Arkansas Sports Quick Hits

Five players with ties to the state of Arkansas will be playing in this year’s Super Bowl in Indianapolis.

The New York Giants have three players on their roster: OT Stacy Andrews (Camden, Ark), Mitch Petrus from Carlisle High School (University of Arkansas) in his second season, and Tony Ugoh (University of Arkansas) in his fifth season in the NFL.

The New England Patriots have two players with Arkansas connections with rookie quarterback Ryan Mallett (University of Arkansas) and practice squad linebacker Markell Carter (University of Central Arkansas).

Mallett is listed as the Pats third string quarterback behind Tom Brady and Brian Hoyer.

Carter was a 2011 sixth round draft pick of the Pats.

A Transfer for the Razorbacks Basketball Team

According to Hot100Hoops.com 6’2” guard Fred Gulley has transferred from Oklahoma State to the Hogs.

Gulley, a redshirt sophomore from Fayetteville, Ark., enrolled at mid-term and will be allowed to play for the Hogs after the fall semester is completed in 2012 once he is cleared by the NCAA.

To date Gulley has not been officially offered a scholarship by Arkansas head coach Mike Anderson.

Gulley averaged 16.4 points per game on the 2009 Fayetteville High School team that went 30-0 and won the state championship.

Long Time Coming for Jeff Long

After a Top Five finish for the Razorbacks in football what else could athletic director Jeff Long hope for with Arkansas’ athletic program?

Long can boast that the gymnastics team that is currently ranked No. 1 in the nation, the men’s track team that is ranked No. 1 (first time since 2009), the women’s track team that is ranked No. 3, men’s golf is No. 3, and the baseball team preseason No. 4.

Congratulations to Jeff Long, the Arkansas athletic department, the coaching staffs, and the players.  

Arkansas College Football Recruiting Update

Arkansas commitment defensive end JaMichael Winston, 3-star, is scheduled to visit Michigan State this weekend. He visited Clemson this past weekend. Clemson has not officially offered Winston a scholarship, Michigan State has.

Defensive tackle Tyler Nero is not visiting Arkansas this weekend.  

4-star defensive end Tawain Johnson was visited at school by Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino and offensive line coach Chris Klenakis on Monday. Johnson visited Clemson this past weekend.

Dalton Santos is scheduled to make an official visit to Texas next weekend. Santos, a University of Tennessee commitment, visited the Hogs this past week.

3-star Arkansas wide receiver commitment Eric Hankins was reported to have an in-school visit from Petrino and cornerbacks coach Bobby Allen on Tuesday.

Quarterback Nick Schuessler may only visit Arkansas on Friday. He is scheduled to visit Mississippi State on Saturday. 

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Vanderbilt Recruits Responding to James Franklin’s Pitch

Based off the momentum James Franklin has created for Vanderbilt in recruiting circles, one would think the Commodores are a perennial SEC East powerhouse instead of a program coming off just their fourth bowl game in school history.

Having no previous head coaching experience to help his cause, Franklin hit the recruiting trails in 2011 with little more than a promise of a top notch education and the ability to play in the SEC.

In a few short weeks leading up to National Signing Day, he did the unthinkable, he turn Vanderbilt into a destination school for highly regarded talent and in the process paved the way for the Commodores to be a contender in the SEC East for years to come.

Vanderbilt’s 2011 recruiting class was not on the level of other high profile SEC teams like Alabama, LSU, Georgia, and Arkansas but what cannot be denied is the immediate impact Franklin made. He hauled in the two 4-star recruits- quarterback/wide receiver Lafonte Thourogood (Virginia Beach, Virginia) and tight end Dillon van der Wal (Westlake Village, California).

To put this achievement into prospective, Vanderbilt had not signed a 4-star recruit since 2003- tight end Jonathan Loyte (Danvers, Massachusetts).

In the process Vanderbilt posted their first Top 50 recruiting class in over a decade finishing ranked No. 49 (Scout.com).

Still not impressed? Of the 21 recruits Franklin signed 13 were rated as 3-star or better.

How about the fact that Vanderbilt finished the recruiting season ranked ahead of Baylor (50), West Virginia (53), UCLA (55), Maryland (56), Kansas State (61), and Arizona State (64)?

On the field Franklin translated his message into wins. Vanderbilt surpassed the win total of the two previous seasons (four wins) winning six games. Besting teams like Ole Miss, Connecticut, Kentucky, and Wake Forest along the way.

In four heartbreaking losses to Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee by a total of 19 points, Franklin showed they are close to taking the next step he just needs a few more talented players to round out his roster.

2012 is shaping up to be an even better year for the Commodores on the recruiting trail than 2011. Vandy is currently ranked No. 35 according to Scout.com with 21 total recruits verbally committed.

Running back Brian Kimbrow (Memphis, Tennessee) and defensive end Josh Dawson (Tucker, Georgia) are two 4-star recruits highlighting the early recruiting season for Vanderbilt.

Another recruit Commodore fans will be happy to see on campus is kicker Colby Cooke (Goochland, Virginia). Cooke is rated the 16th best place kicker in this year’s senior class. He was awarded spots on Parade Magazine and Sports Illustrated All-American teams after making 17-21 field goal attempts and helping his team advance to the state championship game.

If Vanderbilt’s pledges stay true, nine different states will be represented in this year’s haul.

As the final two weeks of the recruiting season heats up all eyes will be on Franklin hoping he can continue pulling top talent to Nashville.

