottom of the fifth after the sophomore right-hander gave up an infield single on a ball to deep short.

Now, right-hander Brett Jacobson--who's pitched well of late--is on for Vandy. This is a huge blow against the Commodores, as Jacobson would have been the likely starter tomorrow if Vandy can hold on and win tonight.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Round Rock: Lots and lots of rain

Fortunately, the tarp is on the field and this field is engineered to drain very well.

Word is that we're waiting this out, and they think the rain will be through by 10 p.m.

The NCAA guys want to wait it out.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Houston: Never-say-die TCU comes up short

Rice lefthander Bobby Bramhall, sporting a 0.47 ERA in his last nine appearances, ran into some uncharacteristic problems in the eighth. With one out, Diego Seastrunk made his fourth error of the tournament, followed by a walk to lefty Bryan Kervin. That brought Ben Carruthers to the plate as the go-ahead run with one out in the top of the ninth.

Bramhall got Carruthers on a soft fly ball to left, bringing up the limping Kirk Gibson hopeful, Keith Conlon, pinch hitting in the DH spot. With the crowd on its feet, a fired-up Bramhall whiffed Conlon on a change-up to end TCU's season and send the Owls to the super regionals.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Oxford: Ole Miss wins regional

Ole Miss just defeated Sam Houston State 21-13 to advance to its third consecutive super regional. On to the press conference.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Wichita: End of the 7th and the score is still tied

Diallo Fon now batting for the Wildcats as a pinch hit for Pace, and he gets a single to centerfield. Childs now up, he goes for the bunt that is retrived by the pitcher and thrown to Sublett, covering first, for the out. Pinch hitter, Erik Castro. Castro gets the walk as Weldon comes in to run. Gaston hitting now, and the catcher, Weber, catches his ball for the 2nd out. Sedbrook up for the Wildcats, and he gets a hit that 2nd baseman goes after, and Fon makes it in for the run.

Score tied tres to tres.

WSU calling in for Kyle Touchatt to go to the mound to pitch for the Shockers.

Ziegler hitting for Arizona, and he gets the third out for the Wildcats.

Batting for WSU in the bottom of the 7th is Coleman. Coleman is walked, and Dirks is up for the Shockers. Dirks strikes out, and Schermerhorn is up. Coleman steals second and he is safe. Schermerhorn is walked, and up comes Sublett, Damon Sublett. He gets a hit to left field, and that is an out. Brown is in, and he gets banged on the hand. As he tries to shake it off, Coach Stevenson comes up to talk to the ump. All is well, and Brown gets a hit...and gets the third out.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Christiani tiring

Vandy desperately needs Nick Christiani to eat some innings, but it's not looking good in the fifth.

Christiani gave up a single to Derek van Buskirk, then walked Kevin Cislo and Eric Rose. Jason Christian then went the other way with a double off the wall in left, clearing the bases.

So now, things are getting interesting again. Michigan has a man on second, no outs in the bottom of the fifth trailing Vanderbilt 9-5.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: More Offense!

In 21 innings of baseball today there have been seven different times where a team scored four runs or more in their half.

The latest to do it? The NC State Wolfpack! Getting embarrassed 8-0 after three, the Pack came out and scored four runs before knocking out Charlotte's starter Zach Rosenbaum.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, MO: Hot Corner

Someone should tell Cards 3B Chris Dominguez to shove a sock in his mouth.

After taunting the 1B and the catcher while rounding the bases, he preceded to dance back out on to the field as he returned to his position, before completely turning to face the Mizzou dugout and exchange some words.

The real question is... how is he still in this game? The umpires, and furthermore, the NCAA reps have really botched this decision. Dominguez should be taking a shower.

But at least the crowd is riding him for it; after a foul out by Evan Frey, Dominguez was roundly taunted every time he touched the ball as it moved about the horn.

Bottom of the 8th, U of L 4, Mizzou 2

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: Is The Beach Washed Up?

It's still the top of the third and UCLA has now scored two runs with runners on second and third. There are two outs, but after seeing the UCLA bats start to wake up, I'm wondering if Long Beach State is taking a siesta in the middle of game two.

Fortunately out number three came just in time and the Dirtbags are now up at-bat.

Stay tuned...

UCLA 2
Long Beach State 3

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Sunday, 06/03/07

San Diego: Minnesota inches closer

The Gopher got four consecutive singles and were able to score two runs in the bottom of the sixth, to close the Bulldog advantage to 11-6.

But Minnesota left runners standed at second and third, and in the game, Minnesota has left eight runners on base.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #2 Louisiana-Lafayette: Seventh inning

Migl remains in to deal for A&M in here in the seventh. It's getting late for the Cajuns. Pinch hitter Van de Keere starts it off.

High pop to dead shallow center. Shortstop camps under it and one is gone.

Another high pop to third. Hauled in in foul territory and two gone.

Josh Logan reaches on a high chopper that bounces off the third baseman's glove. Shortstop would have had a play on it. Runner at first with two gone.

Another high popup right to second. Seventh inning stretch time. Cajuns can't get anything going against Migl, who is really pitching well.

LINE DRIVE TO DEEP LEFT, OFF THE WALL! Brian Ruggiano JUST missed a homer there. He reaches second for a leadoff double. Aggies definitely want to increase the lead and get some insurance here.

Quick play made on a bunt by Colligan. Solich looks to third, but has no play, so on to first. Aggies have a golden opportunity here with one out.

Cajuns may be pitching around Hicks to set up a double play. Count is 3-0.

I guess not. Smash up the middle and play made by the second baseman playing in, on to home and Ruggiano is caught in a run-down. Second out but Hicks advances to second. Tough luck for A&M.

NOW Louisiana is going to give a free pass. Four wide to Blake Stouffer and runners are at first and second now with two gone. I'm sure they want to have that force available at second.

LONG FLY BALL DOWN THE LEFT FIELD LINE AND IT'S RIGHT OFF THE TOP OF THE WALL BY CRAIG STINSON! Oh man, that missed being a homer by inches! AND STINSON IS CUT DOWN TRYING TO STRETCH IT INTO A TRIPLE! Both runners score however, a two run double for Craig Stinson and A&M gets that insurance to push the lead to 4-0.

Big runs for A&M. Migl has to feel very relieved now. Great clutch hit by Craig Stinson. Time is really against the Cajuns now.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: The Brave And The Stupid

Here we are in the bottom of the second.

UCLA -- despite getting to arrive at the field fashionably late in the day for their game -- is struggling early on.

The Bruins were retired 1-2-3 in the second inning -- which was a repeat performance of the first.

With Long Beach State at-bat, it's time to see if they can extend their lead.

Meanwhile, we've got some serious fans in attendence for game two. Sure there are a lot of leftover Long Beach State fans who did not have anything better to do on a beautiful Sunday afternoon than stay for game two, but it looks like a few more of the Dirtbag faithful -- along with a large group of baby blue diehards -- have made it out for tonight's game. The Long Beach State fans, for the most part are sticking to the home side and behind the home plate in their seating selections. Check that, MOST of the Long Beach State fans are not mingling with the Bruin faithful.

Instead, there are a few brave -- and maybe stupid -- who are sitting in the middle of the UCLA section and participating in the Long Beach State cheers.

Now I've done some stupid things before -- include run around the UCLA campus while wearing a USC sweatshirt -- but at least I was moving. For those who have never been to a baseball game, you are sitting the whole freaking time so you are a stationary target. Considering that UCLA fans are an animated bunch, I would NOT want to be within throwing distance of any UCLA fan, including the grandma with the beehive hairdo in the UCLA sweatsuit.

So I'd like to make a prediction on our first fight of the game -- the fourth inning. Even though beer is not sold at Blair Field -- I know, no fun there -- it's those flasks that are smuggled in that you have to watch out for.

Stay tuned...after Long Beach State retired in order, UCLA is starting to look alive as they have runners on second and third in the top of the third.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: The Final Stretch??

We're in the middle of the seventh, with Oklahoma State still leading Arkansas 7-4.

Arkansas needs a lot of help, as OSU's Josh Fritsche so far has shut them down. The top of the Razorback order will come up in the seventh. Fritsche's painted the corners, and frustrated Arkansas batters.

It's crunch time in Fayetteville...the fans are trying to do whatever they can. Will it be enough to get them another day?

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, MO: Dominguez Doubles Up Mizzou With Dinger

Chris Dominguez just went deep with a Carlton Fisk-esque line drive.

And rounding first, he spun around and had words with Tiger 1B John McKee, before engaging in some extra-cirricular words with the Mizzou catcher Trevor Coleman.

The Tiger bench spilled out on to the field, and the Cardinals mobbed Dominguez.

Both these benches have been warned, and bad blood has officially been stirred between these two teams.

4-2 Cards in the top of the 7th.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, MO: Hollander Bails Out Cards

What a weekend for Louisville reliever Kyle Hollander. He's making his third appearance of the weekend, and his second today for the Cards, and he retired both Kyle Mach and Gary Ardnt with runners on second and third.

The last out brought the Louisville team out of the dugout to greet their screamin' dealer. He's gone 5.1 IP and has yet to allow a hit.

... and it just gets worse for Isaiah Howes. He just won the golden sombrero as he struck out swinging yet again in his fourth consecutive at-bat.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: That'll show me

Earlier in the evening, I believe I referred to the Vanderbilt first baseman as "the light-hitting Brad French," which is fair since he's slugging .335 in 158 at-bats.

Well, the light-hitting Brad French has just gone the other way and into the bleachers just to the right of the 375 sign, giving Vanderbilt a 9-2 lead.

French is a great story: A local kid who went to the state's best high school (Montgomery Bell Academy) just two miles down the road from Vandy, and despite growing up as a Tennessee fan, begged Vandy's Tim Corbin for a scholarship. Corbin told French he didn't think he was good enough to play at Vandy, but later changed his mind.

The rest is history; French has started since the latter part of last season, and although his bat is often lacking, he's terrific with the glove and Corbin likes the example he sets for teammates by playing through all kinds of pain, and even mononucleosis earlier this year.

9-2 Vandy, Commodores with a man on second and two outs in the top of the fifth.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Niners Again

The Charlotte 49ers tacked on another run in the top of the third inning, making the score 8-0 after two and a half. This has the potential to get ugly as NC State may need to sign someone in the stands to pitch. They've already exhausted their pitching staff in two games. Should they come back and win tonight, aside from the apocalypse being upon us, it would be interesting to see who pitched tomorrow.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: Fairel does his part, Noles need runs

FSU freshman Matt Fairel pitched his third consecutive scoreless inning and now has six strikeouts after logging two more in the seventh.

Fairel bought the Seminoles another chance, still down three, heading into the eighth.

Mississippi State will bring on sophomore closer Aaron Weatherford who had a great showing in the first matchup between the teams.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #2 Louisiana-Lafayette: Sixth inning

Lacing liner to left by Tatford but it's caught for out number one of the sixth. Good job by Migl working back from a 2-0 count.

High fly to center and it's an easy second out. Two gone here in the sixth. Migl could use a 1-2-3 inning here.

He won't get it. Hot chopper to third can't be handled by Ruggiano and is through to left for a single. One on with two outs.

WHAT A CATCH MADE IN FOUL TERRITORY DOWN THE THIRD BASE LINE TO RETIRE THE CAJUNS! Brian Ruggiano ran as far as he could, slid into the wall and made the grab to end that half inning. What a play and the fans here at Olsen love it. Great job by the Aggies picking up for Migl. A&M is nine outs from sending this to a Monday showdown.

Strike three to start the Aggies half. Solich has really done a great job holding them to two.

Base hit up the middle for Greene. Good piece of hitting on the first pitch. Runner on first with one out.

Bunt by Feltner is popped up, but Jonathan Lucroy bobbles and can't hang on. Then he makes a bad throw to second and the runner is safe. Everyone is safe. What an odd play. First and second with one gone.

BIG DOUBLE PLAY BALL FOR THE CAJUNS AND THEY TURN TWO TO GET OUT OF THAT MESS! Grounder right to the second baseman and it's turned easily. Wow, there has been some great clutch pitching in this game. Aggies still lead by two.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Chapel Hill: Final Here

ECU went down in order in the ninth and has fallen 9-5 to end their season. Chris Masters struck out 4 in 2 1/3 innings of relief.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

San Diego: Scheppers was "conscious and responsive'

To get the game stuff out of the way, the Bulldogs added a run in the top of the sixth to now lead 11-4.

The Fresno State media relations office have released a statement saying that Scheppers "was conscious and responsive before leaving Tony Gwynn Stadium." Also, "his parents, David and Ann Scheppers accompanied him to the hospital."

If there is more information about Scheppers condition, I will quickly get that out there.

The Bulldogs are currently batting in the top of the seventh.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Houston: Standing O for Joe

Joe Savery just left the game to a standing ovation from the entire crowd, including the TCU fans, which is a touch of class. His teammates waited in the dugout for the high-fives, allowing Savery time to tip his cap, which you don't see very often at Reckling Park.

Savery left (remaining as the DH, however) after a leadoff single in the top of the eighth. He allowed six hits in seven-plus innings pitched, striking out three, walking one and hitting one batter. He has allowed one run so far, turning one inherited runner over to fellow junior lefthander Bobby Bramhall, Rice's most consistent reliever.

First pitch change-up, 6-4-3 double play. Nothing to it. A cross between Tom Glavine and John Franco, Bramhall followed up the double play with a strikeout of Austin Adams to end the top of the eighth.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: The Bomb Dropped...

Inside the park.

Robert Perry hit a sweet shot to right field that bounced off the outfield wall to enable Cline and Espinosa to score.

Following these two runs, Jason Corder tagged up to first as Steve Tinoco was called out on a 4-3 play.

We are now out of the first and Long Beach State seems to be using some momentum from their win earlier today to take a 3-0 lead.

Stay tuned...

UCLA 0
Long Beach State 3

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: OSU Adds to Lead

The Cowboys have upped their lead on Arkansas in the top of the sixth. Matt Mangini doubled off the wall in right center, advanced to third on a sac bunt by Rebel Ridling, and scored on a sac fly by Jordy Mercer. Casey Coon's relay throw was on the money, but Brian Walker couldn't handle it.

Arkansas needs runs in the bottom of the sixth. It's usually known as the AQ Chicken Winning Inning during regular season games at Baum. They need this to be a winning inning for them. Time's running out on the Hogs.

7-4 Oklahoma State

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: "Hey, my tickets aren't in the splash section!"

If this were Sea World, they'd paint protective lines around the box seats right in front of the press box... this guy was walking up the stairs to his seat, doing a little shimmying to some John Cougar Mellencamp music on his way to his seat.

Unfortunately, he got a little too much into showing off for the two girls right in front of him, stubbed his toe, and his drink went flying all over both of them. But they seemed to take it pretty well, and as a bonus, it looks like he kept his tater tots.

The Commodores make a little splash of their own, as Matt Meingasner rips a 1-1 single to left to give Vandy a man on to lead off the fifth.

7-2, Vanderbilt leads here as the game's 1:35 old and we're starting the top of the fifth.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Myrtle Beach: Anninos Show

If two homeruns and four RBI weren't enough in today's first game, why not hit another in the night cap? Chris Anninos of St. John's just did that, as he launched his 8th homerun of the year, a three run shut to put the Johnnies back on top 5-3. It was part of a four run inning, and now you would have to think that Coastal IS starting to think about that Clemson game that was played earlier in the day.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, MO: Howes It Feel?

What a forgettable day for Louisville LF Isaiah Howes. At the plate he's struck out swinging at three curveballs.

And in left, he just lost track of a ball that fell in for a double off the bat of Aaron Senne. That moved John McKee up to third with only one out.

The home team has a chance to break this one open... still 2-2.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Wichita: Arizona Wildcats with their claws out

Batting for AZ is Sedbrook, and he strikes out. Ziegler now up, and he gets a hit to lf and secures a spot on first. Rhinehart up, he is walked by Womack. Glenn batting for AZ, and he gets a hit that is caught by lf. Steele up to bat, and he hits a pop up caught in cf for the Wildcats' third out.

Shockers have Sublett batting for them in the bottom of the 6th. Sublett gets a double out in centerfield. Matt Brown now up for WSU, he gets the single. Gillaspie batting for the Shox. He gets to first, and Brown is out at second. Jackson hits one high to the left field that is caught by Pace, but Sublett is able to come in for the Shocker's third run. Weber now up. Arizona meets on the mound, and Coulon gets back to pitching. Weber is walked, and Hill comes to bat.

New pitcher for Arizona, #25 Daniel Schlereth.

The Shocks get their third out, and the score stand at WSU 3 AZ 2

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Sunday, 06/03/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #2 Louisiana-Lafayette: Fifth inning

More computer problems. Trouble here for A&M. First and third with two out and Lucroy coming up.

Lucroy grounds to third and that does it for the Cajuns, who are again unable to push a run across.

High popup to center for out number one for the Aggies.

Liner right to the first baseman for out number two. Good stab.

Popup to first this time and an easy 1-2-3 for the Cajuns. Inning over. We head to the sixth, with the Aggies still up 2-0.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: Dogs dodge rally

With two out, the bases loaded and the stadium on its feet, MSU reliever Ricky Bowen got Jack Rye to ground out to the second baseman to prevent a Seminole rally and take the wind out of the sails here at Dick Howser.

Mississippi State still leads 7-4 and are up to bat in the bottom of the seventh.

Bowen K'd the first batter, walked Tony Thomas Jr. and then got one heck of a play from his right fielder, who dived right at the wall to snag a deep foul ball hit on a full count. The freshman then walked catcher Buster Posey on a full count to set up home-run Rye and the fan frenzy.

They should've known it was too good to be true.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Oxford: Standing Ovation

Ole Miss junior shortstop Zack Cozart just got a standing ovation from the Oxford-University Stadium crowd as he came to the plate in the seventh inning.
The crowd was acknowledging that it might be Cozart's last at bat at Oxford-University Stadium. Cozart walked, drawing a few boos.
Rebels lead 21-9 after seven. They've already set the school record for runs in an NCAA Tournament game and the fans are beginning to head for the exits.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, MO: Low Score in CoMo

Hard to believe it's still only 2-2 here in Columbia with the way these offenses have been churning out runs. U of L has scored 26 runs in three games, but Mizzou has turned some fine defensive plays to help keep them from piling up again.

Louisville has turned two big double plays on their end to keep the hot Mizzou bats off the board. Of course, Tiger fans would contest a call back in the 5th as it appeared that Chris Cates was only in the vicinity of the 2nd base bag as he made the turn.

Both teams have called to the pen, and it should be another great finish with a Regional Championship on the line.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: It's Gonna Be a Long Night.

The Charlotte 49ers, fresh off a hard fought loss to South Carolina, came out swinging only 45 minutes later. After a scoreless first inning, the Niners hung a seven on the board with a barrage of doubles and singles mixed among two long home runs.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Inches Away

With two outs in the bottom of the fifth, Jeff Nutt hit a blast to deep center that bounced off the wall for a double. Danny Hamblin then came up and smoked one to deep left...it looked gone, it seemed gone. Had it been this afternoon, it would've been gone. However, the ball fell short, as Ty Wright caught it against the wall, and the Cowboys head to the sixth up 6-4.

Evan Cox faces the 5-6-7 hitters from Oklahoma State. For the sake of Hog morale, he needs to set them down in order..or at least keep the score as is.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: Rally Time!!!

MSU freshman Ricky Bowen gave up a single and walked two in the top of the seventh to load the bases and who else but Jack Rye is up to bat with the Dogs leading 7-4.

Rye has already hit two out on the night and it's seventh inning rally time for the Noles with two out.

They're on their feet at Dick Howser! Here we go!!!

