The South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Florida Gators, 7-3, in the first round of the College World Series, held at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska Saturday night.
The Gamecocks extended their NCAA record winning streak in the postseason to 22 straight games, including 12 in a row at the College World Series, in front of an announced attendance of 25,291.
It was just the start that USC needed as they are looking to defend their “back-to-back” national championships. To make it three times, much easier to get to the final round via the winners bracket.
It concerned most when UF got the 2-0 lead but the champs responded like champs do. It was a solid win in a big time game situation. No doubt UF is a good team but USC was a better team on Saturday night.
Here is some other thoughts on the game:
The Good
Gamecock starter Michael Roth (8-1) worked 6.1 innings, allowing seven hits and three runs, all earned, with three walks and three strikeouts. He threw 98 pitches, 54 for strikes. Roth became the fourth pitcher to win a game in three different College World Series.
Another “good” mark was the bases-loaded triple by designated hitter Erik Payne. That was a big time hit at the right moment.
The Bad
Freshman catcher Grayson Greiner, out since suffering a knee injury in practice prior to the NCAA Regional, came in as a pinch-hitter for Dante Rosenberg in the third inning and struck out. Not sure that was the best move but I trust Tanner.
The Ugly
Tanner English misjudged a shot right at him that led to two runs being scored. He is better than that and hopefully nothing like that in the future will be seen.
Next up….The Gamecocks (46-17) will return to action Monday night at 9 p.m. ET in a winner’s bracket game against Arkansas (45-20).