The following is a complete list of all 21 current verbal commitments:

QB Patton Robinette, 6’5”, 200 pounds, 3-star, Maryville, Tennessee

RB Jaborian McKenzie, 5’9”, 180 pounds, 3-star, Natchez, Mississippi

RB Brian Kimbrow, 5’9”, 165 pounds, 4-star, Memphis, Tennessee

WR Adre McDonald, 6’3”, 210 pounds, 3-star, Minnetonka, Minnesota

WR Cory Batey, 5’11”, 180 pounds, 3-star, Nashville, Tennessee

OT Andrew Jelks, 6’6”, 260 pounds, 3-star, Paris, Tennessee

OT Will Holden, 6’6”, 271 pounds, 2-star, Green Cove Springs, Florida

OT Blake Fromang, 6’8”, 280 pounds, 3-star, Orlando, Florida

OT Barrett Gouger, 6’4”, 275 pounds, 3-star, Chattanooga, Tennessee

OG Adam Butler, 6’5”, 285 pounds, 3-star, Duncanville, Texas

CB Torren McGaster, 6’0”, 180 pounds, 2-star, Daphne, Alabama

CB Brandon Banks, 5’11”. 170 pounds, 3-star, Brandywine, Maryland

SS Paris Head, 5’10”, 170 pounds, 3-star, Buford, Georgia

DE Ladarius Banks, 6’2”, 263, 2-star, Dallas, Georgia

DE Stephen Weatherly, 6’4”, 190 pounds, 2-star, Atlanta, Georgia

DE Josh Dawson, 6’4”, 225 pounds, 4-star, Tucker, Georgia

DE Caleb Azubike, 6’5”, 240 pounds, 3-star, Nashville, Tennessee

DE Torey Agee, 6’4”, 250 pounds, 3-star, Opelika, Alabama

OLB Jacob Sealand, 6’1”, 220 pounds, 3-star, Tucker Georgia

OLB Darreon Herring, 6’2”, 195 pounds, 3-star, Stone Mountain, Georgia

K Colby Cooke, 6’3”, 175 pounds, 2-star, Goochland, Georgia

If Franklin continues to open 4-star and 3-star doors the Commodores will be a team to be reckoned with for years to come.

All commitments are verbal and non-binding.

National Signing Day is February 1. 

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2011 Arkansas High School State Playoff Scores and Finals Matchups

7-A Semifinal Round

Fayetteville 23, Fort Smith Southside 20

Bentonville 31, North Little Rock 7

6-A Semifinal Round

Lake Hamilton 23, Pine Bluff 21

El Dorado 38, Jonesboro 28

5-A Semifinal Round

Greenwood 34, Camden Fairview 31

Batesville 47, White Hall 26

4-A Quarterfinal Round

Farmington 26, McGehee 23

Malvern 28, Nashville 16

Pulaski Academy 65, Pottsville 13

Dollaryway 20, Gravette 13

3-A Quarterfinal Round

Prescott 20, Earle 7

Barton 42, Arkansas Baptist 7

Charleston 35, Harding Academy 9

Fountain Lake 34, Rison 26

2-A Quarterfinal Round

Carlisle 13, Gurdon 12

East Poinsett County 12, Bearden 6

Junction City 9, Magazine 3

Strong 16, McCrory 14

State Final Matchups:

7-A State Final:

Fayetteville at Bentonville – Saturday December 3, 12:00 p.m. CST

6-A State Final:

El Dorado at Lake Hamilton – Friday December 2, 7:00 p.m. CST

5-A State Final:

Batesville at Greenwood – Saturday December 3, 6:30 p.m. CST

*Class 7A through 5A games all take place at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas.

4-A Semifinal Games:

Farmington at Malvern

Dollaryway at Pulaski Academy

3-A Semifinal Games:

Barton at Prescott

Fountain Lake at Charleston

2-A Semifinal Games:

East Poinsett County at Carlisle

Strong at Junction City

**All 4-A through 2-A games will be played Friday December 2, at 7:30 p.m. CST.

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2011 Arkansas High School Football: Round One Playoff Scores

The rankings are from week ten, the last top ten voted upon for all high school teams before the state playoffs began.

School/Record/Previous Week’s Ranking/State Classification

1. Bentonville, 10-0, 1, 7-A
2. Pulaski Academy, 10-0, 2, 4-A
3. Lake Hamilton, 9-1, 4, 6-A
4. El Dorado, 9-1, 5, 6-A
5. Greenwood, 10-0, 6, 5-A
6. West Memphis, 9-1, 7, 7-A
7. North Little Rock, 8-2, 8, 7-A
8. Springdale Har-Ber, 7-3, NR, 7-A
9. Conway, 8-2, 10, 7-A
10. Fayetteville, 8-2, 3, 7-A

Prescott was No. 1 in Class 3-A.

Magazine was No. 1 in Class 2-A.

