The USC Gamecocks defeated the UCLA Bruins by the score of 7-1 at the College World Series to win Game 1 of the best of 3. The win moves USC one step closer to the baseball national championship.
Carolina was lead by starting pitcher Blake Cooper who was amazing as he was nasty. Cooper (13-2) allowed three hits and one run in 8 innings with 10 strikeouts. The pitching show he put on was truly special. I am sure it helped his confidence with USC breaking out to a early lead and getting 7 runs in the game.
Great to see the Carolina bats alive and active especially early. Every hitter in the USC lineup registered at least one base knock. Carolina got 14 hits, only one of which went for extra bases. It helped with the early UCLA errors but regardless of how they got the win. It is a win.
It was vital for USC to get the game 1 win as now they are in the drivers seat going into Game 2.
Carolina needs to continue the momentum, keep the confidence high, bats warm and the pitching special.
The Gamecocks (53-16) will take on the Bruins (51-16) in Game 2 of the CWS Final on ESPN at 7:30pm EST Tuesday night.
