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Paul Mainieri, LSU Geaux the Distance

Jim Henry — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:00:00 EST

OMAHA, Neb. -- The Mainieri household went 45 years without a national title. Bouday (a Cajun term for sorrow) -- that was plenty long enough.

Paul Mainieri's LSU Tigers powered past Texas 11-4 Wednesday night to win the College World Series. When the final out was made -- fittingly on a swinging strike out that ignited a mad sprint and player pile in front of the mound -- Mainieri's emotions almost immediately began to overwhelm him in the Tigers dugout.

It was a hugfest.

"It's so great to have something happen in your professional life that you can share on a personal level with the people you love the most," Mainieri said.

Mainieri's entire family was in the Rosenblatt Stadium stands, including his father, Demie, who coached Miami-Dade North Community College to 1,018 wins and a national title in 1964 in his 30-year career.

Dear friend Jim Hendry, vice president/general manager of the Chicago Cubs, and Skip Bertman, LSU's former legendary baseball coach turned athletics director who hired Mainieri in 2006, corralled Mainieri as fireworks exploded behind the right-field bleachers and purple and gold streamers fell from the sky.

Somewhere, Tommy Lasorda, who telephoned Mainieri on Tuesday and reminded him not to be afraid to pressure the Longhorns, probably lifted a glass of wine in salute.

Of course, that's only one side of Mainieri's extended family.

Mainieri, a genuine soul who can disarm people with his smile, also grew emotional when he talked about the state of Louisiana, LSU and, of course, his players. The fellas immediately slipped on CWS champions T-shirts and party beads, mugged for the cameras and jogged near the stands and high-fived fans who are known as the most fanatical in the country.

The real celebration had begun, and just think of it:

LSU baseball is back on top, two years after not being even good enough to gain entry into its own SEC Tournament.

"It's an unbelievable feeling to be put in the position where you're remembered forever in Baton Rouge now," said outfielder Jared Mitchell, voted the CWS Most Outstanding Player. "To be in that company with the players who won championships, to put LSU baseball on top where it belongs, to be a part of that is special."

It was certainly a special finish.

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LSU coach Paul Mainieri, right, celebrates with his players after LSU defeated Texas in Game 3 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 24, 2009. LSU beat Texas 11-4 for the championship. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

LSU coach Paul Mainieri celebrates with his players after LSU defeated Texas in Game 3 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 24, 2009. LSU beat Texas 11-4 for the championship. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

An unidentified LSU player celebrates with fans after LSU defeated Texas in Game 3 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 24, 2009. LSU beat Texas 11-4 for the championship. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

LSU players thank fans after LSU defeated Texas in Game 3 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 24, 2009. LSU beat Texas 11-4 for the championship. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

LSU players pile up after defeating Texas in Game 3 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 24, 2009. LSU beat Texas 11-4 for the championship. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

LSU players rush out of the dugout after LSU defeated Texas in Game 3 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 24, 2009. LSU beat Texas 11-4 for the championship. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

OMAHA, NE - JUNE 24: Keith Shinaberry #35 of the Texas Longhorns reacts after giving up a solo home run to Sean Ochinko #14 of the Louisiana State University Tigers during Game 3 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 24, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Tigers defeated the Longhorns 11-4 to win the national title. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Keith Shinaberry;Sean Ochinko

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OMAHA, NE - JUNE 24: Sean Ochinko #14 of the Louisiana State University Tigers is congratulated by Leon Landry #6 after Ochinko hit a solo home run against the Texas Longhorns during Game 3 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 24, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Tigers defeated the Longhorns 11-4 to win the national title. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Sean Ochinko;Leon Landry

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OMAHA, NE - JUNE 24: Sean Ochinko #14 of the Louisiana State University Tigers is congratulated after he hit a solo home run against the Texas Longhorns during Game 3 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 24, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Tigers defeated the Longhorns 11-4 to win the national title. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Sean Ochinko

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The Tigers closed out the season by winning 15 of their final 16 games dating back to the SEC Tournament. They beat Texas in Game 1 of the best-of-three national series, rallying from a pair of two-run deficits to win 7-6 in 11 innings; they were out-played in a Game 2 defeat; and they squandered an early lead only to bury the Longhorns with a furious, final onslaught in Game 3.

"They've done everything they need to do to become champions," Mainieri said. "Had we not gotten this one, it would have left a little bit of an empty feeling."

The Road To Omaha actually starts in Baton Rouge, La., for the year.