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Round Rock: Here's a long seventh inning stretch

We are in a weather delay at the seventh stretch. Irvine leads Texas 6-5.

It hasn't started raining yet, but there's a pretty impressive lightning show coming at us.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: Getting Loaded

I know it's still the bottom of the first, but we're loaded here at Long Beach.

That is, the bases are loaded.

Long Beach State has the bases loaded after Matt Cline led off with a walk, Espinosa singled to left field and then both of them tagged up a base on Peterson's fly out to left field. Rounding out the bases being loaded is Jason Corder who just got a free pass to first base.

Stay tuned...waiting to see if Robert Perry's bomb to right field is going to stay in the park.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Another 3-Run HR for Cowboys

Two on, two out, and a full count to Ty Wright.

Evan Cox first fired to second, and it appeared they had Dusty Harvard out at second. However, the ump ruled him safe, sending the Hogs back into the dugout, and Wright sent the next pitch into the stands in left for a three-run homer. It's the second one of the day for OSU, and those hits alone have them up 6-4.

Again, the Hogs will have to find their way out of a hole. Those homers are just killing them right now.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

San Diego: Scheppers is taken to a local hospital

Tanner Scheppers, who was pitching an exceptional game for the Bulldogs, was hit in the head by a line drive off the bat of Minnesota's Kyle Baran.

Scheppers was on the ground for about 10 minutes as paramedics put him in a stretcher. An ambulance was heard coming and leaving the stadium, presumably picking up and taking Scheppers to a local hospital.

Scheppers did move some when he was on the ground, but looked motionless when he rolled off the field.

This was the second time a pitcher had been hit by a line drive in this regional. On Friday, Minnesota's Tom Buske was hit in the knee on a line drive but was not seriously hurt and continued to pitch.

This just in...

Scheppers is being taken to Scripps Mercy Hospital, specifically the trama unit (which is about three miles away), but according to a San Diego Sports Information Director, he is awake and alert.

When more information becomes available, I will release it.

About the game, which doesn't seem as important right now, Minnesota scored four runs in the fourth to make the score 10-4.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Chapel Hill: One Final Chance for ECU

Western Carolina added two more in their eighth thanks to a hit batter, walk, single, and groundout. In pulling out all the stops, ECU brought in Friday night starter T.J. Hose in relief for the first time all season. He shut down the scoring after hitting a batter.

Chris Masters retired ECU in order in the top of the eighth, with two strikeouts. He got Corey Kemp, who hit a 3 run jack off him on Friday, to pop out to short to end the ECU half of the inning.

The Pirates are hoping for some ninth inning magic themselves tonight.

9-5 heading to the ninth with the top of the order due up.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Commodore fans showing spirit

Vanderbilt, who once struggled to draw 100 people to a baseball game before Tim Corbin arrived, is passing the test for fan support with flying colors in the Commodores' first regional here this weekend.

The 2,200-seat Hawkins Field has been expanded to 3,700, courtesy of some bleachers along the right-field line, some behind the fence in right, and some patio seating in front of the basketball arena in left-center. And it's the fans in the outfield bleachers in right who are giving us all laughs between innings.

The Commodore bench and relievers have this routine between innings--probably started when it was cold for pretty much the entire first two months of the year, which included a mid-April freeze--whereby they go down the foul lines in the outfield, do some calisthenics and jump around and just generally have a good time.

Some writers have tried to make a big deal about it, saying it's showing up the opposition, which is ridiculous because there's no intent to show off or show disrespect; it's just a way for players to keep their muscles and minds loose and stay in the game as they circle around one player who leads the rituals.

Anyway... the fans in right have taken to mimicking EVERY little action the players do, especially those in the front rows, as they jump, wave hands, stretch, or do whatever. Last inning, just about the whole stands was into the act--one guy in the front, a little too much into the act as he took a high hop and almost teetered on the edge of the fence in front of the fence of the bleachers for a second.

Now, the fans are trying to do the wave. Many questioned how well Vandy would support a regional, and Commodore fans have passed the test both in terms of sellout numbers and crowd spirit.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: Name must be 'Jack' for a reason

The Noles are still behind but FSU junior Jack Rye sure is doing everything he can at the plate. The right fielder jacked his second home run of the game in the top of the sixth to chip away at the deficit, which is now 7-4.

Meanwhile, MSU's Josh Johnson increased his K count to six, with two in the inning, and was still going strong despite giving up the second homer to Rye. The senior will not return in the seventh as head coach Ron Polk will turn to freshman right hander Ricky Bowen (5-2).

On the other side freshman lefty Matt Fairel is doing his best to keep the Noles in it, with 3 hits, 1 run and 4 strikeouts through 3 and 1/3 innings. He kept the Dogs scoreless in the sixth.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Oxford: Bats rule the day

Ole Miss leads 19-9 after six.
They just collected ballots for All-Tournament team and its a good time b/c stats from this game should be taken with a grain of salt.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Myrtle Beach: Coastal Wakes Up

After sleeping through the first three and a half innings of play and finding themselves down 1-0 to St. John's in the fourth, the Chants have responded with a three spot in the inning, including a single by Derek Martin and a SAC Fly by Tyler Bortnick to give them the lead. DeLaGarza looks pretty good, allowing only three hits so far, while the Chants have put up five.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Round Rock: Anteaters dig in, take lead

Irvine responded to Texas' rally in the top of the sixth with one of their own in the bottom of the inning. After six innings, Irvine leads 6-5.

The rally ended when Ollie Linton was tagged out attempting a straight steal of home.

And unbelievably, Joseph Krebs is on the mound for Texas.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #2 Louisiana-Lafayette: Fourth inning

Smash down the first base line is under the glove and into foul territory for a double. Great hit by Jefferies Tatford, the hero of last night. Good start to the inning for Lafayette.

Fly to right and a good throw back to the infield to keep the runner from tagging. One away.

Popped up. Easy catch made in shallow center made by Hicks. Two away and Migl is one out from getting out of another jam.

Count goes full against Matt Casbon. BIG spot here.

STRIKE THREE SWINGING! Side retired for Migl who works around another jam.

Lafayette needs to start capitalizing on these chances they're getting. They don't want to lose this game and give A&M the momentum, and the homefield advantage, going into Monday.

First pitch swinging by Brodie Greene and he smashes it between third and short for a leadoff single. Good start for A&M.

Feltner with another sac bunt. That's good enough to get Greene to second. One away. A&M doesn't mind playing small-ball.

Ball four outside. Solich walks Parker Dalton to put them at first and second. Lafayette doesn't want this to get further out of hand. Team visit at the mound to talk things over.

Line drive to deep right, but right fielder has a beat on it. That was smacked. Two gone and runners stay at first and second.

STRIKE THREE SWINGING AND SOLICH WORKS OUT OF TROUBLE. That ends the inning.

With these two very competitive teams, I doubt we will continue to see them miss these opportunities. Very good pitching so far.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Wichita: Score now tied

Leading off the Wildcats in the 5th is TJ Steele. His ball is caught by cf for the first out. Pace now up, he gets a bunt that travels down the left line to 3rd baseman, and he is on first. Childs now up, and Pace steals second on a wild pitch. Childs is out by a catch in the outfield, two outs for AZ.

Meeting on the mound with Stephenson, might be a new pitcher in for WSU. And there is, #26 Andy Womack.

Batting for AZ is #14 Abel. He gets a hit that is missed by Schermerhorn at first, and Pace runs home for the 2nd run. Brown catches Gaston's hit in the rf.

Bottom of the 5th, score now tied at 2 to 2.

Hill batting for WSU. He gets a hit towards rf that lands him on first. Coleman up next, and he is out by a catch at 1st base. Dirks up now for Wichita State, and he gets hit and jogs to first as the trainer comes out to check on him. Dirks seems to be alright as the trainer goes back to the dugout. It looks like Andy was hit on his right arm somewhere, but I am not for sure.

Schermerhorn now batting for the Shox. Schermerhorn hits one, and Dirks is out at second, Schermerhorn out at first for the second and third outs.

Score tied 2 to 2

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: Line Em Up!

Game two for the day is underway with Long Beach State resuming their place as the home team and UCLA being the visitors.

With one out, Alden Carrithers is up for UCLA.

As we wait to see what Carrithers does, here are your line-ups for game two:

UCLA (32-26)
1. Jermaine Curtis - 3B
2. Alden Carrithers - 2B
3. Brandon Crawford - SS
4. Cody Decker - DH
5. Gabe Cohen - RF
6. Tim Stewart - 1B
7. Justin Uribe - CF
8. Brady Dolan - LF
9. Ryan Babineau - C

Starting Pitcher - Tim Murphy (4-4, 5.91 ERA)

Long Beach State (39-19)
1. Matt Cline - 2B
2. Danny Espinosa - SS
3. Shane Peterson - P
4. Jason Corder - RF
5. Robert Perry - CF
6. Steve Tinoco - LF
7. Brandon Godfrey - 1B
8. Travis Howell - C
9. Taylor Krick - 3B

Starting pitcher - No surprise if you see who is batting in the No. 3 position -- Shane Peterson (2-1, 4.35 ERA)

Stay tuned, the Bruins just went three up and three down as we head into Long Beach State's first at-bat.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Cowboys Threatening in Fifth

Arkansas pitching coach Dave Jorn has walked out to talk to Richards, after he walked Keanon Simon to put runners on first and second with just one out, and Corey Brown coming to the plate.

This is a huge inning for momentum right now. Arkansas needs to shut the door on the Cowboys this inning, while the Cowboys hope to tie this up.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Wolverines chip into lead

Michigan's Zach Putnam and Adam Abraham led off the second with doubles, Abraham's scoring Putnam, then Derek Van Buskirk grounded out to score Abraham.

It's Vandy 7, Michigan 2 in an elimination game for the Commodores, who hit with one out and none on in the top of the third.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, MO: Cardinal Aggression

I've talked about how aggressive the Cards are on the paths, and this time the gutsy baserunning plates them another here in the top of the 6th. After being plunked by a pitch (how many hit batsmen have there been this regional?), Chris Dominguez took off for second on a hit and run.

Mizzou SS Gary Ardnt made the only play at first, and Dominguez made the turn at second to try and take the extra base. 1B John McKee air-mailed the throw to third, and Dominguez charged home with the tying run.

2-2 in the middle of the 6th.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Houston: Savery is something else

After not being very convincing and allowing a run in the fourth, Joe Savery settled down in a big way in the fifth and sixth, facing one over the minimum and allowing just a single and a hit batter. Classmate Brian Friday has been Savery's best friend defensively, but he has found command of his fastball for the moment and looked as poised as I've seen him in the sixth.

With a man in scoring position and two down, Savery K'd Bryan Kervin with a heater on the outside corner to keep it a 2-1 game. It was Savery's second strikeout in a very quiet but effective start that has Savery on a fast track to the regional's Most Outstanding Player award if Rice can hold on tonight. Savery has averaged a little more than five innings per start this year, although he was on a strict pitch count early in the year, but he looks like he might be able to give the Owls seven innings today.

He just scored an insurance run for himself after reaching on an error, advancing to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Diego Seastrunk and scoring on the first hit of the weekend from Rice's leading power hitter, Aaron Luna. Derek VerHagen is now coming on in relief of Chase Perry, who gave TCU an excellent outing.

3-1 Rice now in the bottom of the sixth.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Chapel Hill: Moving Rather Quickly

No scoring in the seventh, either.

ECU threatened in the seventh when Ryan Tousley singled and Jamie Ray walked, but with two outs WCU Coach Todd Raleigh brought in reliever Chris Masters, who got Kyle Roller to ground out to shortstop on a very close play at first base.

WCU could manage only a harmless single by Jonathan Greene. John Ingram came up with two outs needing a double to hit for the cycle, but flied out to centerfield.

7-5 Western Carolina.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Arkansas Gets Lead Back

Just as I finished typing the last post, the Hogs grabbed the lead back in style.

Jake Dugger flew out to center, and the throw to the plate kept Walker at third. However, Ryan Flavell fell down while catching the relay throw, and the ball bounced away. Walker then charged for home. Matt Mangini grabbed the ball and fired it back to Flavell at home, but it bounced away again, allowing Walker to score and give Arkansas a 4-3 lead as we head to the fifth.

The crowd roared in appreciation, as the Razorbacks piled out of the dugout to greet Walker. The fans are back in this game, and Stephen Richards heads to the mound trying to keep Arkansas ahead in the top of the fifth.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Round Rock: Longhorns lead, crowd believes

Texas has got another two-run double in the sixth from an unlikely source and has taken a 5-3 lead over Irvine into the middle of the sixth.

Whoops, update. 5-4 Texas. Bryan Peterson just delivered an RBI double for Irvine. Tying run on second with one out.

Brad Suttle led off the sixth with a single and an out later, Chaise Fuller followed with a single, his third hit of the night. After a pitching change and the second out, both runners moved up on an uncharacteristic passed ball by Aaron Lowenstein, who has been a brick wall all weekend. Texas' seldom-used backup catcher Brett Lewis, playing because of injury to starter Preston Clark, got into an 0-2 hole, but then poked the next pitch opposite-field into the right field corner for a double.

That small storm cell that was very near the park fizzled out, but the big line of storms is coming our way. I'll be very surprised if we finish this tonight.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: MSU adds another, 7-3 Dogs

Seminole fans haven't approved of the umps strike zone all game, but their perturbed yells don't seem to be changing anything and the Bulldogs aren't complaining. Mississippi added another run in the bottom of the fourth to give themselves a 7-3 advantage.

Mitch Moreland, who's been a consistent force from the plate all weekend, was credited with the RBI double. Freshman reliever Matt Fairel hit another batter, making it a season-high for now for the FSU staff, but a double play retired the side.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Seven spot

Vanderbilt put up seven runs in the second against Michigan courtesy of an error and six hits. The crowd here for Vandy's first regional is really getting into the game, and creating quite an atmosphere. More on that later.

Meanwhile, Michigan has back-to-back doubles, and has put up a run on Vandy's Nick Christiani in two pitches, so it's now 7-1.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Hogs Answer In The Fourth

The Razorbacks, needing an answer to Oklahoma State's 3-run homer, answered in the bottom of the fourth.

Danny Hamblin opened the inning with a single to left. After Qayne Hrozek flied out to deep right, Brian Walker singled to left, moving Hamblin to second. Tim Smalling followed with a bloop single to right, and Corey Brown's throw home went past both Hamblin and Cowboy C Ryan Flavell. Hamblin scored, Walker and Smalling moved to third and second, respectively, and Arkansas has tied it 3-3 with one out.

Josh Fristche has come into the game for OSU, replacing Breedlove. The question is now if the Hogs can get the lead back.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

San Diego: Scary moment in SD

Fresno starter Tanner Scheppers just got tagged in the head from a line drive. He is currently on the lying on the pitcher's mound moving very little. The paramedics are on the field and the team is huddled around Scheppers.

As soon as more information is available about Scheppers condition is known, I'll let you guys know.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: Game One By The Numbers

While we have a few minutes before the second game of the day, here's the final box from game one:

Long Beach State 4 9 2
UIC 3 7 3

Winning pitcher -- Arif (6-5) - Six innings pitched, four hits given up, three runs score, one error, two walks and two strikeouts.

Save -- Shaw (11) - One inning pitched and one strikeout.

Losing pitcher -- Crnkovich (4-4) - Three innings pitched, five hits given up, three runs, three errors, four walks and four strikeouts.

Long Beach State now faces UCLA in the night game.

Stay tuned...

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Sunday, 06/03/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #2 Louisiana-Lafayette: Third inning

Easy grounder to short to start off the inning. One gone

Devon Bourque with a liner over short. That's down for a hit and the Cajuns have a runner. One on with one out.

Josh Howell chops one in front of the plate. Migl fields it and on to first for two outs. Good as a swinging bunt, as the runner moves to second.

Migl's pitch comes way too far in and hits Xavier Alexander. Two on with two outs. Migl seems to be getting a little flustered here, so Childress comes out to talk to him. They really want to preserve this lead and not let it get away like last night. There's action in the Aggies bullpen. The dangerous Jon Lucroy is coming up.

2-2 pitch coming up. Both sides are getting into it. This place is getting loud.

LONG FLY BALL, BUT IT'S CAUGHT IN RIGHT. Big out for Texas A&M. Side retired and Migl is able to hold the Cajuns in place.

Base hit through the left side by Kyle Colligan. He has caught fire lately and has his second hit of the game. Leadoff man on for A&M.

Another bunt. Catcher Lucroy fields and just barely gets Hicks running to first. Good enough for a sacrifice. Runner to second with one out.

It's been all outside pitches to the slugger Blake Stouffer. Lafayette seems to be pitching around him.

There's ball four way outside. Runners at first and second now with one gone.

Long fly ball is caught just shy of the warning track in right. Runner at second tags and makes it to third. Two gone with runners at the corners.

Strike three swinging and side is retired. Big pitches made in a tough spot by Solich.

The Cajuns have held the Aggies in place the last two innings. Now they have to get something going themselves.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Wichita: Shock U

Sedbrook hits one for AZ, and with a diving catch by ss, he gets the out. Ziegler hits one to the cf, and that is the 2nd out. Now up is #12 Rhinehart. He delivers with a homerun out in right center, and that puts the Wildcats on the board. Glenn now up, and Dirks in cf catches it for the out.

Arizona leads at the bottom of the 4th 1 to 0

Shockers send Schermerhorn up to the plate. He gets a hit towards rf and gets on base. Sublett is up. Coulon makes a crazy wild pitch, and that is ball one. Sublett gets hit on the shoulder, and that earns him a place on first. Brown comes up to bat, he makes the bunt but is out at first, after Ziegler at 1st base hestitates on where to throw. He decides on first, and that is the Shocks' 1st out. Gillaspie up next, and he makes a spectacular hit that sends in Schermerhorn and Sublett for the runs.

Shocks now up 2 to 1.

Jackson up now for the Shocks. Jackson strikes out, and that sends up Weber to bat. Weber hits a foul down the left line, caught by Coach Stevenson. Gillaspie steals second as Weber is still up at the plate. Weber becomes the Shockers' third, and that is the end of the inning. Score still stands 2 to 1, WSU.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, MO: All In a Day's Wark; Tigers Re-take Lead

Sorry about the pun.

But Colby Wark couldn't work his way out of the fourth after warking... er, walking two, and hitting a batter to load the bases.

That brings in Gavin Logsdon to log some innings.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

San Diego: A No. 4 seed in the supers?

Well, probably not, but unless something really werid happend, the No. 4 seeded Fresno State Bulldogs will at least have a chance.

The Gophers are on their third pitcher already (we're in the fourth inning) as the Bulldogs have scored 10 runs and Gophers still have donut in the run column on the Jumbotron in center field. There is still a lot of game left in this one, but I think Fresno State has a better chance of matching Florida State's 21 runs that they had earlier today, than Minnesota making a miraculous comeback.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Houston: Costly gamble but Rice takes lead anyway

A couple of adventures in center and right field have put some runs on the board, and Rice leads 2-1 after four innings.

In the top of the fourth, TCU pushed a run across against Joe Savery by loading the bases with one out on two singles and a walk. On a long fly ball from Ben Carruthers, Rice centerfielder Tyler Henley ran the ball down but had the ball pop out of his glove, allowing all the runners to advance one base. Savery got out of the jam with a very well-turned 6-4-3 double play.

Savery then came up in the bottom of the inning and took out his frustration, crushing the first pitch he saw down the left-field line for a double. A double from freshman Diego Seastrunk (third lowest OBP on the team but hitting fifth) plated Savery to tie the game. One out later, Jess Buenger's curving drive to right field eluded the dive of rightfielder Austin Adams, but Adams got up to throw out Seastrunk on a very close 9-3-2 play at the plate. TCU catcher Andrew Walker made a tremendous play to block the plate as Seastrunk slid in. Rice took the lead anyway when the next batter, Danny Lehmann, singled through the right side to score Buenger.

