You could not have scripted it any better if you love some drama as the Gamecocks in the bottom of the 12th mount a come from behind win by the score of 3-2 to send Oklahoma home. It was a great win for USC, the coaching staff, the players and its’ fan base.
The Gamecocks showed a lot of heart and a never-say-die attitude that must carry over to the Clemson game tonight.
Here is a quick re-cap…..
Going into the bottom of the 12th inning, the game looked secure for the Sooners after OU’s Ogle slammed a home run over the center field fence to give the Sooners a 2-1 lead. Gamecocks had their backs against the wall after squandering many opportunities. OU Coach Golloway brought in Ryan Duke to close out the inning. USC OF Beary sparked the game-winning rally with a leadoff single and then in a surprise, he stole second. A strikeout and pop out put the Gamecocks down to their final out. Jackie Bradley, Jr. worked the count full before driving a ground ball past a diving first baseman to plate Beary and tie the game at 2-2. Sooner pitcher Ryan Duke then issued a walk to the next batter, advancing Bradley to second. So 2 on, 2 outs. Step right up Brady Thomas. He took the first pitch and issued a single up the middle to score Bradley for the 3-2 win.
High Fives to …
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The entire team for not giving up.
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Blake Cooper. He netted 6 K’s and gave up one earned run on four hits through 5.2 innings. And that was on 3 days rest.
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Solid Defense. Did do anything to “shoot ourselves in the foot.”
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USC’s Bullpen. Despite an Ethan Carter softball toss, the bullpen did a fantastic job. From the seventh inning forward, the Sooners could manage just one hit, the homerun, off of the USC pitching staff. Five relievers combined to give up one run on one hit without walking a batter. Those relievers registered eight of the 14 strikeouts on the evening.
USC v Clemson tonight at 9pm EST. This will be another great CWS game. The drama continues…..GO Cocks!