"We punched them and they punched back harder," Texas outfielder Preston Clark said. "They took it to another level and we couldn't get another rally going."

Across the field, Texas coach Augie Garrido consoled his team, which rallied from a 4-0 deficit to tie the game at 4-4 after five innings. The Longhorns, however, were ground beef after the Tigers exploded for five runs in the sixth. Texas was limited to one hit the rest of the way and its quest to win the program's seventh national title -- and third this decade -- ended.

But it's not the end.

Garrido, who refused to criticize his team and said there was enough respect to be shared by both teams, also stressed to the Longhorns that their future in Texas is big and bright. In fact, the Zen Master, as Garrido is affectionately called by his players, believes this is the beginning of a new era of Texas baseball in the CWS.

"We didn't have a player who played in the College World Series before, and they finished second," Garrido pointed out.

And, in case your wondering, the 70-year-old Garrido plans to stick around to coach the Longhorns. He calls coaching a lifestyle, not a job. Garrido figures as long as he's healthy and he connects with players and he can be effective, there's nothing else he'd rather do.

"I don't know if it's a chronological number," Garrido said.

"It's about health, it's about attitude. You're going to get older, but you can stay immature forever."

Of course, forever seemed to be the length of time for the Mainieri family between national titles.

That all changed Wednesday for Paul Mainieri, who played his freshman year at LSU in 1976 and returned to the school after coaching stops at St. Thomas (Fla.), Air Force and Notre Dame. And the best part for Mainieri is that he shared the moment with the people closest to him.

It was a Bayou win-win.

Paul Mainieri, LSU Geaux the Distance originally appeared on FanHouse on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LSU Trounces Texas to Capture CWS

Jim Henry — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:05:00 EST

Filed under: College World Series

OMAHA, Neb. -- It's finally settled. LSU truly deserves to be No. 1.

The Tigers, ranked No. 1 in the country as voted by the national polls, squandered an early lead but recovered impressively to beat No. 1 tournament seed Texas 11-4 and win the College World Series Wednesday night. LSU used a five-run sixth inning to snap a 4-4 tie and roll to its sixth national title -- and first since 2000 -- in Game 3 of the best-of-three national championship series.

More Coverage: Paul Mainieri, LSU Geaux the Distance

A Rosenblatt Stadium crowd of 19,986 was treated to an entertaining showdown between two of college baseball's most storied programs. The Longhorns, the fourth team in the seven-year history of the CWS finals to force a deciding game after losing Game 1, was looking to become the first No. 1 seed to win the tournament since Miami in 1999.

No dice.

Texas (50-16-1) uncharacteristically unraveled in the top of sixth after it rallied to tie it an inning earlier. LSU (56-17) scored five times on just two hits and ruined the Longhorns' goal of winning their seventh national title and third this decade. In that fateful sixth, Texas relievers made a throwing error, hit two batters and uncorked a wild pitch as three of the runs were unearned.

LSU first baseman Sean Ochinko, who didn't play in Tuesday's 5-1 defeat, was the hitting star for the Tigers. He went 4-for-5 with a two-run single in the decisive sixth and a solo home run in the ninth. Jared Mitchell, voted the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, hit a three-run home run in the first to start LSU off on the right foot.

The Tigers out-hit Texas 12-9.

"If there's a better way to end it, I can't explain it," said Mitchell, who hit .348 with two home runs and seven RBI in the CWS. "This has been so much fun, to accomplish something like this is so special. It was everyone pulling together, a sense of urgency we had, and we began to play our best ball at the end of the year."

It was the first national title for Paul Mainieri, whose LSU team two years ago wasn't good enough to qualify for the SEC Tournament. LSU and Texas each have six national titles - six behind leader USC.

"I've dreamed my whole life of having this moment," Mainieri said. "It's almost surreal."

Mainieri's decision to save ace Anthony Ranaudo (12-3) for the game after he held him on three days' rest on Tuesday worked -- but it didn't go exactly as scripted.

Ranaudo, a 6-foot-7 sophomore right-hander making his third start in the CWS, labored most of the game and was lifted with one out and the lead in the bottom of the sixth. Ranaudo, who was 1-0 in his previous two CWS starts with a 1.93 ERA in 9.1 innings, surrendered eight hits and threw 119 pitches. He walked five and struck out four.

Reliever Chad Jones, a promising safety on the Tigers football team, fanned the next two Texas batters in the sixth and threw a scoreless seventh. Louis Coleman, the Game 1 starter who surrendered five home runs in six innings, pitched the final two innings. He fanned three hitters in the ninth, igniting an LSU dogpile near the mound.