Then with No. 9 hitter Adam Zornes (lowest OBP on the team but Savery's regular catcher) due up, Rice head coach Wayne Graham called time out to contemplate making a change, although Zornes missed the memo and stayed in the box briefly. Graham left Zornes in long enough for him to pop up, then replaced him with veteran Travis Reagan in the top of the fifth.

In that inning, Savery - a remarkably inefficient pitcher much of the season - needed only five pitches thanks to a double play and a regular 6-3 from shortstop Brian Friday, who is making every defensive play look easy in this tournament. 2-1 Rice as we go to the bottom of the fifth.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Chapel Hill: No Scoring in the 6th

Neither side could put a run across the plate in the 6th, so it's still 7-5 Western Carolina.

Following a leadoff single by Donnie Wilson, ECU starter Josh Dowdy (5 IP, 9H, 7 R, 1 W, 4 K) was replaced by Bailey Daniels.

Brock Thornburgh is doing a good job for WCU in relief. He's been in since the second and has allowed 2 runs and 4 hits in 4+ innings so far.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Pitching change

Tim Corbin said his team was pressing last night in a 4-3 loss to Michigan. They're not pressing any more. It's 4-0 Vandy with no outs in the second, as Michigan's Andrew Hess has now been pulled for Ben Jenzen.

Even light-hitting Brad French has gotten in the act, lining a pitch the other way to right-center to knock in a pair of runs.

First and third, no outs, top of the order up for Vandy in the second.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Blood in the water

Vandy has two in, bases loaded, none out in the second against Michigan, and the crowd smells blood. Details to follow.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Round Rock: Rain, rain, come this way, let us play another day

At least that's what the ridiculously-depleted Texas pitching staff is saying. It's starting to drizzle a bit, and a smaller storm will hit in a few minutes. The umpires have already talked with NCAA officials and the grounds crew, so we'll most likely be having a short storm delay within 20 minutes.

The big stuff is still on the way.

After five innings, Texas and Irvine are still tied 3-3.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Chapel Hill: Western Carolina Adds One

Steven Strausbaugh singled to lead off the 5th for WCU and scored on a triple off the centerfield wall by John Ingram. Centerfielder Harrison Eldridge almost made the play, but the ball hit off the wall just over his head.

Ingram is 3 for 3 today and a double away from hitting for the cycle.

7-5 WCU after five.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #2 Louisiana-Lafayette: Second inning

Grounder to first it booted by Ruggiano. Nolan Gisclair reaches on the error. The hop ate him up. One on to lead off.

WHAT A TURN! Even with Gisclair running, the Aggies turn two on a grounder to short. Instantaneous flip by Hicks just as he fielded it, then Dalton makes a nice throw to first. What a double play! Two gone suddenly for the Cajuns.

Strike three swinging. Aggie fans love it. Side is retired.

Migl is pitching very well thusfar in this crucial game for A&M. He's dealing strikes.

Bunt that deadens perfectly by Ben Feltner, but Solich throws a fastball to first to get him just in time. Good job fielding his position.

Parker Dalton nails a flare to center that falls in. One on with one out.

Easy double play ball right to second. Nice turn by the Cajuns to end the inning.

Not much going on that inning. Of course, the first inning was pretty hairy.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Oxford:Balanced scoring

Ole Miss answered with a nine-run fourth inning in which everyone in the Ole Miss lineup scored.
Rebels now lead 16-8 after 4.5 innings.
Ole Miss had six hits in the inning and SHSU had three errors.
OM left-hander Craig Rodriguez just went 1-2-3 in the fifth and it seemed even more amazing in comparison to the rest of the game.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Wichita: Top of the 4th, no runs

Arizona up to bat at the top of the 3rd. Childs batting, and he strikes out swinging. Abel now up, he gets a hit that is caught by ss Coleman for Arizona's 2nd out. Back to the beginning of the order with Gaston up to bat. Gaston is out at 1st for the last out.

Weber up batting for the Shocks. Weber is walked to 1st, and Hill is at the plate for WSU. He gets the bunt that is retrived by the catcher, and Hill is thrown out at 1st. Coleman up now and strikes out looking. Dirks back up, he hits it to 2nd baseman, and is out at 1st.

Still no score for either team

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: Rosen self-destructs

Seminole starter Danny Rosen had a miserable third inning and the Bulldogs are back on top, 6-3. Rosen single handedly loaded the bases, hitting two batters and walking another, and MSU took advantage.

Third baseman Russ Sneed knocked in a two RBI single with the next at-bat for the lead. Designated hitter Wyn Diggs loaded it back up with another base hit, and Jet Butler logged the third straight single to score the Bulldogs' third run of the inning.

Freshman lefty Matt Fairel came on in relief and got lead off hitter Jeffrey Rea swinging to end the inning.

Rosen started the game with three K's in the first, but finishes 2 and 2/3 innings with 6 hits, 6 runs, 2 walks and 3 strikeouts.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, MO: U of L Leaves 'Em Loaded

Mizzou pitcher Ian Berger has given up five hits to the Cardinals, but they have only one run to show for it. And with the bases loaded, he just got the Ville's Chris Cates to roll over a fastball and ground into a 5-3 DP.

Louisville can't afford to squander these sort of chances with the way the Tiger crowd has responded to big plays. Not to mention, it seems unlikely that U of L starter Colby Wark will go much longer forcing the Louisville bullpen, which has already been taxed this weekend, to try and pick up the slack.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: One Swing Gives Cowboys Lead

The one thing that's deadly about Oklahoma State is that they can score at any time. With a double by Jordy Mercer, and a walk of Keanon Simon, Corey Brown stepped up and absolutely pummeled a shot that went over the scoreboard in right center. The crowd has again fallen silent, as Oklahoma State now leads the game 3-2.

Just so you know, the scoreboard is 39 feet high, so hitting it over that is one heck of a shot, given that the scoreboard is behind the 375' power alley in right center.

Chris Rhoads is leaving the game after that monster shot, as Dave Van Horn is going with a southpaw. Freshman Stephen Richards has entered the game as the new Arkansas pitcher.

The Razorbacks will have to play comeback to win this one. Ty Wright bats with two outs, now up a run.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Flaherty red-hot

After going 5-5 in the first game, Ryan Flaherty extended his school-record hitting streak to 34 games here with a second-inning single, putting Pedro Alvarez on second with no outs. A wild pitch moved them both up a base.

He's now two games shy of the SEC mark for hitting streaks, held by Alabama's Andy Phillips.

Flaherty just missed a homer earlier in the at-bat, lining a pitch a mile over the wall in right, but about seven or eight feet foul.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tempe: Nebraska Moves On

The Huskers picked up two very unnecessary insurance runs in the eighth and put a quick end to Riverside in the ninth to move on to tonight's regional championship round with Arizona State. With the Sun Devils starting ace Josh Satow and likely playing in front of a raucous home crowd, I would be shocked if ASU does not put an end to this regional tonight. To advance, Nebraska needs to win two in a row against the Sun Devils. ASU needs just one win playing from the winners' bracket.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Charlotte @ NC State

NC State and Charlotte are about to do battle in the second "Loser Leaves Town" match of the day. NC State already sent Wofford home earlier today.

No line ups in yet.

I have to say one thing. I've never covered the Charlotte 49ers but always knew Coach Hibbs to be a quality guy from other reporters I've known in Charlotte. About forty minutes ago, I got to see why - first hand. Due to all of the rain here, yesterday being a complete wash, etc... South Carolina's S.I.D. came up into the press box around the 7th inning of the Charlotte v. South Carolina game for an announcement. Time constraints would only allow the winning team to to attend the post game press conference. The losing team has to play another game still.

Understanding the circumstances, nobody questioned the decision. While we're all sitting there waiting for Gamecock Head Coach Ray Tanner and some of the players to show up, here comes Coach Hibbs huffing and puffing into the conference room. This is what he said:

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Wichita: Scoreless in the 2nd

Capra pitches to AZ Glenn and his pop up is caught by WSU lf. Steele now up for AZ, he swings on a far out pitch and that was an out. Pace is next for the Wildcats, he hits one that is caught by WSU rf and that is it for AZ.

WSU now up to the plate with #20 Matt Brown. Brown strikes out swinging. Gillaspie is up next, and he strikes out as well. Dh Danny Jackson comes up to bat for the Shocks. He gets a hit that is picked up by the ss and he is thrown out at 1st base.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Good start for Christiani

Vandy's Nick Christiani has filthy movement on his pitches, but because of that, often has trouble controlling them (66 IP, 34 BB), and especially early in games, where it seems to take him until the third or fourth inning to get going.

Not tonight. Christiani struck leadoff hitter Jason Christian out on three pitches, and gave up a single to Brad Roblin, but then the right-hander picked him off. It looked like he got a strikeout on a 2-2 pitch to Nate Recknagel, but got squeezed, and after Recknagel fouled off a 3-2 pitch, Christiani got an easy grounder to Ryan Flaherty at short to end the inning.

No score between Vandy and Michigan after one complete.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Round Rock: IT'S ALIIIIIIIVE!!!

In the top of the fourth, Texas got a huge two-run, two-out two-strike pinch-hit double to tie it. After four innings, it's 3-3 between Texas and Irvine.

Chance Wheeless singled to lead off the fourth, and two outs later Chais Fuller delivered his second double of the day. Kyle Lusson, a seldom-used freshman who's playing because of Nick People's injury was due up next, but Texas sent up Josh Prince in his place. Prince, who didn't play at all in the Big 12 tournament, smacked a 2-2 pitch into the left-center gap that even Ollie Linton couldn't run down.

Reliever Keith Shinaberry got the Anteaters in order in the bottom of the fourth.

The crowd is back in the game in a big way. Let's see if the Texas bullpen can pull off their share of a miracle.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Chapel Hill: Bucs Pull To Within One

ECU scored one run in the fourth to make it 6-5. Jake Dean had a one out single, moved to third on a double by Corey Kemp (now 5 for 8 in the regional), and scored on a passed ball by Western Carolina catcher Blake Murphy.

The Catamounts went down in order in their half of the inning.

The start of the inning was delayed when the second base umpire came sprinting into the first base dugout and disappeared for a few minutes. Apparently nature called.

Still cloudy, but the rain has stayed away. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: Noles tie it up

Florida State got the bats going again in the third and tied up the ballgame. Tony Thomas Jr. punched a double off the center field wall, his 33rd of the season, to start it off.

The speedy Thomas certainly responds well to the crowd, which chanted 'steal Tony, steal' and took third base so fast MSU catcher Edward Easley didn't even bother with the throw.

Shortstop Mark Hallberg took the liberty of hitting Tony home with an RBI single on the next at-bat.

A groundout and another K from Josh Johnson would end the one-run mini rally.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: DP 3-6-1

Vandy's Michigan problem continues, as the Commodores got Alex Feinberg on with a one-out walk, then Dominic de la Osa lined a ball the other way near the first base line... but right at Nate Recknagel, who scooped, fired to short, then took the return throw to end the inning.

I thought de la Osa was out watching it live, but after seeing the replay, I'm not so sure.

Vandy 0, Michigan coming to bat

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Myrtle Beach: Game Three

We're about to get set for Coastal Carolina and St. John's and the loser will go home in this one. The Chants lost a very emotional game to their in-state rival less than an hour ago, so we'll see how they come out.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: Dirt Extinguishes Fire

I'm sure you saw this headline coming.

Long Beach State has vindicated themselves for Friday night's loss to UIC by beating them in this elimination game 4-3. The Dirtbags will get about an hour break before facing off against UCLA who got to sleep in toay.

Stay tuned...final numbers to come.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, MO: Cards Even It Up

Boomer Whiting and Evan Frey are battling for All-Tourney honors, and so far Boomer has one-upped Frey making a rangining play in right-center and plating a run from second on a base hit. Frey made a nice diving catch, but Boomer has the edge in my mind at the moment. The U of L centerfielder ran a 10.5 100 Meter Dash in high school, and it's fun to watch him get to fly balls.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Bat, Coaches Ejected

That's right, folks, we've had a bat ejection from the game in the top of the second.

Tyler Mach stepped up to the plate when home plate ump Steve Mattingly asked to see the bat. After inspection, Mattingly told Mach that he couldn't use the bat. Frank Anderson came out of the dugout to argue, but to no avail.

Chris Rhoads got the first two batters to ground to short before Rebel Ridling singled to right. The ball was bobbled by Wayne Hrozek, and Ridling charged for second. However, Hrozek's throw to Tim Smalling was on the money, and Ridling was tagged out to end the inning.

Arkansas heads to the bottom of the second, still up 2-0.

After the inning, Frank Anderson came to argue more with the ump. Anderson got tossed, followed by Oklahoma State's asst. coach Greg Evans, who stepped in the ump's way and wouldn't leave when asked.

The crowd is ROCKING right now in Fayetteville!

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tempe: Riverside on the Ropes

Time is running out for Riverside. Nebraska picked up another pair of runs in the seventh inning to increase its lead. The Highlanders camed up empty in the eighth and now have three more outs to make up a 9-1 deficit -- and that's if Nebraska doesn't score in the bottom of the eighth. I'm starting to prep for ASU-Nebraska tonight.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Houston: Pitchers' duel so far

TCU starter Chase Perry is doing the job so far, keeping Rice off the scoreboard despite allowing two baserunners in each of the first two innings. A double play and a caught stealing have kept Rice from getting a runner to second base.

On the other side, Joe Savery has thrown a lot of pitches (47 through three innings) and survived a number of hard-hit balls thanks to solid defense. His defense has also cost him a few pitches, with Jess Buenger booting a ball at second base and Diego Seastrunk throwing wildly for the umpteenth time in this tournament (on a tough play).

Still 0-0 through three innings in the early evening sunshine as Rice just wasted a two-out triple from the red-hot Jared Gayhart. Excellent crowd on hand yet again; the smallest crowd in this tournament has been more than 3,000, and this will be another one well over the 4,000 mark.

On a side note, just about everybody at this regional is pulling for Sam Houston State in its crazy regional; the Bearkats now need to beat Ole Miss twice.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Oxford: Bearkats back on top

I tell you what these Bearkats can hit.
After scoring 11 runs over the final five innings of today's earlier game, they've put up eight through four innings in the nightcap to lead the Rebels 8-7 after 3.5 innings.
The Bearkats erased a 7-3 deficit with a five-run fourth inning. Bobby Verbick hit a three-run home run and Austin Boggs and Nick Zaleski each doubled in the inning.
Craig Rodriguez has replaced Scott Bittle on the mound for Ole Miss and got a striekout to strand a runner at second.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #2 Louisiana-Lafayette: First inning

First pitch at 7:07 p.m. is a strike inside.

Josh Logan took a foul ball and has been hobbling for a while. Now he steps in.

Strike three swinging. Adding insult to injury for Logan. Out number one.

Running catch made in right. Hauled in in foul territory. Two gone in the top of the first.

Line drive smacked to left field by Lucroy down the line. Nice job to get over and hold him to a single. One on with two outs.

High fly ball to left and it holds up for an easy catch and the third out. Side retired.

Good job in the first inning by the freshman Migl. He certainly has a raucous crowd behind him.

Leadoff man retired for A&M on a grounder up the middle.

LONG FLY BALL TO LEFT AND IT IS WAY OUT OF HERE FOR A HOME RUN! Solo shot by Kyle Colligan and the Aggies strike first. That was tagged and a no-doubter. 1-0 A&M. That's his second of the regional.

Brandon Hicks smashes one past third for a single. Tough hop. Runner on first with one out. Team meeting at the mound to try to regroup. The A&M fans are really getting into it now. Here comes the red hot Blake Stouffer.

Stouffer just got under one. High fly to left for out number two.

Solich jams Stinson on a two strike pitch. BUT IT'S THROUGH PAST THE THIRD BASEMAN! That will certainly be an error. Throw to second is late and now they are calling obstruction on the second baseman Alexander. HICKS IS AWARDED THIRD! Very odd play. Runners at the corners with two gone.

Little tapper off the plate. PITCHER FIELDS BUT NO ONE IS COVERING FIRST! Run scores on an infield hit by Luke Anders. Mental mistakes are proving costly for Lafayette. Anders with the RBI and A&M takes a 2-0 lead.

Shot to short and it's an easy force play. Inning over.

That was a wild bottom half. A&M is the beneficiary of a gift run from the Cajuns, as well as a long ball. 2-0 Aggies.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Ready to go

Vanderbilt will be the visiting team in its own park, sending Nick Christiani (5-3, 3.68) to the hill against Michigan's Andrew Hess (7-1, 3.76).

The Oak Ridge Boys sung the national anthem, Hess is on the hill taking warmup tosses, and there's a buzz of nervous excitement in the park as the Commodores try to stave off elimination against Michigan, who beat them 4-3 last night.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Wichita: Should Be Interesting

Starting off game 6 will be AZ hitter Gaston. The Shocks start things off striking him out.

There definitely isn't any notion that Shocker fans haven't shone up in full force. The stands are full again to watch these two team duke it out.

Sedbrook had a pop up caught at second to give him the 2nd out. Ziegler up now, he gets a hit sent out to the outfield and he stays at first base. Rhinehart up for AZ, and he strikes out looking for the Wildcat's third out. Rhinehart was the one who hit the cycle in last night's game against New Orleans.

Up for the Shocks will be CF Andy Dirks. Andy goes down, and up is Derek Schermerhorn. Full counts, and Schermerhorn gets a hit that is caught in RF by Rhinehart, and that is the 2nd out. Sublett now batting for WSU. he hits on that is picked up by 1st base, and that is it for the 1st inning.

Both teams go scoreless

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Chapel Hill: 6-4 WCU After Two

East Carolina tied things at 4-4 in the top of the third when Stephen Batts led off with a double and scored on a single by Jamie Ray.

Western Carolina came right back in the bottom of the inning when Jonathan Greene singled and John Ingram deposited a Josh Dowdy pitch into the netting in left field to make it 6-4. The ball still hasn't come down- literally. It got stuck in the netting about thirty feet up.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, MO: Hot Air Gives Tigers Flight

There have been some ridiculous homers here in Columbia, and LF Aaron Senne just added a bomb to the highlight reel. He pulled the ball deep down the rightfield line and down the hill beyond Taylor Stadium.

His dong is the only score, 1-0 Mizzou through 2.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: The Fire Inside

After Long Beach State went three up and three down in their last at-bat during the top of the ninth, it's time to see if UIC has anything left in them to continue their season.

First up for the Flames will be Jake Carr.

Stay tuned...

Long Beach State 4
UIC 3

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Arkansas Jumps Ahead

Arkansas needs timely hitting to win tonight. They got it in the bottom of the first.

Ben Tschepikow started the rally with a one out single through the pitcher's legs into center. After Logan Forsythe was hit by a pitch, Casey Coon advanced both runners with a grounder to the pitcher. Jeff Nutt then laced a single down the right field line, scoring Tschepikow and Forsythe, and Arkansas jumped ahead 2-0.

Danny Hamblin kept the inning going with a line drive single to center field, bringing the crowd to its feet in a series of Hog calls (that's WOO PIG SOOIE! to all of those who don't already know), and Frank Anderson took a trip to the pitcher's mound to speak with Breedlove. Wayne Hrozek struck out swinging to end the Arkansas rally.

The Hogs left two, but they head to the second up 2-0.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Round Rock: 'Vine 'Eaters getting it cranked up

Irvine got their game on in the third inning and have already gotten into Texas' wafer-thin bullpen.

