South Carolina star junior Whit Merrifield drove this Dan Klein fastball--the final pitch at
Rosenblatt Stadium--into right field to give the Gamecocks their first ever national title.
The 2010 College World Series had its ups (spectacular web gems, great pitching performances, and extra-inning nail-biters) and its downs (weather, long games, and disappointing crowds). But the CWS ended on a fitting note last night as South Carolina topped UCLA in a riveting, hard-fought final game. Whit Merrifield's one-out single in the 11th off Bruins closer Dan Klein brought home the winning run and was the first walk-off hit to win the CWS in a decade. The Gamecocks certainly earned the title, as they won six consecutive games in Omaha after losing their opener to Oklahoma. SC's Jackie Bradley Jr., a sophomore outfielder, received the tournament's Most Outstanding Player award, although RHP Blake Cooper (a senior who did his best Jonah Nickerson impression and threw two straight games on three days' rest) also had a case.
Even if he thought teammate Blake Cooper was more deserving, Jackie
Bradley Jr. wasn't going to complain about more Erin Andrews time.
South Carolina is traditionally known as a team of mashers, but this club was built primarily on its pitching and defense. The 'Cocks didn't have a Justin Smoak or Phil Disher to rely on, but they had a strong 1-2 punch in the rotation and one of the best bullpens in the country. South Carolina and Florida were the class of the SEC pretty much all season long. While the young Gators stumbled in Omaha--as the Gamecocks did in the (decidedly less important) conference tournament--Carolina was able to pick up the second consecutive NCAA championship for the SEC. I still believe Texas, Virginia, etc. were even better, but kudos to the Gamecocks for an amazing postseason run and for beating a terrific UCLA team. I'm excited to see what JBJ, closer Matt Price, 1B Christian Walker and Co. have in store for an encore.
A couple of final screenshots and thoughts from the last College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium:
Yes, even the big guys like Gerrit Cole and Matt Purke
take it hard when their team is eliminated.
Trevor Bauer is the most exciting player to watch in the nation. Knowing he enrolled at UCLA a semester early, is a long-toss freak, pitches like Tim Lincecum, and is one of the most dominant pitchers in the country, I've liked Bauer for a while. I didn't realize the extent of his quirkiness, however, until watching him in person and on TV in the CWS. Bauer has an insane conditioning and throwing routine. It was a treat to watch him do his crazy gyrations and exercises, then go out and put on a clinic on the mound. If UCLA got to Game 3 and won, Bauer likely would have gotten the CWS MOP, as his first two starts were masterful. The nation's leader in strikeouts, Bauer throws in the low-90s, has an extremely deep repertoire of offspeed pitches, and could be a 1st-round pick next year. Do yourself a favor: set aside an hour and search 'Trevor Bauer' on Google and YouTube.
Trevor Bauer mockingly gave the TCU symbol after he
decimated the Horned Frogs' lineup with 13 Ks in 8 IP.
Trevor Bauer didn't seem to be fazed by the loss. He even
asked to touch SC's trophy during postgame handshakes.
It was great to have some fresh blood at the CWS, with TCU a first-time participant and South Carolina a first-time winner.
ESPN still has work to do with its broadcasts. It is blatantly obvious that Mike Patrick, Orel Hershiser, et al. don't follow the college game until they cover the postseason. They are not familiar with the teams or players. On the other hand, Baseball America continues to do a fantastic job of covering the event and college baseball all season long.
The lights at Rosenblatt Stadium are finally off for good.
With summer leagues in full swing, the signing deadline for draftees on August 16, and next season less than 8 months away, it's time to look forward to 2011. I already can't wait.
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