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LSU pitcher Chad Jones and teammate Buzzy Haydel, right, celebrate after Jones struck out Texas' Russell Moldenhauer in the sixth inning of the deciding game in the NCAA College World Series baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

LSU's Mikie Mahtook celebrates his RBI double against Texas in the sixth inning of the deciding game of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

OMAHA, NE - JUNE 24: Austin Wood #44 of the Texas Longhorns reacts in the sixth inning against the Louisiana State University Tigers during Game 3 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 24, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Austin Wood

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OMAHA, NE - JUNE 24: Pitcher Brandon Workman #12 of the Texas Longhorns pitches on the mound against the Louisiana State University Tigers during Game 3 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 24, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brandon Workman

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OMAHA, NE - JUNE 24: Pitcher Anthony Ranaudo #23 of the Louisiana State University Tigers pitches in the fifth inning against the Texas Longhorns during Game 3 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 24, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Anthony Ranaudo

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OMAHA, NE - JUNE 24: (L) Manager Paul Mainieri of the Louisiana State University Tigers looks on as he has a meeting with his players in the sixth inning during Game 3 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 24, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Paul Mainieri

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OMAHA, NE - JUNE 24: Mikie Mahtook #8 of the Louisiana State University Tigers hits an RBI single to score the go-ahead run in the sixth inning against the Texas Longhorns during Game 3 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 24, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mikie Mahtook

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OMAHA, NE - JUNE 24: Jared Mitchell #3 of the Louisiana State University Tigers is greeted by teammates after scoring a run in the sixth inning off a hit by Mikie Mahtook #8 against the Texas Longhorns during Game 3 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 24, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jared Mitchell

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OMAHA, NE - JUNE 24: Ryan Schimpf #16 of the Louisiana State University Tigers is jumped on by teammate Tyler Hanover #11 after Schimpf and DJ LeMahieu #17 scored a run in the sixth inning on a hit by Sean Ochinko #14 against the Texas Longhorns during Game 3 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 24, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ryan Schimpf; Tyler Hanover

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OMAHA, NE - JUNE 24: (R-L) Mikie Mahtook #8 of the Louisiana State University Tigers gives teammate Austin Nola #36 a high five after scoring a run on a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning against the Texas Longhorns during Game 3 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 24, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mikie Mahtook; Austin Nola

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Texas coach Augie Garrido didn't make any excuses and credited LSU's character for being able to withstand the Longhorns rally.

"I don't think we lost this tournament, they won it," Garrido said. "We played our cards and we thought they were the right ones. It didn't work out. They are the best team we've played this year, by far."

Texas sophomore starter Cole Green, making his third CWS appearance, didn't fare as well and lasted just two innings. Green surrendered five hits and allowed four runs, all with two outs. Green had looked good in his previous two starts, throwing seven innings against Southern Miss and six innings in a 4-3 victory over Arizona State.

Reliever Brandon Workman, who worked 1 2/3 innings and was the losing pitcher in LSU's 7-6 win in 11 innings in Game 1 Monday, tossed three scoreless innings before running into trouble in the sixth.

Mitchell led off the inning with a walk and raced to second on a wild pitch. Mikie Mahtook, the hitting star in Monday's victory, laced a double into right-center field to push LSU back in front, 5-4. Freshman Austin Dicharry replaced Workman, but was ineffective. He threw wildly to first base on a Micah Gibbs bunt, and Mahtook scored on Derek Helenihi's sacrifice fly to make it 6-4.

After a ground out for the second hot, Dicharry walked DJ LeMahieu. Enter Austin Wood, who hit Ryan Schimpf to load the bases. It didn't get any better for the Longhorns. Wood hit Blake Dean with another pitch, forcing Gibbs home from third for a 7-4 lead. Sean Ochinko delivered the big hit in the inning with a two-run single to left to make it 9-4.

"LSU answered right back and it was devastating," Texas second baseman Travis Tucker said. "We had momentum going our way and it shifted right back. They are a great team."

The Tigers extended its lead to 10-4 in the eighth on sacrifice fly from Schimpf and ended the onslaught with a home from Ochinko in the ninth. The Longhorns used five relievers, including Chance Ruffin, their Game 1 starter.

LSU had only lost back-to-back games once this season, losing to Tennessee at home, 7-5 and 9-4, on April 18-19. The Tigers went 15-1 after a loss, batting .328 and hitting 33 home runs during that stretch, and won 7-of-9 rubber matches in weekend series during the year. They entered the CWS as the nation's top-ranked team and sported SEC regular-season and tournament championships. LSU was also the last SEC team to win the CWS.