The Anteaters have taken a 3-1 lead after three innings and are now only six innings away from a super.

The Longhorns are now praying for the storms to get here SOON.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

San Diego: The crowd isn't bad

I was expecting a low, REALLY LOW, attendance for today's game with Fresno and Minnesota in San Diego. But there really isn't much of a difference between today's game and yesterday's day game (which probably says something about the fans at the University of San Diego fans).

Another note about the crowd: It is pretty even between Gopher and Bulldog supporters, which is somewhat surprising considering one school is 1,500 miles closer than the other.

About the game: Fresno still leads 6-0 in the bottom of the second.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #2 Louisiana-Lafayette

This game is the finale of day three here in the College Station Regional. We all know the deal. A&M must win in order to stay alive. Lafayette can advance to the Super Regionals if they take tonight's matchup. If A&M wins tonight, we will play a deciding game tomorrow night.

Scott Migl takes the mound for A&M. He has a 4.03 ERA and a 6-3 record in 10 starts. Brent Solich gets the nod for Louisiana Lafayette. He has a 3.18 ERA and a 5-1 record in 9 starts. Just about ready to go. This should be another sellout, and with luck, another great game.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Wichita: Could This Be the Last Game? Shocks Hope Not

Well this is game 6 for the Wichita Regionals. The Arizona Wildcats play against the Wichita State Shockers for the game that could be the last. This will be the championship game if Arizona is able to defeat the Shocks. If not, these two teams will face off again tomorrow for the championship. Should be a very interesting game.

Pitching for the Shocks to start out the game will be #35 Anthony Capra.

Pitching for the Wildcats will be #19 David Coulon.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: Dogs: 'We'll call two, raise one'

Mississippi State wasted little time in the hole, answering FSU's two-run frame with three scores of their own, to make it 3-2 Bulldogs after the first inning.

FSU starter Danny Rosen walked lead off batter Jeffrey Rea and freshman Brandon Turner made him pay, bombing a two-run shot of his own up and over the fence in right field.

From then on it was literally hit or miss for Rosen. The junior struck out the next two batters before giving up another home run to MSU first baseman Brian LaNinfa. The starter received a visit from head coach Mike Martin and regrouped to strikeout his third batter for the final out of the inning.

Off to a hot start in Tallahassee and easily the most exciting of the weekend.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Chapel Hill: WCU Takes Advantage

Western Carolina wound up with 4 runs in the bottom of the second to take a 4-3 lead. Josh Dowdy hit two batters and walked a third before 9-hole hitter Brent Greer delivered a three run double. ECU right fielder Ryan Tousley had to slog through the puddles in right field to chase it down.

I just learned a scoring rule that I didn't know. John Ingram hit a ground ball to second base that hit runner Jonathan Greene on the foot. Greene was ruled out and Ingram awarded first base. I would think that should be scored a fielder's choice due to runner's interference, but Ingram was given a hit on the play. At least according to GameTracker, so I'll have to believe that's the correct ruling. Anyone know for sure?

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, MO: Mizzou Looks For Regional Championship

Another night, another packed house at Taylor Stadium as Mizzou will try to defeat Lousiville two nights in a row.

On the hill for the Tigers is Ian Berger. Berger is 5-1 in 8 GS and has a 4.27 ERA.

His counterpart is RHP Colby Wark who brings a 3-3 mark into the game in 7 GS. Wark got some work last night against Mizzou, facing three batters without recording an out.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Zero in the First

For the first time in the Fayetteville Regional, Oklahoma State did not score in the first inning. The Cowboys had scored four in the first against Creighton and one against Arkansas last night. Chris Rhoads got Keanon Simon, Corey Brown and Ty Wright to go down in order, and we're 0-0 heading to the bottom of the first.

Fans are starting to fill this place up a little bit more than last game...I'm guessing we have 7,200 here tonight at Baum right now. The students can finally be heard, chating "BUBBBBBS" for first base coach Bubbs Merrill. The students scream his name until he tips his cap to the section, sending cheers throughout the first base side.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Myrtle Beach: Almost Exciting

Trailing 11-6 in the 9th, Coastal tried to make it a little interesting, but as I've always learned, homeruns are rally killers. Alan Farina came on in relief for the Tigers and promptly gave up a leadoff double to Tommy Baldridge and a homerun to Matt Rademacher, his seventh of the year to cut the lead to 11-8. After a visit to the mound, Derek Martin singled to rightfield, but Dock Doyle hit into a double play to clear the bases.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Chapel Hill: 'Mount A Comeback

Kenny Smith led off the bottom of the second to get Western Carolina on the board. It's 3-1 ECU with one out and runners at first and second for the Catamounts.

A large contingent of UNC players is watching the game and checking out their opponent for tomorrow. Robert Woodard, Garrett Gore, Dustin Ackley, and Reid Fronk are among them. Fronk seems none the worse for wear after cutting his head in the post-game celebration last night, an injury that required five stitches.

UNC pitching Coach Scott Forbes is also in attendance, and much calmer than when we last saw him last night getting thrown out for arguing balls and strikes. Head coach Mike Fox said in the post-game press conference that he jokingly refers to Forbes as "Captain Dynamite" for his fiery demeanor.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tempe: Huskerfan No. 1

Johnny Huskerfan in row four is making things happen for Nebraska. He's a large, burly, bearded and tattooed man who clearly drives a large truck or loud motorcycle. His back and shoulders are sunburned enough to where he doesn't need to wear a red Nebraska jersey and he's making more noise on his own than the rest of Brock Ballpark.

Nebraska just took a 7-1 lead, so I can only conclude that he's the reason. The fifth inning was a complete disaster for Riverside. It started when Jaime Pedroza muffed a sure double-play ball that left two on with one out instead of ending the inning.

Craig Corriston made the Highlanders pay with a bases-loaded two-RBI single later in the inning. To make matters worse, the Riverside infielders later let an infield fly drop instead of ending the inning and pitcher Stephen Penney couldn't figure out which base to throw the ball. The miscue allowed DJ Belfonte, who reached earlier when Dan Runzler plunked him on the head, to score from third.

Nice work Huskerfan.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: GAME OVER 12 - 8 South Carolina

Carolina is now 2-0 in their Regional. They'll face the winner of NC State v. Charlotte. They'll play soon, but the tarps are going on the field as the Doppler Radar is looking ugly.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: Get Out!!

Mississippi State shutout the Seminoles in the teams' first meeting, but right fielder Jack Rye saw to it personally that the Tribe wouldn't be reduced to a goose egg in this one.

Rye smashed a two-run homer over the right field fence to score himself and Buster Posey to give the Noles an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Round Rock: Irvine finally trails, storms on the way

Texas gets potentially two things going their way.

First, they got a run in the second to take a 1-0 lead. It's the first time Irvine has trailed this weekend.

Second, storms are on the way. There's some nasty lightning visible to the north that's not going to get us, but there is a big cell to the west that's growing bigger and coming right at us. If Texas starter Austin Wood can keep the Longhorns in the game until those storms get there, we could be done for the night and the Texas bullpen studs could be ready when we resume tomorrow. (BTW, we're just below GRK on that radar.)

Texas scored their run in the top of the second on a walk and a Chais Fuller RBI double.

After two complete, Texas leads Irvine 1-0.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: Stayin' Alive

You know you love this classic Bee Gees song and it's ok to admit it. Heck, sing or dance along with me as we continue to rock out here at Blair Field

It's the top of the eighth and Long Beach State is up to bat with PH Taylor Krick leading off.

Stay tuned, let's see who comes out of this alive...Ah, ha, ha, ha....

Long Beach State 4
UIC 3

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: Your Boyfriend Is A Dirtbag!

It's now the bottom of the seventh and the score is still at 4-2 Long Beach State.

While looking around at the fans in attendence, I happen to see one of the more interesting t-shirts in a while. This very tall blonde -- a future trophy wife -- was wearing a t-shirt that on the back reads 'My boyfriend is a Dirtbag.'

Sure, it's a cute play on the Long Beach State unofficial nickname, but not sure I would really wear that out of the house.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Tying Run On Deck

There's a man on first and a man on second with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Niners have pushed three across this frame. 12-8 - South Carolina.

New pitcher for Carolina is "CuJo" - Curtis Johnson.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

San Diego: That's it for Perinar, Bulldogs keep scoring

Minnesota has already gone to the pen in the top of the first.

The line on starter Gary Perinar: 1/3 IP, 3 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 0 SO.

The onslaught hasn't ended with the Gophers new pitcher, Ethan Vogt. The Bulldogs have had three more players cross the plate to make it 6-0 and the Bulldogs are still batting in the first.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Razorbacks - Cowboys: Round II

Last night, OSU played well, and Arkansas flat out didn't. The Razorbacks were humiliated in front of the biggest crowd so far at any NCAA Regional, losing to the Cowboys 14-3.

Now, Arkansas has clawed their way back for a rematch. Will the Hogs give nine innings of payback? Or will Oklahoma State win the Fayetteville Regional and advance one step closer to Omaha? We're about set to find out.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Interesting Things...

Two run homer makes it 12-7 Carolina. 1 out, man on first, bottom ninth.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

San Deigo: Bulldogs jump on Gophers

That was fast.

Fresno's Matt Nohely led off the game with a four-pitch walk and he went on to steal second to get in scoring position. Dan Lyons laid down in an attempt to push him to third, but Minnesota's Bryan Jost couldn't handle the throw over to him, which allowed Nohelty to score.

Then Fresno's Brain Lapin hit his 10th homerun of the season over the right field wall to make it 3-0 Bulldogs.

Minnesota already has action in its bullpen and it will be interesting to see how much lease John Anderson is going to give his starter, Gary Perinar.

As I type, there is still only one out and the Bulldogs have runners on second and third with no one out.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: A Fond Farewell For Creighton

I must admit that the first time I got to see Creighton's team live was when they took on Southern Illinois in the first game of this year's Missouri Valley Tournament. Since then, they've given me one heck of a journalistic ride for the last two weeks.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Houston: The rare regional on schedule

We are underway in Game 6 at Reckling Park, with TCU needing to beat Rice once tonight and once tomorrow night to upset the Owls. Little used senior righthander Chase Perry (0-1, 5.14) will start for TCU. He has only made nine appearances this year, including three starts. Rice will go with junior lefthander Joe Savery (9-1, 2.91) who has been slightly more inconsistent than the numbers show but is still a very polished and experienced southpaw.

The biggest plus in the pitching matchup for TCU? Savery's throwing hand. According to TCU head coach Jim Schlossnagle (and empirical evidence in this tournament), the Horned Frogs are "susceptible to right handed pitchers with an above average breaking ball." That describes Rice's Chris Kelley, who is being held for tomorrow's game. TCU has eight right-handed batters in the lineup against Savery, who worked a scoreless first.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Chapel Hill: Quick Hook For Martin

Singles by Kyle Roller and Drew Schieber preceeded an RBI double by Corey Kemp, so ECU is up 3-0 with one out in the second and runners on second and third. WCU Coach Todd Raleigh has just lifted Corey Martin in favor of Brock Thornburgh. Martin gave up six hits in 1 1/3 innings with 3 runs in so far.

Roller is now 6 for 10 in the regional, Kemp 4 for 7.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Oxford: Crash?

Sam Houston starter Jon Lindenberger retired the first two hitters and then couldn't get any of the next seven.
OleMiss now leads 6-3 with two outs and a runner on second in the first. Stephen Price in to pitch for the third consecuitve game. Price threw 1.2 innings earlier today and 2.2 innings yesterday.
Price was greeted by Jordan Henry who singled to center field but Alex Kliman was thrown out by Sam Houston center fielder Keith Stein.
There was a bit of a collision at the plate, drawing boos from the large crowd. Price greeted SHSU catcher Heath Pugh with a chest bump after the play and I'm sure words were exchanged.
Ole Miss' Lance Lynn and several other Rebels gave Sam Houston's dugout a stare-down from the Rebel dugout.
All seats here appear full with people standing in the concourse. Both crowds in the outfield look large and there appear to be more people along the hill on the third base line than during Ole Miss' first two games.
Rebels lead 6-3.Top 2nd.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Myrtle Beach: Heading To The Ninth

In what's been as good of a game as advertised, except for being a little sloppy, we're on to the ninth inning here in Myrtle Beach. Marquez Smith launched a three run bomb in the eighth to give Clemson a 10-6 lead. Anderson was up above 100 pitches, and Gilmore kept him in there to face Smith, who turned on an 0-2 pitch from Anderson and launched a bomb over the leftfield fence.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: One vs. Two, Noles at risk

By this point in the weekend both sides have expended their leading pitchers and so it should get interesting from the mound tonight for top-seeded Florida State and second-seeded Mississippi State.

Both teams are strong offensive ballclubs, however, with a great pitching display in the last matchup you wouldn't have known. Yesterday the Dogs won in a 3-0 shutout, but I seriously doubt that will be the case tonight.

Tonight's starters on a mostly cloudy evening will be FSU junior Danny Rosen (2-1) and MSU Josh Johnson (2-3), both right handers.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

San Diego: Minnesota-Fresno about to start

In the next couple of hours, we will be down to two at the San Diego Regional with the Gophers and the Bulldogs about to start an elimination game.

Minnesota had a memorable win yesterday. The Gophers led 5-0 in the ninth over San Diego, but the No. 1 seeded Toreros scored five times in the ninth to bring the game into extra innings. Minnesota was able to salvage the game, with Derek McCallum hitting a liner up the middle to drive in the winning run in the bottom of the tenth.

Fresno State, the No. 4 seed in this regional, won its opening game over San Diego but lost to Cal State Fullerton, 6-4, last night.

Pitching is slowly but surely becoming an issue. The Bulldogs are starting Tanner Scheppers (7-5, 4.80 ERA), who pitched well in relief on Friday, and the Gophers are going with Gary Perinar (4-5, 5.10 ERA).

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: Hot Or Cold, He's Ready To Go

We've got a pitching change here at Long Beach.

UIC has brought in closer David Cales to pitch after playing second base.

Cales, the Hoirzon League Relief Pitcher of the Year, just got the third out of the inning by striking out Travis Howell.

Here's a few notes on Cales:
- He's a sophomore who transfered to UIC from Missouri this year.
- Big White Sox fan.
- Pre-game ritual includes drinking a cup of coffee -- even if it 12 hours cold.
- May have some trouble getting home after this Regional as he lost his driver's license today.

Stay tuned...

Top of the seventh

Long Beach State 4
UIC 2

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Round Rock: Game 6 Preview, Game 5 Quotes

Texas is alive, but Dr. Tanner is giving them nine innings to live.

The Longhorns' 7-4 win over Wake Forest earlier today provided them with little reason to be optimistic. They played 12 innings in the hot sun. They burned through the only two relievers they trust, with Joseph Krebs throwing 77 pitches (making his three-day total an arm-killing 141) and Randy Boone throwing 33 pitches over 2.1 innings. Heck, they even threw their planned starter for tonight, Austin Wood, in the final inning, and he needed 30 pitches to get through that. Plus, for the second time this week they lost a position starter to injury, as center fielder Nick Peoples broke his clavicle making a diving catch.

What may be worst of all is that their opponent is UC Irvine, a team that's loaded with speed, great gloves, a rested bullpen, and supreme confidence. And even if the Horns beat them tonight, they'd have to beat them again tomorrow.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Oxford: Underway in Game 6

The championship game has started and Sam Houston State is still hot. The Bearkats have now scored in six consecutive innings (counting the first game) and now lead 3-0 after the top of the first.
Ole Miss is in white pinstripes. Sam Houston changed to orange tops.
The Rebels are starting sophomore right-hander Scott Bittle (2-5, 2.35) the former closer agianst right-hnader Jon Lindenberger (2-1, 6.02).

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: More rain

Some more rain delayed our start time for Florida State vs. Mississippi State until about 7:20 as the field crew was forced to pull the tarp back on during pregame warmups. Hopefully we'll be ok after that.

We have been told that isolated thunderstorms will be in the area until about 9, so we'll have to keep our fingers crossed. If we do get hit by chance it should blow over.

Despite wet conditions there's plenty of support out at Dick Howser for game six of the regional. The Florida State faithful will be cheering for revenge after getting shutout last night, while the Bulldogs in attendance will root for Mississippi State to go ahead and put the home team to rest.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tempe: Cassa's Done

Pat Cassa's day is mercifully over for Riverside as he was pulled after giving up four runs, four walks and seven hits in 3.2 innings of work. It could have been worse with the aforementioned pair of Nebraska baserunning errors and the bases-loaded situation he left for reliever Dan Runzler. Runzler actually hit Jake Opitz to walk in a run, but no more damage was done as the Huskers hold a 4-1 lead heading into the fifth.

I appreciate the tips from readers on what to do in Tempe. I ended up having a couple of Kirins and rolls at a sushi joint down the road from the ballpark last night. The sushi was ok; the cold Kirin was outstanding after the hot day. I cruised down to Mill Ave. as well, but didn't stop. I was impressed with the showing on the main strip on a Saturday with school out of session. It must have been all the baseball fans in town.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Going to the Bottom of the 9th.

Trailing 12-5, the Charlotte 49ers are coming up against Will Atwood in the bottom of the ninth inning. Things have really calmed down since the third and fourth innings where a total of thirteen runs crossed the plate.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Chapel Hill: Pirates Hit Quickly

East Carolina struck for two runs right off the bat. Harrison Eldridge hit the first pitch of the game from Corey Martin for a double. Two batters later, Stephen Batts knocked a 2-run homer off the netting in left field. Batts continues his hot hitting after going 3 for 5 last night with 3 RBI. He now has a school-record 29 game hitting streak.

2-0 ECU heading to the bottom of the first.

The weather and continued threat of rain has kept the crowd down. Right now the stands are about 1/2 to 2/3 full.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Charlottesville: Injury bug bites Virginia

At a press confrence ealry this evening, Virginia coach Brian O'Connor updated the media on the conditions of two Cavaliers injured in last night's win over Oregon State. Senior right fielder Brandon Marsh was hit by a pitch early in the game and suffered a fractured rest. He will be available only for pinch running duties. Junior left fielder Brandon Guyer will have a MRI tomorrow on his left shoulder, which he dislocated sliding into home last night in the fifth inning. In all liklihood, he will not play again this season.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: Who Will Survive?

Once again, the Blair Field DJ is playing an inspiring tune.

This time, it is 'I Will Survive' as remade by Cake.

The Gloria Gaynor version is fantastic as it truly is an anthem for any woman who has been wronged by a man, but the Cake version is pretty solid.

With Long Beach State holding on to a 3-2 lead here in the top of the sixth, you've gotta love it.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Charlottesville: No baseball today

The elimination game between Rutgers and Oregon State has been postponed due to unrelenting rain. It has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. tomorrow. Virginia will play the winner of that game at 6 p.m.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: The Secret To Living

As blogged on Friday, I celebrated my 32nd birthday while UIC equipment manager Jim Negratti celebrated his 70th here at Blair Field.

Since I can only hope to make it to 70 and still able to attend baseball games, here are a few secrets to making it to this milestone according to Negratti via UIC SID John Jaramillo -- Mountain Dew and Milky Way candy bars.