Class 7-A

Fayetteville 42, Catholic High 13

Fort Smith Northside 42, Bryant 35

Springdale Har-Ber 21, Central 16

West Memphis 41, Springdale 17

Byes

Bentonville

Conway

Fort Smith Southside

North Little Rock

Class 6-A

El Dorado 55, Parkview 12

Jonesboro 42, Fair 6

Lake Hamilton 38, Russellville 13

Marion 42, Benton 33

Pine Bluff 41, Van Buren 14

Searcy 41, McClellan 14

Sheridan 15, Jacksonville 10

Texarkana 40, Mountain Home 0

Class 5-A

Batesville 40, Helena-West Helena 6

Beebe 54, Watson Chapel 48

Camden Fairview 28, Morrilton 21

Greenbrier 35, Arkadelphia 16

Greenwood 42, Central Arkansas Christian 7

Hot Springs Lakeside 40, Alama 14

White Hall 37, Blytheville 20

Wynne 28, Monticello 6

Class 4-A

Clarksville 42, Lonoke 35

Clinton 56, Maumelle 21

De Queen 21, Booneville 16

Dollarway 34, Ozark 31

Farmington 42, Dumas 6

Gravette 30, Pocahontas 8

Herber Springs 48, Shiloh Christian 35

Malvern 49, Gosnell 7

Nashville 35, Highland 21

Osceola 14, Dardanelle 12

Pottsville 53, Newport 6

Prairie Grove 43, Mena 27

Stuttgart 36, Star City 29

Warren 48, Valley View 20

Byes

McGehee

Pulaski Academy

Class 3-A

Arkansas Baptist 62, Fouke 22

Barton 28, Paris 8

Camden Harmony Grove 36, Bald Knob 14

Fordyce 34, Hoxie 26

Fountain Lake 60, Harrisburg 6

Glen Rose 35, Rivercrest 3

Greenland 42, Riverview 21

Harding Academy 48, Mountain View 6

Jessieville 28, Atkins 14

Prescott 68, Lamar 27

Rison 42, Bismarck 7

Smackover 48, Lincoln 12

West Fork 46, Mayflower 21

Yellville-Summit 39, Mansfield 7

Byes

Earle

Charleston

Class 2-A

Bearden 34, Hackett 21

Danville 56, Clarendon 20

Des Arc 44, Quitman 22

East Poinsett County 68, Dierks 14

Gurdon 37, Cross Country 6

Hazen 40, Walnut Ridge 37

Magazine 41, Hampton 6

Magnet Cove 28, Union Christian 6

McCrory 62, Conway Christian 43

Mineral Springs 62, Poyen 0

Mount Ida 31, Bigelow 19

Salem 35, England 14

Spring Hill 52, Norphlet 24

Strong 35, Mountainburg 28

Byes

Carlisle

Junction City

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Arkansas High School Football: Week 8 Results

(1)Bentonville 63, Fort Smith Northside 28

(2) Pulaski Academy 47, Malvern 16

(4) Fayetteville 47, Rogers 15

(5) Lake Hamilton 31, (3) El Dorado 24

(6) Greenwood 45, Vilonia 15

(7) West Memphis 21, Mountain Home 14

(8) North Little Rock 35, Little Rock Central 14

(9) Bryant 31, Cabot 28

(10) Conway 47, Van Buren 20

Team rankings during game in parenthesis

*Prescott 46, Bismarck 14

**Magazine 54, Westside-Johnson County 16

*Prescott is No.1 in Class 3-A

**Magazine is No. 1 in Class 2-A

Results from Friday October 21

Arkadelphia 37, Magnolia 7

Arkansas Baptist 49, Rose Bud 14

Ashdown 37, De Queen 7

Batesville 56, Blytheville 21

Benton 57, Little Rock McClellan 49

Camden Fairview 40, Hope 14

Carlisle 42, Palestine-Wheatley 6

Central Arkansas Christian 49, Hot Springs 36

Conway Christian 41, Hector 0

Dollarway 32, Hamburg 27

Dumas 26, DeWitt 14

East Poinsett County 49, Salem 7

England 56, Clarendon 42

Fort Smith Southside 28, Springdale Har-Ber 21

Greenbrier 49, Alma 17

Hazen 40, Marvell 8

Hot Springs Lakeside 37, Little Rock Christian 7

Jacksonville 9, Little Rock Parkview 0

Little Rock Catholic 48, Russellville 21

Little Rock Episcopal 31, Brinkley 28

Marion 51, Little Rock Hall 3

Maumelle 48, Bauxite 44

Monticello 26, Sylvan Hills 14

Morrilton 42, Harrison 7

Nashville 28, Pulaski Robinson 24

Pine Bluff 34, Sheridan 6

Searcy 28, Jonesboro 24

Shiloh Christian 16, Gravette 14

Springdale 53, Rogers Heritage 33

Stuttgart 41, Cave City 12

Texarkana 42, Little Rock Fair 6

Watson Chapel 53, Pulaski Mills 6

White Hall 42, Helena-West Helena 0

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Arkansas High School Football Scores: Week 6

1. Bentonville 45, Rogers Heritage 6
2. Pulaski Academy 42, De Queen 14
3. West Memphis 34, Searcy 24
4. El Dorado 38, Sheridan 7
5. Conway 26, Little Rock Central 14
6. Greenwood 42, Huntsville 7
7. Fayetteville 50, Fort Smith Northside 31
8. Springdale Har-Ber 35, Rogers 28
9. Lake Hamilton 56, Pine Bluff 21
10. Fort Smith Southside 38, Springdale 13

Magazine 61, Western Yell 21 – 3A

Prescott 64, Centerpoint 7 – 2A

Arkansas Baptist 49, Little Rock Episcopal 6

Bryant 38, Russellville 21

Carlisle 30, England 14

Clarendon 44, Marvell 6

Catholic High 35, Van Buren 14

Dollarway 47, DeWitt 34

Greenbrier 39, Morrilton 34

Helena-West Helena 36, Mills 14

Hope 10, Arkadelphia 6

Hot Springs 49, Little Rock Christian 42

Jacksonville 26, Little Rock Hall 13

Jonesboro 45, Mountain Home 21

Catholic High 35, Van Buren 14

Little Rock McCellan 16, Little Rock Fair 8

Malvern 14, Ashdown 7

Marion 54, Little Rock Parkview 26

Maumelle 29, Nashville 26

North Little Rock 48, Cabot 0

Pulaski Robinson 51, Bauxite 29

Rison 41, Genoa Central 0

Stuttgart 34, Hamburg 21

Sylvan Hills 13, Crossett 12

Texarkana 24, Benton 21

Warren 26, Dumas 20

Watson Chapel 21, Monticello 14

White Hall 49, North Pulaski 14

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PAC-12 Notes for Week One

PAC-12 North

California Bears

Brock Mansion started the final four games of 2010 but finds himself third on the depth chart starting 2011.

Sophomore walk-on linebacker Dan Camporeale won a starting spot over senior Ryan Davis and freshman Chris McCain.

True freshman cornerback Stefan McClure of Vista, California will get time as a backup to junior Marc Anthony.