Texas, meanwhile, had won the Big 12 titles in the regular season and tournament. The Longhorns recorded four comeback victories in the NCAA Tournament, including three walk-off victories in the CWS. They had hoped to become the third national champion in the past four years that rallied from a 1-0 deficit in the CWS final.

An early-afternoon rain shower helped drop temperatures from the expected mid-90s into the mid-80s for the game, which started under brilliant sunshine.

Mitchell's 11th home run of the season staked the Tigers to a 3-0 lead in the first. With two outs, Green hit Blake Dean on the left foot and Ochinko followed with a first-pitch single to left field. On a 2-2 count, the left-handed hitting Mitchell, a first-round selection of the Chicago White Sox who had moved up a spot in the lineup for the game, hooked a home run inside the right-field foul pole.

Mitchell, a receiver on the Tigers football team, teamed with Jones to win national titles in both football and baseball at LSU. According to LSU officials, they were also the first student-athletes in NCAA history to play for a BCS national championship (2007) and participate in the CWS (2009).

After making the most of their early scoring chances in Tuesday's victory -- Texas scored all five of its runs in the first three innings -- the Longhorns couldn't duplicate that magic in their first at-bat Wednesday. Texas loaded the bases on a pair of hits by Michael Torres and Russell Moldenhauer and a two-out walk to Cameron Rupp. However, Ranaudo wiggled out of the jam as Kevin Keyes swung through a high fastball for a third strike.

LSU, again clutch with two outs, pushed its advantage to 4-0 in the second as Ryan Schimpf bounced an RBI single back up the box to score Micah Gibbs. Gibbs led off with a single, advanced to second on a ground out and, following a fly out, went to third on LeMahieu's infield single. Texas second baseman Travis Tucker made a bare hand stop of LeMahieu's hit behind second base but was unable to throw out the speedy LeMahieu.

Texas cut LSU's lead to 4-2 in the third as Ranaudo struggled with his command in the third, throwing 43 pitches and pushing his total to 77.

Rupp pushed across a run on a fielder's choice and Ranaudo walked Preston Clark on a 10-pitch at-bat with bases loaded. Ranaudo coaxed a fielder's choice grounder for the third out, but he also had to thank center fielder Mahtook for outstanding catch earlier in the inning. Mahtook made a leaping catch in the left-center gap off the bat of Moldenhauer for the first out with runners on first and second.

Texas tied it 4-4 on Kevin Keyes' two-run home run in the fifth. Rupp led off with a single up the middle and Keye, who left the bases loaded in the first inning, deposited Ranaudo's first pitch into the left-field stands for his ninth home run of the season. But the Longhorns' momentum was short-lived.

The Tigers answered with five runs in the top of the sixth to recapture the lead and the momentum.

CWS All-Tournament Team as voted by the media:

Catcher: Cameron Rupp, Texas
First Base: Dustin Ackley, North Carolina
Second Base: DJ LeMahieu, LSU
Third Base: Kyle Seager, North Carolina
Shortstop: Tyler Cannon, Virginia
Outfield: Jared Mitchell, LSU
Outfield: Ryan Schimpf, LSU
Outfield: Kole Calhoun, ASU
DH: Russell Moldenhauer, Texas
Pitcher: Anthony Ranaudo, LSU
Pitcher: Tyler Jungmann, Texas
Most Outstanding Player: Jared Mitchell, LSU

LSU Trounces Texas to Capture CWS originally appeared on FanHouse on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Old Stadium Still Draws in Droves

Jim Henry — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:10:00 EST

Filed under: College World Series

OMAHA, Neb. -- Although on borrowed time, Rosenblatt Stadium hasn't lost its appeal.

The College World Series is expected to a set a new attendance total as the tournament rolls to a close with Wednesday's finale between No. 1 seed Texas and top-ranked LSU. Approximately 316,090 fans -- the second-highest total behind last year's mark of 330,099 -- have watched 14 games (22,503 average) since the eight-team, double-elimination tourney started June 13.

Drum roll or taps, please. Rosenblatt, of course, will host its final CWS next year. The colorful stadium, home to the CWS since 1950 and named after former Omaha mayor Johnny Rosenblatt in 1964, will be razed and turned into a parking lot for Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, which is located across the street.

Out with the old, in with the new.