That's right, Negratti is a big fan of the Dew and some nougat. I myself am a sucker for a Diet Coke or Pepsi -- big surprise, a woman who is a fan of the diet drinks -- and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

In honor of now knowing the way to making it to 70, here are some fun facts to chew on from milkywaybar.com:

- The MILKY WAY Bar was first created in 1923, with the idea of putting "A chocolate malted milk in a candy bar".
- A MILKY WAY Bar sold for 5 cents in 1926.
- The Vanilla MILKY WAY Bar was introduced in 1926. The name changed in 1936 to FOREVER YOURS Bar.
- The MILKY WAY Bar is called MARS Bar outside the U.S.
- The wiggly lines on the bottom of the bars come from the belt they ride on while cooling.
- The center of the bar is called nougat, which is made by whipping egg whites with other ingredients until light and frothy to make a frappe. Flavorings, such as cocoa and malt, are added to the frappe to create the signature flavor nougat.
- In 2005, Americans ate more than 200 million MILKY WAY Bars.

That's it, I'm ditching the diet.

Anyone else hungry right now?

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Charlotte Won't Fold.

After South Carolina scored five in the top of the fourth, Charlotte answered with four of their own. Carolina adds one more in the top of the sixth. 12-5 Carolina. End of the sixth on another nice grab by Travis Jones.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Chapel Hill: We'll Try To Get One Game In

The elimination game between East Carolina and Western Carolina will get underway shortly. This game was supposed to start at 1 pm today but has been pushed back by heavy rains. The skies still look threatening, but it's not raining at the moment. Despite the earlier downpour, the field looks to be in good shape, save for a couple of muddy/soggy areas in front of the dugouts.

ECU is coming off a painful loss to North Carolina, who scored three in the bottom of the ninth last night to win 11-10. WCU won an elimination game yesterday by taking out Jacksonville 7-0.

Josh Dowdy (5-1, 2.97) will try to extend the season for the Pirates from Greenville, while Corey Martin (5-3, 4.81) will attempt to do the same for Western Carolina Catamounts from Cullowhee. Both are sophomores.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Two teams still standing

Vanderbilt has just advanced from the loser's bracket here at Charles Hawkins Field, defeating Austin Peay 11-5 after trailing the Governors 3-0 entering the third.

Vandy will now face Michigan, who beat them 4-3 last night, at 7 p.m.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Myrtle Beach: Clemson Lead

Andy D'Alessio knocked in a run with a double an nobody out in the bottom of the 7th but didn't get credit with an RBI because of Coastal's second error of the day. When Vrable received the relay throw, he dropped it, allowing Smith to round third and score. As D'Alessio got around 2nd, he stopped himself and turned his ankle. He then got sent back to the dugout in obvious pain, and we had a five minute delay while he got his foot/ankle taped up. Not sure when injury timeouts were added to the rulebook, but Gary Gilmore couldn't have been too happy.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Davis has stopped the bleeding

Among all the offensive fireworks here, perhaps the savior of Vandy's day has been Ty Davis, who came in to relieve Cody Crowell with two outs in the third.

After Crowell gave up five runs to that point, Davis has held APSU scoreless, and struck out eight.

And the Commodores, who trailed 3-0 early in an elimination game, just need to get three outs to set up a meeting with Michigan tonight.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: Dirtbags Take The Lead

It's now the bottom of the fourth and Long Beach State is ahead 3-2 after Danny Espinosa scored their second run of the inning.

Stay tuned...

Long Beach State 3
UIC 2

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Houston: TCU stays alive, faces Rice tonight

Ballgame. TCU 10, Baylor 5. TCU sophomore Taylor Cragin was excellent in relief (TCU's relievers have been better than their starters), allowing just one run in four innings and striking out four batters while walking none. Randall Linebaugh's terrific performance came undone in the ninth with Cassevechia on the mound.

TCU now has to beat Rice twice, and nobody knows who the Horned Frogs will pitch. Joe Savery is the most likely pitcher for the Owls, although Chris Kelley could get it if Wayne Graham has a change of heart.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tempe: Highlanders Find the Scoreboard

Carl Uhl finally got things started for Riverside as the Highlanders got their first hit and first run in the third inning. Uhl cranked a drive to the right field corner that almost let him take a shot at an in-the-park home run. He wisely held up for a leadoff triple that paid off when Joey Gonzales sent him home with a single to cut the Nebraska lead to 2-1.

Meanwhile, Nebraska continues to get good wood -- uhh... aluminum -- on the ball, but couldn't manage any more runs after picking up a pair of singles and a walk in the bottom of the third. Another baserunning error cost them as Craig Corriston got caught stealing. That's the second Husker caught stealing through three innings; both of them could have scored and Nebraska could be sitting on a 4-1 lead instead of a 2-1 edge.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Myrtle Beach: Leavin' Them Juiced

After getting the tying run across in the top of the sixth, Coastal had a chance to take the lead but after Vaughn was taken out, Ryan Hinson struck out Chris Raber looking and got Tommy Baldridge to groundout to second with a full count, on a ball that was knocked down by J.D. Burgess and was able to get him by half a step at first base. So, still tied at 6-6 bottom sixth.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Arkansas Wins, End Creighton's Season

The year for the Creighton Bluejays has come to an end in Fayetteville.

Travis Hill got into trouble right away in the bottom of the ninth, allowing a one out single by Chad Ogden and walking Andrew Small on a 3-2 pitch. Brett Mieras would hit into a fielder's choice, as Matt Willard fired to second to JUST get a sliding Small, and

Arkansas (43-20), behind great pitching from Nick Schmidt, gets their coveted rematch with Oklahoma State. Creighton ends their season at 45-16 on the year. It's a sad ending for what was a terrific season for CU.

The rematch begins in abuot 75 minutes. We'll be back with post-game and a preview of tonight's showdown.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: Surviving A Scare

UIC almost just experienced a nightmare of an inning during Long Beach State's turn at the top of the third.

With runners on second and third, the Dirtbags were threatening to run up the score. Yet after striking out Travis Howell and Robert Perry popping out to centerfield, the third inning ended up being not so scary.

While scary innings are just part of the game of baseball, a terrifying pre-season accident was not part of the plan for the Flames last November 6.

The abridged version is that UIC coach Mike Dee was seriously hurt as the butt of an alumninum bat hit him in the face during a bat-release drill. The bat -- which was released out of the hands of right fielder Ty Rubio -- hit Dee on the left side of his face which destroyed his nose and Dee suffered "blowout fractures" to his orbital bones and cheekbones according to Chicagosports.com. The injury was so severe that Dee now has an alumimum nose and his left eye sits upon a titanium box.

Dee's scars are unnoticable to the naked eye and doesn't want people to make a big deal about the injury, but it's one of the reminders in life that anything can happen when you are not looking.

Here's the complete story from Chicagosports.com for those of you who want to read it:

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/cs-070511dee,1,6805341.story?page=1&coll=cs-college-headlines

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Houston: Rally caps work for TCU

All this regional had been missing was a ninth-inning rally, and TCU delivered in a big way just a few minutes ago.

Trailing 5-3, No. 8 hitter Ben Carruthers led off with a single against Randall Linebaugh, the first runner to reach for TCU since the fourth inning. Baylor head coach Steve Smith then pulled Linebaugh, whose pitch count was not an issue, in favor of junior closer Nick Cassavechia. TCU countered with injured slugger Keith Conlon as a pinch hitter. Conlon was hit on a 2-0 fastball and immediately replaced by pinch runner Brandon Furrow. After a sacrifice bunt, we got the strangest play of the inning.

Steven Trout chopped a 2-2 pitch through the right side, scoring Carruthers. Baylor's Paul Miles made a perfect throw to home plate in plenty of time to get Furrow, but the pitcher-turned-runner came up with a great feet-first slide that knocked the glove off the hand of Baylor catcher Matt Czimskey and sent the baseball bouncing into the TCU dugout. That tied the game and sent Trout all the way to third base.

After an intentional walk, an Austin Adams single through the left side gave TCU a 6-5 lead with one out. But the biggest blow was still to come, as leftfielder Matt McGuirk (a defensive replacement hitting .198) flared a soft fly ball to left field that got into the first out-blowing wind all weekend and cleared the left-field fence for a grand slam. Unbelievable inning in which TCU got seven runs on four hits. TCU 10-5 into the bottom of the ninth.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Hogs Adding Insurance

Arkansas has padded their lead just in case Creighton has any ideas in the bottom of the ninth.

Brian Walker belted a double down the left field line, advanced to third on a single by Matt Willard, and then scored on a single by Jake Dugger, in which Creighton's Michael Lam threw past first, advancing Willard to third and Dugger to second.

Walker is 4-for-4 today for Arkansas, and every fan who bleeds Razorback red hopes Walker can keep this going tonight.

Willard scored on a fielder's choice to short by Logan Forsythe, advancing Dugger to third with two outs. The Hogs couldn't get Dugger home, as Casey Coon grounded to short, but they are three outs away from advancing to a rematch with Oklahoma State. It's 6-0 Hogs as Creighton bats in the bottom of the ninth.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Myrtle Beach: Tied Things Up

Dock Doyle (one for the all-name team) just hit his second homerun of the year to tie the game at 6-6 here in the top of the 6th inning. Doyle hit it off of the very tall batter's eye that sits attached to the centerfield fence. But the yellow line is at normal fence height, which this ball hit wayyyyyyy above.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tempe: Sun Shining on Nebraska

Everything's going the Huskers' way early today. After threatening in the first, Nebraska picked up a couple of runs off of Pat Cassa in the second; and it would have been worse had Jeff Tezak not been caught stealing.

Andy Gerch got things started with a leadoff home run from the no. 5 spot. Tezak followed up with a double before getting picked off. Bryce Nimmo walked the next at bat; a single and a fielder's choice later and the Huskers had built a 2-0 lead.

To add to the fun, the Riverside dugout got all bent out of shape again. Two coaches came out to argue with the umpires during the inning. Maybe they were inspired with Doug Smith's dramatic ousting in the first. Whatever it is, things don't look good early for the Highlanders.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Gamecocks Rolling

Gamecocks put five more on the board in the top of the fourth inning. 11-1 Gamecocks.

Two more HR in the inning by Kline and Crisp were the highlights.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tempe: Fireworks Early in Elimination Game

It didn't take long for things to get exciting at Brock Ballpark today. Arguing balls and strikes in the first inning, Riverside Coach Doug Smith got himself tossed -- in a 0-0 elimination ballgame.

I'm shocked. Smith has been nothing but calm and congenial in press conferences and is the last coach here I'd expect to get so riled up. Maybe it's a motivation technique, but it doesn't make sense to me. It's real early in the game and Smith's Highlanders are clearly the favorite today.

The matchups today pit Nebraska's Johnny Dorn (9-3, 5.68 ERA) against Riverside's Pat Cassa (2-4, 4.50 ERA). Cassa looked shaky early, walking the first two batters, but got out of the inning unscathed. We go into the second with no score.

Thanks to the fans writing in with the kind words. It's great to see the support of college baseball from the traveling fans as well as the ASU fans here in Arizona. As for the setting here in Tempe today, I must be getting acclimated to the heat. I just heard today was supposed to be the hottest yet -- reaching 106 degrees -- and I haven't started whining yet.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Hogs Miss Chance

The Hogs had a chance to score one in the eighth off of Creighton P Andy Masten, as Casey Coon stole second and advanced to third on the catcher's wild throw to center field. However, Tim Smalling struck out swinging, and the score remains 4-0 in favor of Arkansas.

The RBI Girls are in cowgirl outfits...are they trying to put a voodoo hex on Oklahoma State, thinking this one is done? One thing's for sure, it's not over until it's OVER here in Fayetteville.

Travis Hill comes into the game for Arkansas, replacing Nick Schmidt, who threw seven innings of two-hit shutout baseball. Another outstanding performance from the Razorback ace today.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Houston: Linebaugh en fuego

What a turnaround. In the bottom of the fourth, Baylor trailed 3-0 and had shown only paltry signs of life. It really looked like the Bears were just cruising through the game. But they turned it on in a big way and lead 5-3 as we go to the eighth.

The biggest change has been junior righthander Randall Linebaugh, who spent most of the year as the Saturday starter but struggled to a 3-5 record and 6.24 ERA and was eventually demoted to the bullpen. He has been filthy in this game, with a good power slider complementing his fastball. Linebaugh has retired 13 in a row now from the fourth through the eighth, including five strikeouts. TCU has 8-9-1 due up in the top of the ninth.

Both closers - Sam Demel for TCU and Nick Cassavechia for Baylor - are warming up. We could have quite a finish if TCU shows some of the fight it displayed in last night's game.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Add two more for Vandy

After Ty Davis kept Austin Peay off the scoreboard for the first inning all day in the bottom of the fifth, Vandy's Ryan Flaherty got his fourth hit of the day--a single on an 0-2 pitch from David Vicini--and then Matt Meingasner followed with a homer to deep left-center, his second in two days.

Vandy now has 14 hits and 10 runs with one out in the sixth, and had chances for more but has left eight on base already.

10-5 Commodores over APSU in an elimination game.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: Got The Munchies?

UIC is now up to bat after Matt Cline struck out swinging.

As we wait to see if Jake Carr can connect on a pitch and with Larry Gempp Jr. having advanced to second on an E1, there's a oncessionaire walking through the stands who is making me smile as he is huslting the goodies in his bags. The concessionaire is crying 'Muchies! Who's got the munchies!

I may have to sneak out of the press box at some point to get a bratwurst.

Stay tuned, UIC's Larry Gempp Jr. just scored an unearned run to tie up the game.

Top of the third
Long Beach State 1
UIC 1

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Great Plays...

There have been some incredable plays in this game and it's only the bottom of the third. Travis Jones' great play was almost outdone by Charlotte's Aaron Bray who snagged a line drive off the bat of (of all people) Travis Jones. Then a beautiful leaping grab off the outfield wall by Charlottes's Brad McElroy ended the top of the third. That catch was ALSO off the bat of Travis Jones.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Myrtle Beach: First Zero

Clemson ONLY sent up four batters in the bottom of the third inning, and put the first zero up on the scoreboard yet. So what did Coastal follow that up with in the fourth? The Chants put up a zero of their own in the fourth. Still 6-5 Clemson going to the bottom of the 4th. Clemson's Kopp is at 74 pitches after the fourth, while Coastal's reliever, David Anderson sits at 22 heading into the bottom of the inning.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Oxford: Mad day

Southern Miss third baseman Chris Matesich entered the day with a .136 batting average. That's 11 hits on 81 at bats.
He now has his first career four-hit game. The fourth hit was a two-out solo home run 391 feet to straight away center field. It was his third career home run and first since 2005.
Southern Miss leads 11-10 in the bottom of the 11th. Freshman right-hander JR Ballinger now pitching for Southern Miss.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Stretching in Arkansas

We're in the middle of the seventh, with Arkansas now leading Creighton 4-0.

The Razorbacks got their fourth run courtesy of Jake Dugger, who reached third base on a long fly to left that bounced out of Andrew Small's glove. Van Horn called for the suicide squeeze, and Sean Jones worked it to perfection, bunting towards third and scoring Dugger.

Andy Masten is now the new pitcher for Creighton, and finished the inning for Venditte. Nick Schmidt, however, remains in the game for Arkansas, and he'll try to set the Bluejays down, this time with a four run lead.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, MO: Canes Out In One Run Loss

It's over for the Miami Hurricanes.

They fell 8-7 against the Louisville Cardinals here in Columbia, Mo. After going down 8-5, they scored once in the 7th and once in the 8th, but couldn't make lightning strike thrice as they stranded a runner on first.

This is the first time that Miami has lost a regional under Head Coach Jim Morris.

The Cardinal win sets up a Louisville/Mizzou rematch tonight at 6:30. I'll have my thoughts on that one after I enjoy some of the barbecue cooking up with the tailgaters getting ready for tonight's big game.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: I Tawt, I Tawt A Puddeycat

Jason Tweedy is current at the plate for Long Beach State and he's getting cheered on by a couple of kids sitting just below the press box.

While the kids are calling him 'Tweeter,' here are two others for your consideration -- Tweety and the Tweed-man.

Unfortunately it may be some time before any of the nicknames can be used as Tweedy just took a seaty after striking out while swinging.

Stay tuned, Espinosa is now at second on an E5 and Godfrey is still on third.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Oxford: Here comes 11

For the second consecuitve inning, Sam Houston got a game-tying hit with two outs. This time Aaron Cook (who entered a a pinch runner in the ninth) fisted a single into right. Cook scored the tying run in the ninth and drove in the tying run in the 10th.
The writers are getting angry. Namers are being witheld to protect the innocent but one of them slammed his laptop screen after his seventh lead was ruined. The frustration of tight games on deadline. My deadline will come before too long too.
The Rebel fans have begun to cheer on the four-seed Bearkats, but I suspect they just want the game to end too.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Make that 2 HRs for Walker

The story of the game offensively is Arkansas C Brian Walker. With Pat Venditte on the mound for Creighton, Walker blasted another shot to right for his second homer of the day, 11th of the season, and the Razorbacks now lead this one 3-0.

It's the third time Walker has hit two homers in a game for Arkansas, and it couldn't come at a better time.

Hogs still batting in the top of the seventh, with the crowd still buzzing over Brian Walker's hot bat this afternoon.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Round Rock: Texas stays alive, Irvine benefits

Texas blew a three-run lead in the ninth, but put up their own 3-spot in the 12th to survive with a 7-4 victory over Wake Forest.

The loss eliminated the 3rd-seeded Deacons, who will head home with a 34-29 record.

Texas will rest for a couple of hours, then at 6 pm, get a rematch with UCalifornia Irvine, who had to be absolutely loving this long, draining, bullpen-depleting battle.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: The Old Timer Is Back!

Apparently state employees in California do work on Sundays.

As Long Beach State's Brandon Godfrey hit a nice little stand-up double to bring in Robert Perry for the Dirtbag's first run, I noticed along the visitor's side that the only mascot brave enough to show up this weekend at Blair Field has returned. That's right, the 49er is here and he's out working the crowd.

Long Beach State now has runners on the corners as Godfrey advanced on a passed ball and Danny Espinosa was walked to first.

Stay tuned, I may see a ball fly like a bird in a minute...

Long Beach State 1
UIC 0

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Hamblin's D Helps Hogs

The bottom of the sixth belonged to Arkansas 1B Danny Hamblin.

With Darin Ruf on first and no outs, Steve Winkelmann lined a shot down the first base line. Hamblin caught the ball, stumbled, but put his glove on the bag before Ruf could get there, giving Arkansas a much needed double play. Hamblin would then catch a shallow foul ball between first and home for the final out.

3 outs for #3, and Arkansas heads to the top of the seventh up 2-0.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Alvarez gambles, and loses

With runners on the corners and two outs and a3-0 count, Vandy's Pedro Alvarez took a swing at a 3-0 pitch which wound up in the glove of Rafael Hill in deep center. APSU's David Vicini, who threw the pitch, has not exactly looked sharp in relief for the Governors, but got out of that inning giving up just a run.

So, it's now 8-5 Vandy, going to the bottom of the fourth.

Earlier in the inning, Vandy's Dominic de la Osa knocked in a run with a groundout, then stole second. That put de la Osa in the rare 20/20 club (homers/steals).

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Charlotte Scores One

Charlotte scored one run in the bottom of the 2nd to make the score 2-1 USC. Justin Smoak led off the third with his third HR of the Regional. 3-1 Gamecocks

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Bech: A 10 Minute Inning?

Hard to believe, but yes, it's true.

We're moving into the top of the second as UIC went three up and three down in their first at-bat.

Stay tuned, Long Beach State has a runner on first as Robert Perry was walked after Travis Howell was called out at first.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Oxford: Punch, counter punch

Southern Miss has scored a run to retake the lead, but Sam Houston State has scored in each of the last three innings.They've scored eight runs over that span.
Tyler Conn back out for USM.
10-9 Golden Eagles. Bottom 10.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Stouffer, Aggies break out the bats to defeat Buckeyes

It was a day to remember for Texas A&M junior Blake Stouffer. He hit for the cycle, nailing a home run, a triple, a double, and a single, and compiled six RBIs in the process. This was a major factor in lifting the Aggies to a 10-4 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes.