Oregon

Cornerback Cliff Harris and linebacker Kiko Alonso are out against LSU. Redshirt freshman Terrance Mitchell replaces Harris and senior Dewitt Stuckey fills in for Alonso.

Red shirt freshman Hroniss Grasu and senior Ramsen Golpashin have earned the open starting offensive lineman spots for the Ducks.

Oregon State

Injuries have marred the starting and two-deep roster for the Beavers vs. Sacramento State. Look for Mike Riley to play as many people as he can to evaluate his team in game time situations.

True freshman running back Malcom Agnew will be the Beavers’ starter. Agnew should provide the breakaway pop they will miss now that Jacquizz Rodgers is gone.

Senior cornerback Brandon Hardin is injured, Rashad Reynolds will start in his place.

True freshman wide receiver Brandin Cooks will start against Sacramento.

Stanford

The three new starters on the offensive line for the Cardinal will be junior Sam Schwartzstein at center, redshirt freshman David Yankey at guard, and redshirt Cameron Fleming at right tackle. The Cardinal has two warm-up games before entering conference play against Arizona. This should give the line time to gel.

Three true freshmen will see a lot of playing time against San Jose State: highly recruited linebacker James Vaughters from Stone Mountain, GA, cornerback Wayne Lyons from Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and free safety Jordan Richards from Folsom, CA.

Washington

Two freshmen will see the significant snaps at tight end against Eastern Washington, true freshman Austin Seferian-Jenkins from Fox Island, WA, and redshirt freshman Michael Hartvigson.

Freshmen and sophomores line the two-deep chart: DT Danny Shelton, DE Josh Shirley, LB John Timu, and LB Princeton Fuimaono to name a few.

Washington has two warm-up games before traveling to Nebraska for their 2010 tie-breaker.

Washington State

Only two freshmen made the two-deep chart for the Cougars: LB Chester Su’a from Pearl City, HI, and cornerback Spence Waseem from Apopka, FL.

No surprise that C.J. Mizell is the starter at MLB.

Washington State plays Idaho State this week and gets another tune-up game against UNLV before facing a possible tough test against San Diego State on the road.

PAC-12 South

Arizona

Three true freshmen made the two-deep chart on defense for the Wildcats: linebacker Rob Hankins (starter) from Dallas, TX, linebacker Hank Hobson from Bakersfield, CA, and cornerback Cortez Johnson from New Orleans, LA.

University of Texas transfer, wide receiver Dan Buckner (6’4”, 220 lbs), made the four deep receiver rotation. Look for his size and speed to be a difficult matchup for opposing defenses all season.

Arizona plays Northern Arizona before traveling to Oklahoma State next week.

Arizona State

Arizona State easily won their game against UC Davis Thursday night 48-14. UC Davis started playing in the final quarter but not before ASU was well on their way to amassing 517 total yards of offense.

ASU is still waiting on Omar Bolden, Brandon Magee, and Deantre Lewis to return from their injuries. If the Sun Devils can get to full strength before conference play in week four at home versus USC. The rest of the PAC-12 better watch out.

Colorado

True freshman cornerback Greg Henderson from Corona, CA, will start for the Buffaloes against Hawaii. True freshman Kyle Washington from Pasadena, CA will see time as the backup strong safety.

Jon Embree will alternate Daniel Munyer and Gus Handler at center.

UCLA

No big surprises for UCLA. Wide receiver Taylor Embree has a calf injury and may see limited action against Houston.

USC

Lane Kiffin is still looking for his starting running back, Marc Tyler is suspended for the game against Minnesota. Dillion Baxter, Curtis McNeal, D.J. Morgan and true freshman Amir Carlisle should all see time against the Gophers.

Walk-on redshirt freshman quarterback John Manoogian is listed as Matt Barkley’s backup.

Look for USC to try several players out on offense and defense before entering conference play next week against Utah. Kiffin will look for several players to separate themselves from the back against University of Minnesota.

Utah

Utah had an easy win over Montana State but did not look impressive. Utah jumped out to an early 17 point lead in the first quarter going tying 10-10 from the second quarter to the end of the game. Norm Chow did not open up the playbook but one still has to wonder how Utah will fair next week on the road at USC. 

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College World Series Championship Round Updates

The South Carolina Gamecocks have found an exciting but dangerous blueprint for winning in the College World Series. With a flair for the dramatic the Gamecocks went extra innings on Monday night to defeat the Florida Gators 2-1 to win game 1 of the College World Series.

Just like in the Gamecocks’ CWS Championship berth clinching game versus the Virginia Cavaliers, the Gamecocks took advantage of two throwing errors to score the winning run. With one out in the top of the 11^th inning 1B Christian Walker hit a single up the middle to start the inning. Walker, cleared to play with a broken wrist just before game time, attempted to steal second base when Gators’ catcher Mike Zunino, a Johnny Bench Award finalist, overthrew second allowing Walker to advance to third. Gators’ CF Bryson Smith then overthrew third trying to get Walker out at third allowing the winning run to score. Walker and his broken wrist went 2-5 for the Gamecocks.

Florida had their chances to score in the 9^th and 10^th inning. Two Gator runners were thrown out at home in the 9^th and one in the 10^th. In the 9^th inning 2B Scott Wingo, an 11^th round draft pick by the Dodgers, threw home twice to get Gator runners Zunino and DH Brian Johnson out. 3B Cody Dent was thrown out by LF Jake Williams in the 10^th.

Offensively the Gators had great nights from Johnson 3-5 and Smith 2-4 with a walk but only managed 8 hits in total. The Gamecocks faired no better at the plate only getting 7 hits, with 2 hits coming from Walker.

