South Carolina Wins College World Series Over UCLA

OMAHA, Neb. -- Ray Tanner might be biased, but he can't imagine an NCAA bowl game or Final Four being any more prestigious than the stage here at the College World Series.

South Carolina's head baseball coach often wondered if the Midwestern charm and ambiance of the CWS and Rosenblatt Stadium would fulfill his expectations when he directed the Gamecocks to their first of three consecutive appearances from 2002-04.

All was good, if not better than anticipated, but it can't compare to Tuesday's magical moment.

South Carolina beat UCLA 2-1 in 11 innings to clinch its first national championship in any men's sport, and just second overall in school history.

USC dropped its CWS opener but registered six consecutive victories, including four elimination games and a sweep of the Bruins in the best-of-three finals. The Gamecocks' unlikely run also helped give Rosenblatt an emotional, dramatic sendoff after serving as the CWS' home since 1950.

A crowd of 24,390, largest of the series, was on the edge of its blue, yellow and red seats for the final few innings. Flash bulbs popped and illuminated from around the stadium with every pitch starting in the bottom of the ninth and continued for the remainder of the game.

After stranding 14 runners in scoring position, the Gamecocks finally won it on Whit Merrifield's slicing, one-out single to right field to score Scott Wingo from third base. Wingo led off the inning with a 3-2 walk, raced to second on a passed ball and was sacrificed to third on Evan Marzilli's bunt.

"In that situation, you're trying to get a pitch elevated," explained Merrifield, who was hitless in his four previous at-bats.

"I worked the count (2-0) in my favor and got a fastball. Even though it was kind of down, I got the barrel on it ... it fell for me. And it was a great feeling."

Wingo was greeted by teammates as he crossed home plate. The Gamecocks' dog pile eventually ended behind second base with colorful streamers floating above. Quickly slipping on national title shirts and caps, players jogged around the stadium and high-fived adoring fans.

Tanner, relaxed and grateful throughout the entire tournament, also received support from another old ball coach from USC in Steve Spurrier. Spurrier watched both games from the stadium press box.

"You start in February with 300 teams and you get a chance to go to postseason, and maybe to a Super Regional and then you have things go right for you and you go to Omaha," Tanner said. "And you get to play in the national championship series. And you're the last team standing. Just a wonderful, wonderful time for our coaches and players."

It marked the third time in five years that a school was a first-time winner in Omaha. USC is also the second consecutive team from the Southeastern Conference to win the crown -- LSU beat Texas last year. If that's not enough, USC is the sixth unseeded team in the last seven years to win a national title.

"I mean, we play like this all year -- and we battle," said USC reliever Matt Price, who got the win, allowing one hit over the final 2 2/3 innings for the Gamecocks.

The Bruins, also searching for their first championship in baseball, weren't prepared to follow the setting sun home.

UCLA rebounded from its 7-1 Monday night defeat and relied on proven strengths, specifically stellar pitching, to nearly force a decisive third game. UCLA had a chance to go ahead in the ninth, loading the bases with two outs, but it could not convert as it stranded 10 runners.

It was UCLA's first loss in a best-of-three series since being swept by Arizona State on May 2. The program also rebounded from a 27-29 record from a year ago.

"To get so close and to fall short hurts," UCLA starting pitcher Rob Rasmussen said. "But I think maybe later tonight or tomorrow, as it all kind of sinks in and we look back on it, we're all going to be proud of what we did. So, looking back on it I think we'll all be pretty happy. But, of course, it stings right now."

Both teams benefited from unearned runs.

The Bruins went in front 1-0 in the fifth, but the Gamecocks tied it in the bottom of the eighth. UCLA coach John Savage elected to stay with closer Dan Klein in the 11th, even though staff ace Trevor Bauer was ready in the bullpen.

The game, of course, also marked the end of a 61-year affair between Rosenblatt and the CWS. Next year the event is moving three miles north to a new downtown stadium.

The old gal on the hillside at 13th street will eventually become a parking lot for the Henry Doorly Zoo, located beyond right field. But Rosenblatt won't be forgotten -- the remaining diamond will be converted into a Little League field.

She has some time though. The Kansas City Royals Triple-A team is also playing one more season here. The Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League will play their home games here this fall as well.

Following the series' awards ceremony on the field, the stadium lights were dimmed and fans were treated to a video tribute of previous years, fireworks and a trumpeter's solo near home plate of "Take Me Out To The Ball Game."

Tanner, for one, appreciated the moment and opportunities over the years.

"I know the new stadium will be very special and a great facility," Tanner said. "But this is history. And we'll be part of the College World Series and Rosenblatt for a long, long time. It's got to be the most special post-season tournament in all of NCAA championships.

"So it's an incredible journey and incredible ending."

All-Tournament Team

Catcher: Bryan Holaday, TCU
First Base: Christian Walker, USC
Second Base: Cody Regis, UCLA
Third Base: John Hinson, Clemson
Shortstop: Taylor Featherston, TCU
Outfield: Jackie Bradley, Jr., USC
Outfield: Beau Amaral, UCLA
Outfield: Evan Marzilli, USC
DH: Brady Thomas, USC
Pitcher: Matt Purke, TCU
Pitcher: Trevor Bauer, UCLA

Most Outstanding Player

Jackie Bradley, Jr., USC