A&M got a solid performance from starting pitcher Kirkland Rivers. Rivers pitched four innings and allowed three runs, but the way the Aggies scored was a real boost.

The Aggies struck first in the first inning on a single by Stouffer to drive in his first run. Two innings later the Aggies broke the game open when Stouffer smacked a three-run homer run to give them a 4-0 lead.

Ohio State starter J.B. Shuck struggled and surrendered six runs in five innings. The Buckeyes fought back in the fourth inning with two runs and fifth inning with another run to cut the lead to 5-3.

Team captain Matt Angle had two hits and scored a run, and Cory Rupert added a two-run home run to provide a spark for the Buckeyes.

However, A&M scored in five straight innings from the third to the seventh. Stouffer added his RBI triple and double in those frames to notch his second cycle performance of the season. His six RBIs made the difference in the 10-4 final score.

Josh Stinson and Luke Anders also cranked out homers for A&M. Closer Gary Campfield came in and held the Buckeyes to one run in the last five innings.

The loss eliminates the Buckeyes from the tournament. The Aggies will now wait for the night game, where they will play the winner of last night's game, Louisiana Lafayette. That game will be held at 7 p.m. at Olsen Field.

The Aggies need to win that game to stave off elimination. If they do, they will play the Cajuns again in a deciding game on Monday.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Myrtle Beach: D'Alessio Alive

Clemson 1B Andy D'Alessio didn't have an RBI in his last eight games coming into today. Now he has four in the first tow innings. D'Alessio just launched his 15th homerun of the year as it looked like he got under a ball to leftcenter, but somehow it kept carrying with the wind blowing out to left which is not the normal direction. Marriotti's day is over after 1.2 innings, giving up six runs and eight hits in that span. David Anderson came into finish off the second, which he did. So after two, 6-4 Clemson.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: Here We Go!

It's 1:58 in the LBC and we have our official first pitch.

Faster than I can type out the last name of UIC's starting pitcher Crnkovich, the Flames made quick work of Long Beach State's first three batters as Crnkovich -- Doug K., we may need to start the counter on this one -- retires the top of the line-up 1-2-3.

Stay tuned, we're heading into the bottom of the first.

Long Beach State - 0
UIC - 0

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Oxford: Free baseball

Sam Houston State answered with two runs in the ninth and we're tied at nine after nine.
Karl Krailo and Austin Boggs led off the inning with singles and Nick Zaleski got down a sacrifice bunt with two strikes. One run scored on a ground out and the other scored on Heath Pugh's two-out single up the middle.
Sam Houston fans were dancing in the stands as the runs scored. They also mimicked Ole Miss fans with a "Throw it in the dirt" chant that the Rebel fans joined them on.
Be interesting to see what happens with the pitching. Sam Houston State closer Luke Prihoda is in for his fifth inning of the weekend.
Southner Miss has already had to use both of its closers. Patrick Ezell threw one inning (his lone work of the weekend) and Tyler Conn has thrown an inning today after working three innings yesterday.
Golden Eagles have a runner on second with one out in the 10th.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: That's a wrap

That's all she wrote in Tallahassee as the Seminoles bounce back today to eliminate the Stetson Hatters 17-1, thanks mostly in part to an 11-run seventh inning.

Ryan Strauss gets the win for the Seminoles and improves to 10-3 on the season, giving Florida State three pitchers with at least 10 wins on the year.

The Tribe logged 18 hits for the game, following last night's three-hit struggle, and I guess we'll find out if they can keep it going into the ensuing matchup with the Mississippi State Bulldogs who have yet to fall in regional play.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Schmidt Survives Another

Nick Schmidt has hit four batters today, which is very high for the Arkansas ace, but he managed to get out of trouble by striking out Ross Sinclair and getting Chris Gradoville to fly out to the warning track in left.

The crowd is into this one, though, standing up for Schmidt with one strike left in the inning, and roaring on the catch in left by Casey Coon.

The Razorbacks will try to give Schmidt more of a cushion as we head to the sixth, Hogs 2-0.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Insane Play by Travis Jones.

Columbia, South Carolina has fallen in love with JUCO transfer Travis Jones. Not only has he come here, hit the bejesus out of the ball and led off a monster offense, but now he just made the play of the year. Diving deeeeep into the hole he stretched out completely to snag a bullet, popped up and fired to first for the out. USC 2-0, top 2nd.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Houston: Baylor back in it

Baylor has reversed its course with two runs in the fourth and one in the fifth against Chance Corgan to take a 4-3 lead as we head to the sixth inning. The Bears finally found some clutch hitting and we now have what's shaping up to be a heck of a game.

It appeared to be business as usual in the fourth, when Matt Czimskey popped up weakly on a 3-1 pitch for the second time in the game with a man on. But Dustin Dickerson and Matt Sodolak followed with back-to-back RBI doubles to make it 3-2. In the fifth, a one-out walk to Ben Booker set the stage for a bloop double from Raynor Campbell on a hit-and-run. For once, Jim Schlossnagle didn't read Steve Smith's mind. After an RBI groundout tied the game, Beamer Weems chopped a single up the middle to give Baylor its first lead of the game.

Elsewhere, the press box has been paying close attention to the Texas-Wake Forest game in which Augie Garrido used Joseph Krebs and Randy Boone extensively for the third day in a row. Austin Wood, who closed today's game in the 12th, is the best guess up here to start the nightcap for UT. Comic relief has come in the form of fans trying to peer through the press box window to see the out of town scoreboard. One fan has been training his binoculars on the scoreboard from about three rows away.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #3 Ohio State: Ninth inning

Looks like Childress is counting on Campfield to finish the job.

Strike three is dropped by Stinson, but he applies the tag for out number one. One away.

Lazy fly to left for second out. Fans come to their feet urging their Aggies on to victory.

Line drive falls for pinch hitter Adam Schneider. That was a good piece of hitting going the other way to right. Runner on first with two gone.

STRIKE THREE SWINGING AND THE AGGIES WIN! OSU is eliminated and the Aggies move on to play ULL tonight.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Gamecocks Taking Advantage

Two first inning errors are costing the 49ers. Bases load, two outs, two runs in. Top first 2-0 Gamecocks.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Doubles, doubles, Crowell's troubles

Vandy needed Cody Crowell to eat some innings today, but the junior lefty has failed in doing that.

Crowell has just given up his fifth double in 3 2/3 innings today, that one also scoring a run and cutting the Vandy lead to 7-5 as Rafael Hill lines one to the gap in left-center to score Will Hogue, who also doubled. Crowell also gave up a homer earlier in the day.

Ty Davis is in, which really hurts Vandy as Davis was likely to be the starter tonight against Michigan IF Vandy can advance this afternoon.

Vandy 7, APSU 5, the Governors have a man on second with two outs in the bottom of the fourth.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: Yay, one run for Stetson

Stetson lead off hitter Shane Jordan, the first batter after the rain delay, took a pitch deep to right for pride and a solo shot in the bottom of the eighth.

Not many folks left after the delay, probably resting up and getting some grub before tonight's matchup, but a handfull of Hatter fans were here to see the homer and yelped in support. Good for them, true fans stay 'til the end and get their money's worth.

The Hatters almost had two in a row but second baseman Casey Frawley's bomb was caught at the wall.

Florida State ended the mini-rally with a double play.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Oxford: Eagles get to Prihoda

Southern Miss pinch hitter Keith Winstead just hit a two-run double off national saves leader Luke Prihoda (six wins, 17 saves entering the game) to put Southern Miss on top 9-7 going into the last of the ninth.
Last out of the top of the ninth was interesting. USM CF Bo Davis collided with SHSU first baseman Nick Zaleski and pushed Zaleski to the ground. Davis got a lecture from first-base umpite Dave Buck,but remained in the game.
Bearkats now have a runner on first with no outs and Southern Miss is replacing Patrick Ezell with left-hander Tyler Conn.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Walker Doubles Lead for Hogs

Brian Walker was due for a good game at the plate, and he's responded so far today. He crushed a Ben Mancuso offering to right center, just left of the scoreboard, and Arkansas now leads 2-0, with Walker having scored both runs.

The home run has definitely been one of the biggest cheers of the regional, despite the crowd this afternoon being much smaller than the last two games the Razorbacks have played.

The Hogs staged a two-out rally with Jake Dugger being hit by a pitch, and Sean Jones drawing a four pitch walk. However, Logan Forsythe grounded to third, and the Arkansas inning concluded.

We're halfway home in 1:03, with the Bluejays coming to bat.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Game underway

The game is underway here in Columbia. Strangely enough, the Gamecocks are the road team. Two men on and no outs.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: Back on track

The clouds are gone, the sun is out and we are getting underway again at Dick Howser Stadium.

Unfortunately for the Hatters the score didn't change after the 52-minute rain delay, it's still 17-0 Seminoles.

Florida State will replace starter Ryan Strauss with senior reliever Brian Chambers after 7 innings, 6 hits, no runs, 1 walk and 4 strikeouts through 104 pitches.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #3 Ohio State: Eighth inning

Campfield is still in there dealing for the Aggies. Six outs from victory

Balls three and four just miss for Campfield. Kennedy is on at first for OSU.

Brian DeLucia is on to pinch run.

Ryan Dew DRILLS a pitch that just missed leaving the ballpark. It his the top of the wall in left and so did fielder Luke Anders. Runners hold up at second and third. OSU threatening here with nobody out.

SHOT RIGHT BACK TO CAMPFIELD AND HE MAKES THE CATCH THEN THROWS TO THIRD FOR A DOUBLE PLAY! Big play for A&M. That may be the death knell for the Buckeyes. That was a back breaker

Another great play made at first this time. Stouffer made a leaping stab at a line drive at first. Great play and the side is retired. A&M fans love it and are on their feet.

Lefty Josh Edgin is on to pitch now for the Buckeyes. His second appearance of the regional.

Chopper to third over the pitcher and the throw JUST gets Brodie Greene at first. Nice play.

Great pick on a grounder back up the middle by Kovanda, but he makes a bad throw and can't get Stinson. Runner at first with one gone.

DIVING STOP MADE AT THIRD. On to first and just gets the runner. Great play by DeLucia at third. Two gone and a runner at second.

Bouncer to second. On to first and the Aggies are retired.

Last chance for the Buckeyes. Looks as though A&M will survive, though.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Wichita: Wichita to play Arizona for the Championship

Top of the ninth, and the Shocks are ahead. Dirks is up to pitch for them, and he is thrown out at first from a grounder to SS. Schermerhorn up at the plate and he hits one to the RF and is out. Sublett comes up now and he is walked. Brown is next to the bat, and he is the Shockers' third out with a pop up caught by the SS.

Bottom of the ninth, UNO is behind 5 runs, Baxter up to bat, and he hits a pop up that is caught by the CF. Giavotella now up and he makes it to first. Wolfe hits a pop up that is caught by Dirks at CF, and that is UNO's 2nd out. Tarnow now up for UNO. 2 strikes, one more and that is it for UNO in this Regional. One ball, and then he hits one that drops infront of CF to get to first base. McGonigle comes in from the UNO dugout to bat. He makes it to first, and gets the RBI as Giavotella comes in for the run. UNO now has 3. Anderson comes up to bat for UNO and goes down swinging.

Wichita State wins this one 7 to UNO's 3. Wichita State now goes on to play Arizona tonight at 7pm for what could be the championship game. New Orleans goes home with 2 losses.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Oxford: We are tied

7-7 here through eight innings.
Southern Miss preserved the tie by ending the eighth with a stike-em-out, throw-em-out double play as Keith Stein was thrown out trying to steal second.
Sam Houston closer Luke Prihoda just entered the game. He threw three innings yesterday but said after the game he's thrown effectively the day after going three innings before.
Southern Miss' Luke Adkins is on first with no outs.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Baseball gods kind to de la Osa

Vandy's Dominic de la Osa just hit a ball that everyone in the press box thought was a fly ball to center (I thought it was going to die about 10 feet shy of the warning track in right center.

The next thing I know, the ball's clanging off the scoreboard in right, and Vandy's got a 7-4 lead due to a wind that was gusting nicely just that way. That wind has now stopped just minutes later.

It's 7-4 Vandy in the top of the fourth, as Pedro Alvarez just missed getting one out of here but instead went for out two.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Round Rock: Nothing Suttle about it

Texas just took a 7-4 lead in the top of the 12th on a pair of run-scoring doubles.

Jordan Danks led off with a single and moved to second on a sac bunt. Chance Wheeless followed by bouncing an infield single off the pitcher's glove. Up came Brad Suttle, who lined a 1-2 pitch into the right-center gap to score both runners.

Russell Moldenhauer just followed with another double in almost the same spot to add another run.

Texas is still batting with one out.

I was rooting for someone/anyone to score this inning because my scorebook only goes to 12.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Oxford: Even tighter

After six silent innings, it looks like the Sam Houston offense has come to life.
Sam Houston just added another run in the eighth to cut it to 7-6 and has the tying run on third with one out. Patrick Ezell pitching for USM.
Stay tuned.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Myrtle Beach: Wild Open

We've only played one inning, but this is a wild one. With rain falling once again, Coastal got a run in the top of the first with the help of three singles, including David Sappelt setting the all-time school record for career hits. But then the Tigers' bats came alive in the bottom half like we haven't seen in a while. Four runs and five hits later, Clemson has a 4-1 lead after one. Nothing was hit that hard, but everything found holes. Chalk reached on an error and scored, Wilson Boyd singled and scored, Marquez Smith recorded the first out on a Sac Bunt, Andy D'Alessio hit a 2 run double and scored, Taylor Harbin singled and scored, Doug Hogan had an RBI single, Ben paulsen flew out, Addison Johnson had an RBI double, before J.D. Burgess ended the inning with a groundout to short. When it was all over, Coastal pitcher John Mariotti had thrown 27 pitches. This one's gonna be just as wild as advertised.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Back comes Peay

After giving up six in the last half-inning, Austin Peay responded by getting a run back with a run on a sacrifice fly, helped by a Pedro Alvarez error at third that kept the inning alive.

The Governors have runs in every inning, but trail Vandy 6-4 after three.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Schmidt Avoids Jam

Nick Schmidt hit Michael Lam and Ross Sinclair to put runners in scoring position for Creighton with just one out, but Chris Gradoville struck out swinging, and Darin Ruf hit a deep fly out to center, getting Arkansas out of an early jam.

The wind is really blowing out today...something Oklahoma State is going to love if it stays that way tonight. For now though, we've seen a lot of deep balls hit thanks to the wind gusts.

1-0 Arkansas as the Hogs bat in the top of the fourth.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Long Beach: Day Three

It's day three here in the LBC and with less than an hour before game one today, here's a look at the starting line-ups for today:

Long Beach State (38-19)
1. TJ Mittelstaedt - LF
2. Chris Nelson - CF
3. Shane Peterson - DH
4. Travis Howell - C
5. Robert Perry - RF
6. Brandon Godfrey - 1B
7. Danny Espinosa - SS
8. Jason Tweedy - 3B
9. Matt Cline - 2B

Starting pitcher: Omar Arif (5-5, 3.11 ERA)

UIC (35-20)
1. Chad Shroeder - SS
2. Nick Rainwater - 3B
3. Micky PIngree - DH
4. Larry Gempp Jr. - CF
5. Jake Carr - 1B
6. David Cales - 2B
7. Ty Rubio - RF
8. Tyler Moore - LF
9. Erik Whinery - C

Starting pitcher - Steve Crnkovich (4-3, 2.27 ERA)

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Sunday, 06/03/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #3 Ohio State: Seventh inning

Play made on a chopper to deep short and the throw just gets Howell at first. One away.

Liner for a single to right for Matt Angle. That guy is a player. He can hit.

He can run too. Throw is way late at second. Runner in scoring position with one gone.

Hard liner to right but right at the outfielder. Two away and the runner can't advance.

Shot up the middle ricochets off of the second baseman. Run scores on an infield RBI hit by Miller. Score now 8-4 A&M.

Campfield hops one up there that barely cleared the infield grass. Past the catcher for the runner to advance. Still two gone.

Strike three swinging and the side is retired. Big punchout for A&M.

OSU gets one back again but they can't afford to keep letting A&M answer like they have. A&M has scored the last four innings. Buckeyes will try to hold them here as we go to the seventh inning stretch. 8-4 Aggies.

Lefty Eric Best in to pitch for OSU. Buckeyes need him to hold A&M right here.

Bad start as he hits the leadoff man Colligan. Nailed him right in the chest. Runner at first.

More bad news for the Buckeyes as a bad throw on a pickoff move sails past first. Colligan gets all the way to third.

Popup to first is an easy first out. Watch out. Stouffer is looking for that double to complete the cycle.

THERE IT IS, STOUFFER FINDS THE GAP AND IT'S A DOUBLE! HE HAS HIT FOR THE CYCLE! What a MASTERFUL hitting performance being displayed by Blake Stouffer. He drove it to deep left center. His fourth hit and sixth RBI. A&M leads 9-4.

Now Stouffer steals third. He's putting on a clinic. Runner at third still just one out.

Fly to center by Craig Stinson will be deep enough to score the run. Two gone but the Aggies now lead 10-4. A&M is really breaking this one open.

Strike three swinging. Inning is retired.

Ohio State is in trouble. Continuing to throw meatballs to Blake Stouffer is proving to be a very bad idea. Two more chances but they're down 10-4. A&M has the crowd on it's side in a big way.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Houston: Missing their Chances

Although TCU starter Chance Corgan has not looked sharp at all, he holds a 3-0 lead as we go to the fourth inning here. TCU added a run in the second inning against Kendal Volz, forcing Baylor to bring in junior Randall Linebaugh from the bullpen. The top of the TCU order - even without leading hitter Keith Conlon - has done all the damage, while the 5-9 hitters are a combined 0-for-8 today. On the other side, Corgan has only gotten ahead of three hitters early in the count (out of 11) but has gotten two double plays (on a 3-1 and a 2-0 pitch, respectively) to keep Baylor off the scoreboard.

Right now, it's looking like a TCU-Rice rematch is extremely likely for tonight. Baylor has not shown up today offensively, and I don't know if its bullpen can stand six innings against a very good Horned Frog lineup. The big question may be the TCU bullpen. If Corgan can go six or seven innings and/or TCU extends its lead, Jim Schlossnagle can avoid using his top arms and save them for the nightcap.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Hogs Score First

The scoreless tie has been broken in the top half of the third.

Brian Walker singled to left, and then advanced to second on a balk by Ben Mancuso. It looked as if he'd stay there, as Matt Willard grounded to third and Jake Dugger struck out swinging. However, Sean Jones delivered for the Razorbacks with a double to left, scoring Walker and giving the Hogs a quick sigh of relief.

They still have to hold their breaths a little, as Lam, Knight and Sinclair get set to face Nick Schmidt in the bottom of third, with Arkansas now ahead 1-0.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Wichita:UNO sends in Whalen to pitch

Leading off the 8th for the Shockers is Damon Sublett. He is out with a catch by UNO's CF, and now up is Brown. Brown strikes out swinging, and up now is Gillaspie. He gets to second base with a hit towards RF. Workman, WSU's DH, is up. Workman gets ball 3 as Gillaspie steals third. Workman gets a single, as Gillaspie runs home for WSU's 6th run. They now lead 6 to 2. Weber comes to the plate, and Workman steals second on a wild pitch. Weber still up at the plate with a 1-2 count, and UNO sends in #24 Stephen Whalen to pitch.