The Gamecocks threw four pitchers Monday night with starter Forrest Koumas going 5.2 innings giving up 3 hits and 1 ER. Matt Price was a hero again for the Gamecocks earning the save closing out the 11^th inning. John Taylor, a Seattle Mariners’ draft pick, pitched the 9^th and 10^th innings for South Carolina to earn the win. Taylor walked 3 and gave up 3 hits while shutting down the Gators.

The Gators countered the Gamecocks with Hudson Randall who threw 7.2 innings of 3 hit ball giving up 1 ER. Nick Maronde, a third round draft pick of the Angels, took the loss throwing 1 inning of relief.

Cody Dent put the Gators on the board in the 3^rd scoring LF Tyler Thompson, a National’s draft pick, on a scarf ice fly. The Gamecocks scored in the 8^th to tie the game on 2B Scott Wingo’s single up the middle scoring SS Peter Mooney. 

Game 2 is Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m. EST. The College World Series Championship Round is a best of 3 series.

 

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College World Series Updates

Finally the game college baseball fans had been waiting to see. The defending College World Series Champions South Carolina Gamecocks versus the 2011 top seeded Virginia Cavaliers. Sure both teams played each other on Tuesday but that game was a runaway by the Gamecocks 7-1, not what fans had been hoping to see. College baseball fans got their fill and then some in an extra inning pitchers duel that sent the Gamecocks to the CWS Championship round for the second straight year as they defeated UV 3-2 in 13 innings. Looking back, both teams will see multiple chances missed and wasted opportunities but neither team gave up.

Virginia jumped out in the second inning on a RBI fielder’s choice hit by CF Kenny Swab to score 3B Steven Proscia. The Gamecocks would answer in the bottom of the fourth inning with a two run double by DH Brady Thomas scoring 1B Christian Walker and CF Jackie Bradley Jr.

In the eighth inning Virginia benefited from 2 South Carolina errors, 3B Adrian Morales allowed Virginia SS Chris Taylor to reach base on a throwing error and SS Peter Mooney committed a fielding error off a John Hicks hit pitch to score the game tying run.

Gamecocks junior LHP Michael Roth, a 2011 Cleveland Indians draft pick, pitched 7 strong innings giving up 1 ER on 4-hits and striking out 3. John Taylor gave up one unearned run in .1 innings of work for South Carolina. The Cavaliers got 3 innings of 1-hit ball from Danny Hultzen, the second pick of the 2011 MLB draft by the Seattle Mariners, before being relieved by Kyle Crockett. Crockett gave up 2 ER in 4 innings of work.

Both teams turned to their closers earlier than they had hoped and relied on them for a starter’s type outing in innings worked and pitches thrown. Matt Price threw for 5.2 innings giving up 0 runs on 95 pitches for the Gamecocks while Branden Kline threw 5 innings of shutout ball throwing 107 pitches for the Cavaliers. South Carolina gambled heavily on Matt Price in the 13^th inning which almost cost them the game. Price loaded the bases with no outs then struck out SS Taylor and LF John Barr lined into a double play to get out of the jam.

Cody Winiarski came in to relieve Kline in the bottom of the 13^th inning. Winiarski gave up a leadoff single to DH Brady Thomas (2-6) then the wheels came off for Winiarski. On back to back plays he committed throwing errors, the last allowing pitch runner Adam Matthews to score the winning run on C Robert Beary’s sacrifice bunt. Winiarski faced three batters but did not retire any Gamecock hitters.

South Carolina (53-14) will face the Florida Gators (53-17) in the Championship Round of the College World Series Monday night at 8:00 p.m. EST.

CWS Facts

This will be the first all-SEC Championship Game since the 1997 CWS between LSU and Alabama.

Only the PAC 10, 1998 Southern California vs. Arizona State, has had an all conference championship game since 1997.

South Carolina beat the Florida Gators 2 out of 3 times in conference play. They did not play each other during the SEC Tournament.

This is Florida’s second appearance in the NCAA Championship Game.

Florida’s last appearance in the Championship game was in 2005 vs. University of Texas which they lost 4-2 and 6-2.

This is also South Carolina’s second appearance in the Championship Game. South Carolina won the 2010 NCAA College World Series. 

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College World Series Updates

The Florida Gators continued the dominance over the Vanderbilt Commodores to earn a berth in the College World Series Friday night in Omaha, Nebraska, winning 6-4. Both teams played hard in a wild offensive game.

Tampa Bay 1^st round draft pick Sonny Gray was roughed up for the second time in the CWS by the Florida Gators for 6 earned runs in 7 innings of work. The Gators collected hits from every starting position player tallying 13 total hits. 4 Gator players had multiple hits; Leadoff hitter SS Nolan Fontana went 2-3 with 2 RBIs, 2B Josh Adams 2-3 with a run scored, RF Daniel Pigott went 2-4 with 2 runs, and 3B Cody Dent 2-2 with 2 runs. The bottom of the Gators order was getting on base and the top of the order was driving them in all night.

Commodores 1B Aaron Westlake jumped on Junior LHP Alex Panteliodis, a 9^th round pick by the New York Mets, for a solo homerun in the 1^st inning. Panteliodis would settle down as he threw 6 strong innings allowing 1 ER and 3 hits for the Gators.

Vanderbilt mounted a comeback in the 7^th inning off Tommy Toledo, 2 ER on 3-hits in .2 innings pitched. At the end of 7 the score was 4-3 Florida. In the top of the 8^th Vanderbilt tied the game at 4 all. Vandy DH Conrad Connor was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to score the last run of the game for the Commodores.

In the bottom of the 8^th inning Grayson started the inning but Will Clinard came in for relief with the bases loaded. Clinard gave up a Preston Tucker singled, which would prove to be the game winning run, scoring Daniel Pigott. Clinard then threw a wild pitch allowing Cody Dent to score.

Austin Maddox closed out the game for the Gators throwing 1.2 innings of shutout ball to earn the victory.

The Gators (53-17) await the winner of the South Carolina vs. Virginia Cavaliers game in the CWS Championship round. The Championship round begins Monday night at 8:00 p.m. EST. 

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College World Series Updates, Day 5

Vanderbilt Commodores vs. North Carolina Tar Hills

Wasted opportunities and taking advantage of opportunities was the story of the game when Vanderbilt kept their College World Series hopes alive by beating the UNC Tar Hills 5-1 Wednesday night.

RHP Greg Holt, an 8^th round draft pick by the Washington Nationals, was rocked by the Commodores for 5 earned runs in 2.2 innings of pitching. The Commodores jumped on Holt from the beginning. Lead off hitter LF Tony Kemp hit a triple to center then scored on a sacrifice fly by SS Anthony Gonzalez. Vandy kept the heat on in the second inning with a lead off hit, a walk, and a 3-run homer by CF Connor Harrell; Harrell went 2-3 with 3 RBIs and a run scored. DH Gregor went 2-2 raising his season batting average to .353 for Vanderbilt. In the third inning C Curt Casali hit a solo home run ending Holtz’s night.

UNC’s bullpen would come in and shutdown Vanderbilt’s run production over the remaining 5.1 innings but the damage was done. Vanderbilt pitcher Taylor Hill threw 7 strong innings giving up 1 ER, 4 hits, and struck out 4 earning the win. Hill did walk 4 Tar Hill players but the Tar Hills could never come through with the clutch hits they needed. In the 5^th inning UNC had the bases loaded with one out but could only manage one run on a ball hit to first to score the run. C Jacob Stallings ended his season going 2-4 for the Tar Hills.

Vanderbilt’s win assures the SEC of one team in the NCAA Championship game and at the minimum a second place finish for the 2011 NCAA Baseball season. South Carolina could make the NCAA Championship game an all SEC showdown.

Vanderbilt (54-11) will play the Florida Gators (52-17) Friday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. EST.

Thursday’s Game

In an elimination game, the University of Virginia (55-11) will play the California Bears (38-22) at 7:00 p.m. EST.

South Carolina will play the winner of the UV vs. Cal game Friday night at 7:00 p.m. EST.

The Championship Series is set to begin Monday night at 8:00 p.m. EST. The Championship round is a best of 3 series. 

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Updates for Day Four of the College World Series

Bracket Two Scores and Highlights from Tuesday

South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Virginia Cavaliers

South Carolina brought the bats and the pitching to this much anticipated CWS showdown. The defending NCAA Champions were able to stay in the winner’s bracket by beating the 2011 #1 seeded University of Virginia 7-1 Tuesday night.

South Carolina shredded UV’s pitching collecting 13 hits, 5 for extra bases, and benefited from 3 Cavaliers’ errors; two by 3B Steven Proscia, a 7^th round draft pick of the Seattle Mariners. Four USC players had multiple hits, 1B Christian Walker 2-5 with 2 RBIs, CF Jackie Bradley Jr. 2-5 with 1 RBI, 3B Adrian Morales 3-5 2 runs and 1 RBI, and DH Brady Thomas 3-4 with 1 RBI.

Will Roberts pitched 3.1 innings for UV giving up 3 ER, 6 unearned, on 8 hits taking the loss for the Cavs. Virginia threw 5 other pitchers to slow the Gamecocks offensive onslaught combining for 5 hits, 1 ER, over 5.2 innings of work.

Colby Holmes started for the Gamecocks throwing 4.1 innings of 1-hit, 1 run ball while striking out 7. Holmes gave up a solo home run to Cavs’ C John Hicks in the 4^th inning. John Taylor came in to relieve Holmes and threw 4.1 innings of shutout ball, only allowing one hit. Matt Price threw to one batter, getting CF Kenny Swab to fly out to center in the 9^th to end the game.

Cavs’ lead off hitter SS Chris Taylor went 2-4 in a losing effort. UV went three and out 5 times Tuesday night.

University of California Bears vs. Texas A&M Aggies

The amazing Bears continued their unlikely march in the CWS and added to the Big 12 disappointing CWS. The Bears eliminated the Aggies 7-3 Tuesday night behind solid pitching and timely hitting.

Offense Highlights

The Bears were outhit by the Aggies 9 to 10 but A&M committed two errors that led to 3 unearned Bear runs which proved to be too much to overcome. Tony Renda led the Bears attack going 2-3 with a run and RBI and 2B Derek Campbell contributed a 2-4 effort with a run and 2 RBIs for the Cal Bears.

The Aggies had great plate performances from CF Krey Bratsen (2-5), C Kevin Gonzalez (3-4), and LF Brandon Wood (2-4). A solo home run by 3B Adam Smith (1-4), a New York Yankees draft pick, in the 4^th inning put the Aggies up 1-0 but in the top of the 5^th the Bears would show the fighting spirit they’ve had all season long by putting up 3 runs to take the lead.

Pitching Highlights

Michael Wacha threw 108 pitches and faced 32 Bears’ batters. He gave up 9 hits, 7 unearned runs and 4 ER, while walking 2 and striking out 5. Kyle Porter went 6 innings for the Bears giving up 3 ER on 7 hits while striking out 4 for the win. Matt Flemer threw 3 shutout innings in relief for the Bears to earn the save.

Virginia and California will meet Thursday in another elimination game for the Bears. South Carolina will play the winner of the Cal vs. Cavs game on Friday. If South Carolina loses Friday’s game, an elimination game will be played on Saturday for the right to play in the NCCAA Championship game against the bracket one winner.

Wednesday’s Game

In a bracket one elimination game, UNC Tar Hills (51-15) face the Vanderbilt Commodores (53-11) for the right to play the Florida Gators for the NCAA Championship game. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. EST. 

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College World Series Updates, Day Three

One team was sent packing and another team has to wait until tomorrow to find out their fate in day three action of the College World Series.