Score still stands at WSU 6 and UNO 2

Weber now batting against Whalen. Weber is walked by a hit by the pitcher, and Hill is up to bat. Workman steals third, as Hill gets the second ball. Hill hits it and runs to first, as Workman comes in for the run. Shocks now have 7. Coleman up now, he hits a fly to right field and that is third out.

UNO now batting with Ware at the plate. Ware strikes out, and up next is Bowser. He hits a foul that sends him back to homeplate. Bowser strikes out also, and up next is Joey Butler. Butler is out at first, and the 8th inning is now over.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Round Rock: "This one goes to eleven."

Each team had chances in the 10th, but Texas and Wake Forest are still tied 4-4.

Texas had a runner at 2nd with only one out, but then could only muster a couple of weak groundouts.

Wake's Allan Dykstra blasted a high fly to center, but it didn't quite reach the warning track. Then with two outs and a man on first, Tyler Smith ripped one down the right field line that bounced inches foul.

Randy Boone and Josh Ellis are still the pitchers, and I have the feeling they're going to decide it.

Meanwhile, UC Irvine is loving this.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Oxford: Not done yet

Hold your horses.
The Bearkats put together a four-run seventh to cut it to 7-5.
Karl Krailo, hit a two-run double, Austin Boggs added an RBI single, and Nick Zaleski had a sac fly.
Southern Miss brought in closer Patrick Ezell.
Sam Houston star closer and national saves leader Luke Prihoda is now warming in the bullpen.
7-5 Southern Miss through seven.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: Boo, rain delay

So much for the sunshine, clouds have consumed Dick Howser and we're on rain delay in Tallahassee with the top-seeded Noles up 17-0 in the bottom of the eighth.

It came down heavy and quick, sending the field crew scurrying out with the tarp in impressive time.

Hopefully it will be a short delay as the rain has already stopped and the radar just shows some scattered green stuff. Looks like they'll wait it out for a few though, despite yells from the fans consisting of 'it's not raining anymore' and 'let's go already.'

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Flaherty bomb puts Vandy up 6-3

Hawkins Field just breathed a collective sigh of relief, as Ryan Flaherty just lined a 2-1 pitch over the 375 sign in right center to score three runs.

Earlier, Vandy got a pair of runs on a ball that Pedro Alvarez bounced off the wall in right, but the ball was hit so hard, Alvarez was held to a single.

No matter, as Flaherty followed with that homer. Earlier, Alex Feinberg also knocked in a run with a single.

Matt Meingasner strikes out for the first out in the inning.

Vandy 6, APSU 3, one out for Vandy in the top of the third.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Here come the Vandy bats

Vanderbilt has just broken through with three runs in the third to tie the game with Austin Peay and is still hitting with nobody out.

Details to come in a moment.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Oxford: Golden Eagles pulling away

Southern Miss now leads 7-1 entering the bottom of the seventh after Chris Matesich's two-run single.
The hit was the third of the day for Matesich, who entered the game hitting .136. He's raised his average to .165.
The last time Matesich, a third baseman, had a two-hit game was in the 2005 Oxford Regional against Oklahoma. He also had four three-hit games in 2005.
Looks like it'll be an all Magnolia title game with Ole Miss waiting in the wings.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Wichita: WSU up 5-2

UNO brings in another pitcher, #35 John Cody. Weber is the first Shocker up to bat against Cody, and Weber gets a hit toward 3rd base, and is thrown out at first. Hill comes up next and he stikes out. Coleman up to bat, and he hits it far to leftfield to get the double. Dirks gets the walk, and Shermerhorn gets the final out with a hit towards SS.

WSU has a new pitcher, #6 Noah Booth, who saw some play in yesterday's game against Oral Roberts. Tarnow up to bat for UNO and he is out at first. Schwaner takes the plate, and Booth strikes him out. Anderson is out with a catch in the outfield, and that ends the 7th inning.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Round Rock: Free Baseball! Wake gets 9th-inning miracle

Leading 4-1 heading to the bottom of the ninth, Texas looked in control. But Wake rallied for three runs, the final two on pinch-hitter Brett Linnenkohl's two-out, two-strike, two-run homer.

Tyler Smith led off the inning with a single and, two outs later, scored on Andy Goff's single.

That run brought closer Randy Boone in from the Texas pen, and Linnenkohl from the Wake dugout.

Boone got ahead 1-2, then threw a pitch that just about everyone but the home plate umpire and Linnenkohl thought was strike three. (Texas fans are noted for complaining about every pitch, but this one did look extremely similar to a lot of pitches that have been called strikes today.) Linnenkohl then blasted Boone's next pitch into the RF bullpen to tie it.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #3 Ohio State: Sixth inning

Ohio State gets another leadoff man on. Tony Kennedy watches four wide. This is not a good gameplan for A&M with the lead.

Kennedy slides in right under a tag to his helmet to swipe second. Runner at second with no one out.

Grounder to second moves the runner to third. First out of the inning. Campfield ran the count full against him. I don't think A&M wants to be throwing this many balls with a three run lead.

Easy popup right over first. Easy second out. That hurts if your OSU.

Side retired on one handled by the first baseman. He takes it himself.

Buckeyes had a chance to score for the third straight inning. Time's running out.

Leadoff walk issued to Anders to start off the bottom of the sixth.

Coach out to talk and that will do it for J.B. Shuck. He didn't pitch terribly, but he made some costly mistakes. Stouffer really killed him, driving in five of the six runs. Trey Fausnaugh is the new man for the Buckeyes.

Fausnaugh gets the first out easily on a runner thrown out at second. One gone and bases empty now.

Walk again puts a runner right back on first. Craig Stinson heads down to first. Not a good start for Fausnaugh.

LONG FLY BALL, AND IT'S A GONER BY JOSH STINSON! Two run shot clears the wall on a pitch pulled to right field. Aggies pour it on and now lead 8-3. That's Stinson's first homer of the year.

Hot grounder to third is mishandled, but the throw is just in time to get Craig Stinson for the second out.

Slow grounder right to short and on to first to retire the inning.

A&M is making Ohio State pay. They're not missing any mistakes by the Buckeyes. It shows in the 8-3 lead. Ohio State will have a hard time coming back from this.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Knight Bruises His Way to Record

Nick Schmidt and Ben Mancuso got through the first inning unscathed, so we're scoreless headed to the second.

Meanwhile, in the obscure records category, Robbie Knight just set the new NCAA record for the number of times hit by a pitch in a season (34). Knight received the ball that hit him in the back. However, do players actually try to attain this record? I mean, it's something worth mentioning, especially given how many bumps and bruises this guy has had to take this year, but it is something players try to break?

After a total of 49 runs yesterday, it's good to see a scoreless inning.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Myrtle Beach: In-State Rivalries

There's nothing better than an in-state rivalry, and we're about to get one going here in Myrtle Beach as Clemson meets Coastal Carolina in the winner's bracket. Here are your starting pitchers as the crowd files in to what is expected to be a standing room only crowd of over 6,000 here at Coastal Federal Field. Clemson leads the all-time series 36-4. The Chants look to get rid of their 'little brother' title. They are packing this place in, it's exciting.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Crowell fooling no one

Vandy needs a big start from Cody Crowell today, and they're not getting it.

Crowell gave up a two-run homer in the first to Tyler Farrar, and has now given up his third double the first time through the order, this one to No. 9 hitter Levi Cheshire, knocking in a run.

Ty Davis is now warming up in the bullpen for Vandy.

It's now APSU 3, Vandy 0 as Crowell gets a pop-up to end the inning after wild pitching Cheshire to third.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Wofford, thanks for coming.

Though the Wofford Terriers had a great run in the SoCon Tournament, the NCAA Tourney brought them the ol' two and out. NC State beat them in a wild affair, 10-6.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Top of the Ninth.

Top of the ninth inning here in Columbia with one out. Five more outs until we get to enjoy a double-header. The loser of this game goes home and the winner gets the pleasure of napping for a few hours before playing the loser of the next game. Got that?

Now we are headed to the bottom of the ninth. I think they should make it like the reality shows - you come to the park with your luggage packed. You lose, you leave.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: Standing 'O'

The Hatters finally stopped the bleeding in an inning that was hard to watch from the press box and I can't even imagine how Stetson fans could stomach the debacle.

11 runs, 7 hits -- 5 singles, 1 double, and 1 three-run home run -- 5 walks, 2 batters hit.

The Seminoles received a standing ovation after the inning from a happy crowd who can rest assured Florida State will live to play another game in the home regional.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Wichita: WSU Still Ahead

To start off the 6th, Schermerhorn comes up to bat for WSU. He slides into second for the double. Sublett up now for the Shocks. His hit is caught in the outfield, and that is an out for the Shockers. Brown is at the plate and he gets a double and the RBI as Schermerhorn comes home for the 5th run. Gillaspie up to bat now for WSU, and he is out by a catch in centerfield. Workman goes to the plate next for WSU, and his hit becomes the third out.

UNO's batter is TJ Baxter, and he gets a single. Giavotella up next, and he is out at first, but Baxter is out at second. Wolfe up for UNO, and he strikes out.

WSU 5 UNO 2 at the end of the 6th.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: RISP breakdown

After hitting with runners in scoring position all season, Vandy can't buy a hit in this tourney at the right time.

Ryan Flaherty singled with one out, and Parker Hanks doubled with two away.

But that brought Shea Robin and Brad French, both of who haven't hit much this year, as the two to follow. It didn't even get to French, as Robin struck out on three pitches.

Last night, the Commodores left 11 men on base, not counting the two times they got the leadoff man on base and had him picked off.

It's Austin Peay 2, Vanderbilt 0 here after 1 1/2 from Hawkins Field.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Flaherty breaks record

Vandy's Ryan Flaherty just lined a single up the middle to extend his hitting streak to 33 games, breaking Warner Jones' old school record which stretched over 2003 and 2004. Flaherty already held the single-season record.

With one out, Matt Meingasner popped to first, so Vandy needs some two-out magic to keep the inning alive.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Houston: Early advantage to TCU

TCU is out to an early 2-0 lead after one inning in Houston this afternoon. The Horned Frogs jumped on Baylor starter Kendal Volz, who was outstanding in last weekend's Big XII Tournament, with a quick succession of opposite-field singles from their Nos. 2-4 hitters. The middle hit was a key hit-and-run called by Jim Schlossnagle, who has been on the money with his (and his opponents') running games this weekend. A groundout with the bases loaded plated a second run, but Volz escaped further damage.

In the bottom of the first, Baylor got two runners on but was unable to advance them, leading to several press-box mentions of TCU's hit-and-run game against Baylor's station-to-station approach. We'll see how this one progresses.

Also, props to St. John's for its walkoff win over VCU; we got to watch that one here in the press box. With that game ending, however, I'm going to go catch some sun and enjoy the atmosphere.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #3 Ohio State: Fifth inning

Another leadoff walk issued by Rivers. That's a bad idea. Buckeyes will look to capitalize on that like they did last inning. Howell down at first.

Hit and run works to perfection. Line drive single by Matt Angle up the middle and runners are now at the corners with nobody out. Rally brewing here for the Buckeyes.

Coach Childress out for a visit. He's got action in the bullpen but I'm sure he wants Rivers to get at least one more batter.

Nope, he gets him now. Rivers is now out of the game in the fifth. Pretty good outing, but he's left his team in a bind. Runners at the corners with no outs and A&M righty Gary Campfield enters the fray.

Pitch in the dirt mishandled by Stinson at the plate. Runner at first moves up and now the Aggies no longer have a double play in order. Second and third with no outs.

Strike three swinging and Campfield gets a big first out for A&M. One gone.

Long fly ball and that will be deep enough for Miller to get the run home. Just shy of the track in center and both runners advance on the sac fly. Ohio State cuts the lead to 5-3. Two gone now.

Strike three looking and Campfield is out of the mess. Buckeyes are retired.

Well, OSU gets on the board again. That could have been a lot worse for A&M. Pretty good pitching by Campfield holding them to just the one run. He punched out two that inning.

Chopper gets over the head of the pitcher but third baseman handles it and throws with plenty of time. One gone.

Fly ball to center is an easy second out.

LINE DRIVE DOWN THE LEFT FIELD LINE IS A FAIR BALL. That was another good battle by Hicks and it pays off for him with a double shot down the line. Runner at second with two gone. Dangerous Stouffer coming up to bat.

DEEP FLY BALL AND IT'S IN THE GAP BETWEEN CENTER AND RIGHT! Blake Stouffer comes through again and makes it to third with an RBI triple. He has hit safely in his last six at bats. What a tear he is on as the Aggies augment the lead to 6-3.

Fly ball to center is easy and the inning is over.

Good action here the last two innings. Nobody can get Blake Stouffer out. He is just raking all over the place. With a double, he will have the cycle. 6-3 A&M.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Myrtle Beach: Bye-Bye Rams

After VCU tied it in the top of the 9th on a solo homer, St. John's answered with one of their own. Chris Anninos hits his second homerun of the game, drives in his fourth run of the game, wow. So VCU is done, St. John's moves on to play the loser of Clemson-Coastal Carolina. The crowd is filing out, Coastal is here, Clemson is not, they say about a half hour in between games. Will have a quick preview up as things are in rapid motion, with still threatening skies.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: APSU breaks out against Vandy

Austin Peay's Rafael Hill led off with a double to deep center, then with one out, Nashville native Tyler Farrar creamed a home run way out to left center, and now, the Governors have a 2-0 lead over Vandy with one out in the first.

The Commodores have got to be pressing, after losing a heartbreaker last night for only their third loss of the year. Everyone at Hawkins Field was stunned, and the Commodores had better get it together and find the bats in a hurry, or an SEC championship season's going to end without even finishing second in their own regional.

APSU 2, Vandy 0, one out in the bottom of the first.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Wolfpack Outta' the Inning

The Wolfpack got out of the 7th with no further damage by the Terriers.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Charlottesville: Still raining

It's beginning to look a bit doubtful if any baseball will be played in Charlottesville today. The rain is still falling at a decent clip and does not look like it will let up soon.
On another note, with Vanderbilt in trouble in Nashville after last night's loss, Virginia fans are beginning to get excited about the possibility of the Cavaliers hosting a Super Regional next weekend.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Round Rock: Can a middle reliever be regional MVP?

At the end of seven innings, Texas leads Wake Forest, 4-1.

Wake scored their run in the sixth on Tyler Smith's homer, a deep blast that cleared the bullpen behind the right field wall.

Joseph Krebs is still on the hill for Texas. He has gone 3.1 innings, allowed two hits and a run, and has struck out three and walked none. And no one is warming in the Texas pen.

His three-game totals: 8 innings, 4 hits, 1 run, no walks, and 12 Ks.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Oxford: Bearkats on the board

Sam Houston has taken back some momentum after Southern Miss appeared to be cruising.
After escaping their bases-loaded jam withouth allowed a Golden Eagle run in the top of the fourth, the Bearkats broke through for their first run in the bottom of the frame. Karl Krailo doubled and scored on a sac fly.
Southern Miss just answered with a run, however, since I began typing.
4-1 USM top five. Golden Eagles have a runner on second with one out.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Don't celebrate yet, Wolfpack.

The teams have a combined 492 pitching changes (or so it seems) and Wofford is coming back. Bottom of the 7th is rolling for Wofford. With one run in and one out, the bases are loaded with John Brandt coming up to the plate. 10-6. NC State.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #3 Ohio State: Fourth inning

Ball four on four straight to start off the fourth. That is not what Rivers wants to do with a four run lead. Zoeller down at first to leadoff.

Double play come-backer, but A&M can't turn it in time. Kennedy was safe down at first by about a step. One away with a runner still at first.

Passed ball. He closed the glove too early. Runner advances to second.

Long fly ball and the catch is made in right just shy of the wall. Arp put a pretty good charge into it but just missed it. Runner moves to third with two away.

LONG FLY BALL THIS TIME TO LEFT AND THIS TIME GONE! Cory Rupert cuts the lead in half on a two-run homer. Buckeyes are on the board at 4-2.

Shallow popup to right for the final out.

Buckeyes finally get to Rivers on a big homer. That changes the game. Lead is only two now in the fourth.

LONG FLY BALL TO RIGHT AND IT'S GONE OVER THE WALL FOR A SOLO SHOT BY LUKE ANDERS. That was tagged. Aggies get one back quickly. Shuck hung him one on a 3-1 pitch. 5-2 A&M.

Strike three and that's out number one.

Line drive to right but a play is made by the right fielder. Two gone.

Strike three swinging and the inning is over.

Some excitement in both half innings. Ohio State fights back and A&M gets one back. Let's see if the Buckeyes can chip away some more after getting some runs. 5-2 A&M.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Wichita: Schwaner gets a homerun for UNO

Leading things off in the 5th inning for WSU is Gillaspie. He runs to first base on a hit, but he is out with a catch by the CF. Workman up now, and he gets single. Weber up to bat, and Workman steals second. He gets a hit that goes to the 1st baseman, as the pitcher goes to the base to get him out. 2 outs for WSU, as Hill comes up to bat. Hill gets to stroll to first base, as Coleman comes up to bat. He gets to base, and the Shocks have runners on all bases.

UNO switches pitchers to #31 Matt Wagner. Dirks is up batting for the Shocks. He gets a hit but is out at first, and Workman does not get the run.

Schwaner up for the Privateers, and he gets a homerun. Privateers now up to 2 runs. Batting now is Anderson, he goes down swinging for UNO's first out. Ware up for UNO, and he gets to first base. Bowser bats, and Ware steals second. Bowser still up and he gets a hit that is caught by SS Coleman and is out at first. Butler gets the third out by a play at first.

At the end of the 5th WSU 4 UNO 2

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Myrtle Beach: Call Him Clutch

We're back underway here in Myrtle Beach and what excitement we've seen already. After a 40 minute delay for lightning/light shower, St. John's went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 8th. Then Chris Jackson for VCU, trailing 4-3 in what could be their final at bats of the season, hits a leadoff homerun well over 400 feet in an absolutely bomb of a homerun that hit a car out in the overflow parking over the leftfield fence to tie this thing at 4 -4 off of Ryan Cole.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Oxford: Gray to the rescue

Southern Miss loaded the bases with one out in the fourth when Sam Houston reliever Tim Gray replaced Matt Fry on the mound and got Brian Dozier to hit into a 6-4-3 double play.
Golden Eagles still lead 3-0 after 3.5. Crowd is sparse but not terrible. A good number of Southern Miss fans in gol shirts down the first base line and a handful of Sam Houston fans in orange up the third-base line.
Again scores of empty canvas chairs line the outfield terrace in anticipation of tonight's game.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: Yeah, we're done here

The Seminoles banged out ten runs in their favorite inning to take total control in the seventh, in what has become a 15-0 butt kicking at Dick Howser.

We've already seen four pitchers from Stetson in the inning and it just keeps getting uglier by the minute.

Things started to go bad from the start as reliever Justin Dechert earned an early exit after loading the bases with no out.

The Hatters then trotted out sophomore Blake Marsocci, who threw just six pitches to walk in a run and earn a mound visit of his own. Then came freshman Ian Thompson. Then came freshman Robby Donovan.

I'll let you know when it's over.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Day 3 Begins - Arkansas v. Creighton

We are half an hour away from the first game in today's action of the 2007 Fayetteville Regional. Today, #1 Arkansas and #2 Creighton battle to stay alive. The winner gets an evening date with Oklahoma State. The loser ends their season in disappointing fashion.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, MO: Fasten Your Seatbelts

It seems like everytime I try to write a new blog something else happens to render the previous play moot.

It's been a wild one, with a botched suicide squeeze, doubles off the wall and down the line, wild pitches and who knows what else is coming.