Texas Longhorns vs. North Carolina Tar Hills

The early game in Omaha on Monday saw the Texas Longhorns, 6 time NCAA Baseball Champions, say goodbye to their hopes of capturing their 7^th NCAA Baseball Championship by losing to North Carolina 3-0. The Longhorns were shut down by Tar Hill pitcher Kent Emmanuel’s complete game 4-hit shutout. LF Jonathan Walsh tried to spark a punch less Texas’ offense by going 2-3. The Longhorns committed bases running errors to stop scoring opportunities in the second and fourth innings. Tar Hill LF Chaz Frank and RF Seth Baldwin helped double off two Longhorn runners with outfield assists on the plays to end both innings.

The Tar Hills offense scored two runs in the third inning off a two out single by C Jacob Stallings (the son of Vanderbilt’s men’s head basketball coach) to take control of the game. North Carolina collected nine total hits with four of those hits coming from 2-hole hitter CF Ben Bunting. Bunting scored a run and drove in a run.

The story of the game was Kent Emmanuel’s pitching for the Tar Hills. Emmanuel threw 126 pitches, stuck out 5, and walked 1 to earn the victory. Longhorn pitcher Cole Green threw 2 innings giving up 5 hits and 2 earned runs for the loss.

Florida Gators vs. Vanderbilt Commodores

The final outcome of the winner’s bracket game will have to wait until Tuesday as play was suspended due to inclement weather. Florida was leading 3-0 in the bottom half of the sixth inning with two outs when tornado sirens cleared the field; Vanderbilt was batting with two outs. Play will resume on Tuesday at 11:06 a.m. EST.

Colorado Rockies 16^th round draft pick RF Preston Tucker hit a three-run home run in the third inning to put the Gators up before play was stopped. Preston was leading a Florida attack that had accumulated 5 hits in 6 innings with Preston going 2-3. Vanderbilt SS Anthony Gomez had 2 of the 4 Commodore hits.

Tampa Rays compensatory pick (#59), LHP Grayson Garvin, gave up five hits and three earned runs for the Commodores on 99 pitches while striking out 9.

North Carolina awaits the loser of the Florida vs. Vanderbilt game. That game will be played Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Tuesday’s Games

California Bears (37-22) vs. Texas A&M (47-21) at 2:00 p.m. EST.

South Carolina Gamecocks (51-14) vs. Virginia Cavaliers (55-10) at 7:00 p.m. EST. 

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College World Series Updates, Day 2

Day Two, Bracket Two Updates

Day two of the College World Series proved to be as exciting as day one. Walk-off hits and strong pitching highlighted play on Sunday.

South Carolina vs. Texas A&M

The Gamecocks and Aggies had to shake off CWS nerves and jitters in the first inning before settling down to fundamental baseball in the second inning. Both teams benefited from an early error in the bottom half and top half of the first inning to tie the game at 4-4. The Gamecocks would earn a walk-off 5-4 victory with a single in the 9^th.

South Carolina Pitching

Michael Roth pitched 7.1 innings of 0 earned run ball but gave up 4 unearned runs in the first inning for the Gamecocks. Roth was a workhorse throwing 122 pitches, striking out 8, walking 5, while only giving up 4 hits to earn the victory. Roth gave up 2 hits in the 1^st, a hit in the 2^nd, and 1 in the 4^th. South Carolina would only allow 2 bases runners after the 4^th inning. John Taylor and Matt Price combined to throw 1.2 innings of no-hit shut out ball to close out the game.

South Carolina Hitting

2B Scott Wingo was the offensive star for South Carolina going 4-4, was hit by a pitch, knocked in one, and scored one. His walk-off single with the bases loaded and nobody out in the 9^th advanced South Carolina into the winners bracket. C Robert Beary started off the 9^th with a double, followed by a CF Jackie Bradley Jr. single (his only hit of the night), and then a walk by lead-off hitter RF Evan Marzilli loaded the bases for Wingo’s clutch game winning RBI.

Texas A&M Hitting

LF Brandon Wood led the way for the Aggies at the plate. He had a bases clearing triple with two outs in the first inning. Lead off hitter RF Tyler Naquin got the first inning going for the Aggies reaching base off an error by South Carolina’s 1B Christian Walker.

Texas A&M Pitching

Aggies’ starting pitcher Ross Stripling threw 114 pitches in 8 innings of work, striking out 6, walking 1, giving up 2 ER and 7 hits.

California vs. Virginia

A pitchers duel broke out between top seeded Virginia and the scrappy California Bears. The Cavaliers were able to slow Cal’s bats and earn a 4-1 victory to advance into the winners bracket of the CWS.

University of Virginia Pitching

Danny Hultzen threw 6.1 innings of 3 hit shut out ball with no run support. Hultzen struck out 6 and walked 3. Tyler Wilson was then brought in to provide 2.1 innings of relief, giving up 3 hits, and 1 ER for the win. Brandon Kline threw .1 innings getting CF Darrel Matthew to foul out to 3B Steven Proscia for the last out and the save.

University of Virginia Hitting

The Cavaliers threatened in the third but were held scoreless until their 2-run 7^th inning and 2-run 8^th inning. 2B Keith Werman, the Cavaliers’ 9 hole hitter (batting .216), had the game of his life going 2-4 with a RBI and scoring the Cavs first run of the CWS. Lead off hitter SS Chris Taylor would score the winning run for the Cavs in the 7^th inning. LF John Barr went 2-2 with a walk.

University of California-Berkley Hitting

The Cal Bears tried for late innings heroics scoring their only run in the top of the 9^th on a single to left center by RF Chad Bunting scoring SS and cleanup hitter Marcus Semien. The Bears did not advance a runner past 2^nd until the 9^th inning. Cal put a runner on second base in the 1^st, 2^nd, and 7^th innings but were never able to capitalize on Cavs pitching.

University of California-Berkley Pitching

Erik Johnson labored through 3 innings for Cal giving up 5 walks and 2 hits but no earned runs. Logan Scott threw 3 innings giving up 2 ER for the loss. Kevin Miller threw 1 inning giving up 2 ER on 3 hits.

Bracket Two Games on Tuesday

Virginia (55-10) will play South Carolina (51-14) Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. EST in the winner’s bracket.

California (37-22) will play Texas A&M (47-21) Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. EST in an elimination game.

Day 3 Games of the College World Series, Bracket One

Vanderbilt (53-10) plays Florida (51-17) in the winner’s bracket at 7:00 p.m. EST.

North Carolina (50-15) plays Texas (49-18) in an elimination game at 2:00 p.m. EST. 

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College World Series Updates

Bracket One

North Carolina vs. Vanderbilt

College World Series play began Saturday with Vanderbilt taking on North Carolina. Vanderbilt will be the first team to tell you having a strong bullpen can make all the difference in the College World Series. North Carolina roughed up Vanderbilt’s starting pitcher, Sonny Gray (1^st round draft pick for the Oakland A’s), for 8 hits, 3 ER, 5 BB in 4.2 innings. Corey Williams came in to shut the door on the Tar Hills with 2.2 innings of shut out relief pitching to earn the win. Will Clinard and Kevin Ziomek combined for 1.2 innings of relief pitching with 0 ER.

Both teams brought their offense to Omaha as the Commodores had 10 hits and the Tar Hills had 11. UNC was led by 3B Collin Moran going 3-4 with 2 RBIs and Vanderbilt by lead-off hitter LF Tony Kemp going 3-4 with 1 RBI and 1 BB.

University of Texas vs. University of Florida

University of Texas lost 8-4 to University of Florida in Game 2 of Bracket 1 play in the College World Series on Saturday.

UF starting pitcher, Hudson Randall, was able to overcome 2 Florida errors and 4 unearned runs to beat the Longhorns. Randall only gave up 1 earned run on 5 hits in 6.2 innings pitched. Florida’s bullpen was able to 2.1 innings of no-hit shutout relief to close the game.

Florida’s offense was paced by CF Bryson Smith’s 2-2 effort with 2 runs, 2 RBIs, and 2 walks. Texas SS Brandon Loy continued his strong season at the plate with a 2-4 night.

Texas’ starting pitcher, Taylor Jungmann labored through 4.1 innings giving up 4 earned runs on only 3 hits but giving up 4 walks.

Vanderbilt will play Florida Monday night at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Florida was 2-1 vs. Vanderbilt during the regular season and 1-0 in the SEC Tournament winning 6-5, losing 14-1, and winning 6-3 in 12 innings. Florida beat Vanderbilt in the SEC Tourney Championship Game 5-0.

North Carolina will play Texas Monday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. EST in the loser’s bracket.

North Carolina and Texas did not meet in 2011 regular season action.

Sunday’s Games

University of California vs. University of Virginia at 2:00 p.m. EST.

University of South Carolina vs. Texas A&M University at 7:00 p.m. EST. 

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Super Regional Updates Day Three

Four more teams clinched a berth in the 2011 College World Series on Sunday.

Florida Gators

South Carolina Gamecocks

Texas Longhorns

California Bears

The North Carolina Tar Heels and Vanderbilt Commodores won their Super Regional on Saturday.

Three SEC teams have a spot in the 2011 College World Series. The ACC can claim three if Florida State and University of Virginia win on Monday.

Updates of Sunday’s games

University of Florida vs. Mississippi State

So much for the new bats limiting home runs, Florida slugged five home runs against Mississippi State on Sunday closing their Super Regional with an 8-6 victory. Mike Zunino contributed to the home run derby hitting his 18^th on the season. Zunino, a Johnny Bench Award finalist, went 2-4 raising his season average to .376. Mississippi State 2B Nick Vickerson hit another home run in a losing effort; his 9^th of the year. This is the Gators seventh appearance in the College World Series.

South Carolina vs. University of Connecticut

Christian Walker has hit back to back Super Regional clinching home runs (2010 over Coastal Carolina) to lift the Gamecocks 8-2 to the College World Series over Connecticut. The Gamecocks will have an opportunity to defend their 2010 NCAA National Championship in Omaha.

University of Texas vs. Arizona State University

The Texas Longhorns clinched their 37^th College World Series berth with a 4-2 win over Arizona State. Texas’ pitchers scattered 6 hits keeping ASU off balance all game. Texas SS Brandon Loy went 3-4 with a RBI and BB raising his season average to .350.

University of California vs. Dallas Baptist University

The Cal Bears stopped Dallas Baptist unbelievable 2011 play winning 6-2. Is Cal a team of destiny this season? Their program was cut by the university earlier in the year due to budget constraints but saved by booster donations in time for 2011 season play. Catcher Chadd Krist went 2-4 with 3 RBIs for Cal.

Elimination Monday

Florida State and UC Irvine won to keep their College World series hopes alive on Sunday.

Florida State University vs. University of Texas A&M

Florida State demolished Texas A&M 23-9. FSU out hit Texas A&M 16 to 12 and capitalized on 4 Aggie errors. FSU hit 3 home runs on their way to scoring 20 earned runs. Five different A&M pitchers took the mound on Sunday, each giving up at least 3 earned runs.

Game three between FSU and Texas A&M begins Monday at 7:00 p.m. EST.

University of Virginia vs. UC Irvine

After a 4 ½ hour rain delay, the Anteaters stayed alive with a 6-4 win over #1 overall seeded Virginia. LF Drew Hillman went 2-4 with a solo home run for UC Irvine.

Game three between Virginia and UC Irvine is set for Monday at 4:00 p.m. EST. 

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