We're in the bottom of the 6th, 7-5 U of L.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

NASHVILLE: Mantooth makes quick work of Vandy in the first

Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin said after last night's (or actually, this morning's) loss to Michigan that his team's hitters were pressing, and what just happened in the first isn't likely to help.

With an 0-2 count, it looked like David Macias checked his swing on the next pitch, but an appeal to third brought a third strike.

Alex Feinberg then ripped what looked like a double down the line to deep right, but the ball curved foul. Feinberg later grounded out on a 3-2 pitch.

Dominic de la Osa then rolled over a 1-0 pitch in grounding out to third, and now, Austin Peay will face Cody Crowell in its half of the first.

No score from Hawkins Field after a half inning.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Wichita: Schermerhorn goes for the homerun

Coleman really shaping up as he gets a single. Dirks up next, and he is out by a catch at rf. Schermerhorn up, and that is a homerun (makes up for that error), and he and Coleman come in for 2 runs. Sublett up to bat next, and he is out by a catch in the outfield. Brown hits one, and sprints to first, but his ball is picked up by 2nd baseman, Giavotella, and he is thrown out at first.

Shockers are up 4 to 0 starting the bottom of the 4th.

For UNO, Butler gets a single. Baxter gets walked by Shafer, and Giavotella is up at the plate. He gets to first, and the RBI as Butler comes in to put UNO on the scoreboard. Shafer has a quick meeting with his infield, and Wolfe is up to bat for UNO. Nice play by Sublett as he catches the ball to get the runner out at second, and at first for UNO's two outs. Tarnow goes down swinging and that is it for the 4th inning.

WSU 4 UNO 1

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Insurance.

Already two hours late due to weather and playing three games today rather than two, now Wofford and NC State have decided to turn this into an offensive onslaught. NC State scored a run in their part of the 7th on a sac fly from Jeremy Synan that drove in Ryan Pond.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Fayetteville: Scruggs Everywhere For UA, NCAA

One of the things that we do at Touching the Bases, as well as the CSTV broadcasts, is that we try to talk to everyone that plays a significant part in the event. Those of you who have watched the CSTV broadcasts have shared in the moments of Carter Blackburn's short-lived role as a Diamond Doll (or should I say, Diamond Dude). We've watched Tom Hart talk with the RBI Girls yesterday. Myself, I've stepped out of the press box to sit with fans on both sides and learn the new version of "Calling the Dogs" that Arkansas fans came up for Albany.

So I was figuring who else was there that was playing a huge part in this regional, when someone came to mind. She's been on the field, in the press box, in the media center, in the press conferences...this girl's been everywhere for everybody. So, we caught up with senior Claire Scruggs, a student volunteer in the Arkansas SID department, to find out what all goes on behind the scenes.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahasse: FSU defense comes through again

The Hatters logged two singles in the bottom of the sixth, advancing runners to first and third, but Brian Pruitt hit into a double play and the Seminoles escaped the inning unscathed.

FSU starter Ryan Strauss got out of the jam and now sits at 6 innings, 6 hits, no runs and 3 strikeouts. Skipper Mike Martin did, however, send senior reliever Brian Chambers to the bullpen and is ready if needed.

Stetson misses another chance to score and the home fans are loving it. Noles up again in the seventh.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Round Rock: Texas finally gets good news -- runs!

Texas finally broke through in the top of the 5th and now leads Wake Forest 4-0 with five innings in the books.

Both teams have already gone to the bullpen, and the current pitcher of record for Texas is a very familiar face.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #3 Ohio State: Third inning

Shallow fly to right and an easy play made out there to start the third.

Chopper to second and an easy second out. Rivers is mowing them down. He's only allowed one hit.

Matt Angle reaches on an error. There was a grounder that ate up the shortstop. No chance when he couldn't recover. Runner at first with two gone.

HIGH FLY BALL TO RIGHT CENTER AND IT HITS THE WALL. Eric Fryer just missed a homer there. Runners hold up at second and third. Runner couldn't get home on a good relay. Still two gone.

Chopper to third and on to first and the Aggies skate by some trouble. Side retired.

Just as I had said that Rivers was pitching well, he served a meatball up to Fryer. Luckily for him he didn't pay the price.

Dalton rung up on a check swing. Tough pitch by Shuck. One away.

Fly ball to shallow right center and the center fielder comes in for the catch. Two gone.

Colligan shoots one just by the shortstop for a single. That was a hot shot. One one with two gone.

Colligan almost caught leaning at first.

This time Shuck balked. Colligan takes second. Fans and the umpire were right on top of it.

Good battle here between Hicks and Shuck. Full count. Hicks continues to foul off pitches.

Hicks gets nailed right on the back elbow. He exposed it trying to move out of the way and Shuck nailed him right there. First and second with two gone. Hicks wins the battle but pays the price.

LONG FLY BALL TO LEFT AND IT'S A THREE-RUN HOMER BY BLAKE STOUFFER! He got a hold on that one and pulled it right out of here. That's his second homer of the regional. Aggies go on top 4-0. Still two outs.

GOOD pick over at first on a hot grounder by Justin Miller. Side is retired, but the damage has been done.

Aggies make J.B. Shuck pay on a mistake to Blake Stouffer. Big three-run homer increases the Aggies lead. 4-0 A&M.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Houston: Fashion police

We're getting ready for the afternoon elimination game between Baylor and TCU. Ought to be a good one; these teams played a very tense 3-2 game on Friday afternoon. Chance Corgan (7-1, 4.320 will pitch for TCU against freshman righthander Kendal Volz (6-2, 4.88) for Baylor.

I'm not a big fan of TCU's uniforms this afternoon. I could stand the purple-on-gray pinstripes, but the white lettering across the chest really gets to me. Kinda reminds me of the Blue Jays uniforms a few years ago, but uglier. Check them out for yourselves at this link (generously recommended by TCU SID Brandie Davidson, unaware of my ulterior motive) and hosted by a TCU fan.

Game action coming up shortly.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #3 Ohio State: Second inning

Come backer to start the inning and Rivers easily fields it for out number one.

Two hopper to second. Easy play for out number two.

High fly to shallow right and an easy 1-2-3 inning for Rivers ends.

After scoring first, the Aggies easily retire the Buckeyes.

Easy chopper to first to leadoff the inning. One gone.

Line drive over second for a single by Brodie Greene. Aggies have their second hit and a runenr at first with one out.

Double play ball on the ground to short and the Buckeyes turn it. Inning over.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Wichita: End of the 3rd for WSU/UNO game

Schermerhorn gets a single for WSU. Sublett up to bat, and he makes a hit that rolls between the pitcher, 1st baseman, and second baseman to get on first. Brown up for WSU, he gets walked and now the bases are loaded.

UNO decides to bring in a new pitcher #26 David Burch. Gillaspie batting for WSU, he gets the out at right field, and Schermerhorn steals home for the Shockers 2nd run. Workman now in, he gets a hit to the 1st baseman, and that is the Shocks 2nd out. Weber up with Sublett on third. Weber is walked, and the bases are loaded with Hill up to bat. That's the third out for the Shockers and now New Orleans is up to bat.

Anderson leading off for UNO. He strikes out for UNO's first out. Ware now up for UNO, and he hits one towards 3rd and is thrown out at first. Bowser's hit is caught by Dirks at cf, and the teams head in at the end of the 3rd.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Oxford: Underway on day three

Southern Miss leads Sam Houston State 3-0 after an inning and a half in the first game of the day. The winner will take on Ole Miss tonight at 5.
Luke Adkins led off the second with a double, Jordan King walked and Eddie Burger smacked an RBI double.
The Bearkats nearly escaped the jam stranding runners on second and third when Bo Davis hit a ball to deep center fielder and SHS center fielder Keith Stein ran backwards to track the ball hit over his head. Stein nearly had it, but failed to make the Willie Mays catch, and Davis ended up with a two-run triple.
Golden Eagles in gold tops with white pants, black caps and black numbers.
Bearkats in white tops and pants with orange numbers and white caps.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, MO: Cards' Castillo Clears Bases

It has not been LHP Eric Erickson's day. He gave up two base hits, and then walked only his third batter in his last six starts.

With the bases loaded Jorge Castillo jumped on a first pitch fastball and hit it off the base of the wall to clear the bags of Cards.

Bottom of the 1st... UL 3, UM 0

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: Here come the Noles

More Stetson fans in attendance today and more bad news for the Hatters in the fifth inning as Florida State is gearing up offensively.

The Seminoles added three more runs on four hits and a wild pitch to make it 5-0, and logged more hits in the inning than they could muster in all of yesterday's loss.

FSU lead-off hitter Tony Thomas Jr. dinged a single through left in the rally to end his regional slump. Thomas was also the speedster on the third when Stetson committed their second wild pitch for a Seminole run on the day.

Hatters' head coach Pete Dunn already pulled starter Jake Hitchcock after 4 and 1/3 innings, 7 hits and 5 runs. Freshman right hander Justin Dechert (6-3) is on in relief with a 4.41 ERA.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Round Rock: Ollie Linton wouldn't have caught this one

After three and a half innings, Texas leads Wake Forest 1-0.

Russell Moldenhauer just hit one out of the park. Literally.

Moldenhauer blasted a 3-2 pitch over the wall, over the bullpen, and over the berm in right-center.

The ball landed on the walkway behind the berm, bounced through an open gate, and into the parking lot with lots of kids in chase.

I'm estimating it was a 430-foot blast, 900 feet if you count the roll.

Nick Peoples is back from the hospital. Between innings, he walked in from an outfield gate with his upper body heavily wrapped and got a standing ovation as he walked around the infield track to the Texas dugout.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Wichita: Schermerhorn gets his first error of the year

Jackson batting for WSU at the top of the 2nd. He gets a hit that is caught by the ss and is thrown out at first. Weber now batting, again he gets out at first. Hill now trying to get on base for WSU. Hill gets hit by the pitch and goes to first. Coleman up, and he gets a single. Back to the beginning with Dirks. With runners on second and first, Andy becomes the Shocker's third out.

Giavotella starts things off for the Privateers. He gets a hit, and is forced out at first. Now up is Wolfe, and he strikes out. Tarnow up, and he gets a short hit that is picked up by teh catcher, and thrown to Schermerhorn at first, but he misses the catch and Tarnow gets a place on first. Shocker's have their first error, Schermerhorn's first of the year.

Score still stands at the end of the 2nd, Shockers 1 Privateers 0.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Myrtle Beach: Another Delay

Thanks to a lightning strike within eight miles of here, we will sit without baseball for at least a half hour. One of them days here in Myrtle Beach. St. John's leads it 4-3 as we were about to start the bottom of the eighth. It's going to be a long one today as the tarp is being rolled out onto the field. Thanks Barry.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Chapel Hill: Rain Delays First Game Until 7 PM

Today's elimination game between East Carolina and Western Carolina was set for 1 pm, but heavy rains in the area have pushed it back to 7 pm, providing we get no more rain. That's an iffy proposition, because the forecast has been calling for heavier rain as the day goes on.

A decision will be made at 5 pm today as to whether this game will be played. If it does go through as hoped, it will be the only game of the day, and the winner will play North Carolina tomorrow. Another game would be played after that if UNC loses. If tonight's game doesn't happen...... well who knows what the schedule will be?

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: Wild pitch costs Stetson another

With their backs against the wall Mike Martin and the Seminoles are content to play small ball with Stetson. Catcher Buster Posey led off the fourth inning with a double to right center and the Noles moved him to third with a sacrifice bunt.

Stetson starter Jake Hitchcock (5-1) did the rest, allowing Posey to score on a wild pitch and the Seminoles to take a 2-0 lead.

The Hatters fell apart early in their first loss of the regional with too many self inflicted mistakes and that was a costly one there as well. Florida State has all the momentum so far in this one.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Wichita: Jumping the gun

Dirks up to bat, and he strikes out to start the inning for WSU. Schermerhorn up next, and he follows with a hit that is caught by UNO's cf ,Bowser, for the second out. Sublett now batting for the Shockers, and he gets a double. The Shockers now have a man on base. #20 Brown gets a hit that gets him the RBI as Sublett puts the Shocks on the board with the first run. Gillaspie gets the third out, as his ball is caught in the center field.

Bowser now batting for UNO. He gets a hit that barely clears the foul line and stays at second. Butler bats, and Bowser steals third. Butler is out at first from a catch by Shafer that throws him out. UNO gets quick outs as Bowser leaves early for the steal. UNO goes scoreless.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #3 Ohio State: First inning

First batter Jacob Howell up for OSU, and it's a ball inside at 1:07 p.m.

Line drive single over second for a base hit on the first at bat of the game. Howell is on with no outs.

Here's the hero of yesterday for OSU, Matt Angle.

Line drive but this time it hangs up in center for the first out.

Balk on Rivers and Howell advances to second. Looked the umpires caught him leaning home, and then he threw over. Can't do that.

Got him looking. First strike out for Rivers. He froze Fryer on a breaking ball on the outside corner.

Count goes full on Miller, crowd wants the strikeout.

Ball four JUST misses on the outisde corner. First and second with two gone.

Line drive tagged to right, but fielder easily settles under it. Side retired and the Aggies are coming up.

If Rivers can pitch like that for about five or six more innings, Aggies coach Rob Childress will be very happy.

Shuck walks the leadoff man Ruggiano. One on to lead off the inning.

Aggies continue the trend from yesterday with bunts. Colligan sacrifices Ruggiano to second. Played well by Shuck.

Hicks goes down swinging but Ruggiano takes third on a close play. Two gone with a runner at third.

Line drive for a base hit to the left side by Blake Stouffer, that's an RBI single and the Aggies take the 1-0 lead. Ruggiano scores from third.

Grounder up the middle and Stouffer is OUT at second. Replay showed him to be safe but it was a close play. Fielder's choice ends the Aggies rally, but they get one to take the lead. 1-0 A&M

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Round Rock: Maybe I should be an M.D.

After three innings, Texas and Wake Forest are scoreless. Each team has had a runner to third with one out, but came up empty. Wake's Willy Fox led off the bottom of the second with a double and moved to third on a flyout, but a comebacker and a strikeout stranded him. Jordan Danks ripped a one-out triple in the top of the third, but after a walk, Chance Wheeless scorched a one-hopper right back at Wake pitcher Brad Kledzik, who turned it into a 1-6-3 double play.

Official word from the Texas SID: CF Nick Peoples has a fractured left clavicle.

That's an injury that will take a while to heal, so he's done for the year.

Collarbone trivia: The collarbone is broken more often than any other bone in the body. About 64 out of every 100,000 people in the United States break their collarbones every year.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: Hatters denied

The Seminoles continue to hit early and aggressive, resulting in three consecutive fly outs -- with each coming on less than three-pitch at-bats -- in a three up, three down top of the third.

Stetson tried to move a runner around in the bottom of the inning, following an FSU throwing error and a sacrifice bunt, but the Noles fielded the next hit and surprised the third-base runner with a throw to the plate and trapped him on the line.

To make matters worse for the Hatters, FSU third basman Jason Stidham fired to second after the tag and caught Stetson batter Shane Jordan trying to take second in time to earn the double play and end the inning.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Wolfpack Flexing Muscles

In the top of the sixth inning the Wolfpack have tacked another five on the Terriers. After a walk to Ferguson, Jeremy Synan hit a long two run home run to center field. Caleb Mangum walked after a pitching change leading to three consecutive doubles by Drew Martin, Dallas Poulk and Marcus Jones. Wofford's third pitcher of the inning, Lance Player came on to record the last two outs. After 5 1/2, NC State led 9-1.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Note on the College Station Regional

I just want to say that these games have been very emotionally draining. All of the fans have been great, and the teams have been very competitive. Even Le Moyne, who was eliminated yesterday, REALLY gave it their all. While I'm only pulling for one team, every one of these games has had me on the edge of my seat and has kept me excited. I am really hoping that we go to a fourth day and that today's games are just as competitive.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Roskopf Answers the Long Ball Call

With Ramon Corona already on board and no outs, NC State DH Mike Roskopf hit one over the wall in right center. With one out now, it's NC State 3-1 over Wofford. Man on first (base on balls) in the top of the fourth.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: Gilmartin Goes Yard

Wofford lead-off man, SS Mike Gilmartin, just put an Austin Redwine offering beyond the center field fence somewhere. Going to the top of the fourth it's tied 1-1.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Wichita: New Orleans and Wichita State meet again

It is another match up for the Wichita State Shockers and the New Orleans Privateers. After a loss to the Privateers Friday night, the Shocks are up again to try and secure a spot in the championship game.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Tallahassee: Noles on the board first

After a scoreless first inning, first basemen Jason Stidham homered to give Florida State an early 1-0 lead for a change in the top of the second. The Seminoles have gotten off to a slow start in both of their first two matchups and, maybe after learning their lesson, look to be playing a little more aggressive in this one.

Stidham's solo shot came on the first pitch of the at-bat and gave the Garnet and Gold something to cheer about after last night's disappointment.

Meanwhile, FSU starter Ryan Strauss (9-3) looks to be pitching with a lot more confidence than the Seminoles have seen from him in awhile.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: NC State Scores First

A hit, a hit batter and a wild pitch scored a run for the Wolfpack before the top of the third ended. Going to the bottom half, the sky is still gray, but for some reason looks a tad more friendly at the moment.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

#1 Texas A&M vs. #3 Ohio State

About 40 minutes from game five here on day three of the College Station Regional. This one is a matchup between the winner of yesterday's day game, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and the loser of the night game, the Texas A&M Aggies.

Ohio State won in dramatic walkoff fashion to eliminate the Le Moyne Dolphins by a score of 6-5. Matt Angle punched a single through the left side with the bases loaded for the win. The Aggies lost a heartbreaker that went down to the wire against the Louisiana Lafayette Cajuns. A&M had the tying run at third with two outs in the top of the ninth but Dane Carter hit into a force play to end the game with a 5-4 Lafayette victory.

The winner of this team has a difficult task ahead. First they must defeat the team in front of them in this day game, then they must defeat Lafayette, a team that beat both of them. Then they must defeat Lafayette again in a night game on Monday. Certainly a daunting prospect.

Ohio State will start J.B. Shuck, a lefty with a 4-3 record in 12 starts and a 4.48 ERA. A&M will go with Kirkland Rivers, another lefty with a 5.46 ERA and a 2-3 record in 2 starts. Rivers hasn't been in many starting situations this year, however he pitched in a very clutch performance to beat the Texas Longhorns in the Big 12 Tournament.

Both pitchers are also utility players.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, MO: Louisville & Miami Square Up For Loser-Goes-Home-Rematch

It is an overcast and windy day here in Columbia as we are about an hour away from starting a game that will send another team home for good this season.

UM will throw freshman leftie Eric Erickson against junior RHP James Belanger.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: End of Two

End of two. 0-0. NC State's Jeremy Synan leads off the top of the third with an infield single.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Charlottesville: Weather prompts schedule changes

There will only be one game today in Charlottesville. Rutgers will face Oregon State in an elimination game at 6 p.m. The winner of that game will play Virginia at 1 p.m. on Monday and again at 6 if necessary.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Round Rock: More bad news for Texas

Texas isn't losing, but they have lost another player.

After an inning, the Longhorns and Wake Forest are scoreless.

CF Nick Peoples made an incredible diving catch of Dustin Hood's blast into the left-center alley, but didn't get up. The trainer rushed out, and Peoples immediately walked off the field holding his left arm across the front of his body.

Between innings, they carted him out of the stadium. He had wrap going diagonally across his right shoulder, down to where it held his left forearm across his stomach.

I'm not a doctor, but that looks like a collarbone injury.

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Sunday, 06/03/07

Columbia, SC: End of One.