Last year Omaha leaders approved to build a new $140 million downtown ballpark after the NCAA agreed to a 25-year extension with the city to hold the CWS here. The 2011 CWS will be the first held at the 24,000 seat TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, which is under construction, less than five miles from Rosenblatt.

College World Series of Omaha, Inc., the local non-profit organizing body, determined in 2005 that it would cost at least $25 million in future improvements to Rosenblatt Stadium to ensure it would continue to be a viable venue to host the CWS. Rosenblatt has undergone $39 million in improvements since 1987, but the facility has few fan amenities, tight concourses and cramped clubhouses.

The CWS has steadily grown in popularity since coming to Omaha from Kalamazoo, Mich., in 1950. Total attendance was 17,805 in 1950, compared with last year's record total.

Texas and LSU -- two of college baseball's heavyweights -- have made this year's CWS one of the series' most memorable. The Longhorns need one victory for their third national title this decade and seventh overall; the Tigers are one win away from their sixth crown and first since 2000.

The weather forecast for Wednesday is for temperatures in the mid-90s and isolated thunderstorms. Tuesday's game, won by Texas, 5-1 to force a third game in the best-of-three finals, was delayed an hour and 34 minutes due to thunderstorms. LSU won Game 1 on Monday, 7-6 in 11 innings.

"It's the final fight," Texas coach Augie Garrido said.

"Two hundred and eighty eight [teams] have started, two are left with one game to play. Pretty awesome."

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LSU players Paul Bertuccini, second left, Buzzy Haydel, third left, Chris McGhee, fourth left, and DJ LeMahieu, right, stand in the dugout after losing to Texas in Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 23, 2009. Texas beat LSU 5-1, forcing a third game. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Texas pitcher Taylor Jungmann (26), who pitched a complete game against LSU, exchanges high-fives with pitcher Brandon Workman (12), at the end of Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 23, 2009. Texas beat LSU 5-1, forcing a third game. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

LSU's players, including Derek Helenihi, center, watch the last out against Texas in the ninth inning of Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 23, 2009. Texas beat LSU 5-1, forcing a third game. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Texas pitcher Taylor Jungmann, who pitched a complete game against LSU, pumps his fist after the last out in Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 23, 2009. Texas beat LSU 5-1, forcing a third game. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

OMAHA, NE - JUNE 23: Nolan Cain #39 of the Louisiana State University Tigers delivers a pitch against the Texas Longhorns during Game 2 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 23, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Longhorns defeated the Tigers 5-1. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Nolan Cain

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OMAHA, NE - JUNE 23: Taylor Jungmann #26 of the Texas Longhorns is congratulated after another scoreless inning against the Louisiana State University Tigers during Game 2 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 23, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Longhorns defeated the Tigers 5-1. Jungmann pitched a complete game. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Taylor Jungmann

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OMAHA, NE - JUNE 23: Taylor Jungmann #26 of the Texas Longhorns sends the ball back to first against the Louisiana State University Tigers during Game 2 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 23, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Longhorns defeated the Tigers 5-1. Jungmann pitched a complete game. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Taylor Jungmann

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OMAHA, NE - JUNE 23: Taylor Jungmann #26 of the Texas Longhorns delivers a pitch against the Louisiana State University Tigers during Game 2 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 23, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Longhorns defeated the Tigers 5-1. Jungmann pitched a complete game. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Taylor Jungmann

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OMAHA, NE - JUNE 23: The Louisiana State University Tigers dugout reacts to the loss after Game 2 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 23, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Longhorns defeated the Tigers 5-1. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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Old Stadium Still Draws in Droves originally appeared on FanHouse on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LSU Has Ace in the Hole for Game 3

Jim Henry — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:30:00 EST

Filed under: College World Series

OMAHA, Neb. -- Paul Mainieri is an engaging son of a gun. He's also the son of a coach, and he often relies on life experiences to help him make a critical decision.

That was the case in the College World Series Tuesday, when Mainieri, LSU's head coach, decided to hold ace Anthony Ranaudo on three days' rest against Texas in Game 2 of the best-of-three national championship series. The Longhorns prevailed 5-1, thanks in large part to a stellar pitching performance from freshman All-American Taylor Jungmann. Jungmann was Da Man, limiting the Tigers to five hits in his first compete game after throwing six pitches, all balls, in a forgettable relief performance a night earlier.

Still, a gracious yet steadfast Mainieri remembered -- and now he hopes he learned from Dear Ol' Dad.

More Coverage: Texas Tops LSU to Force Game 3

It was 1971, and Mainieri was just 14 years old. Demie Mainieri's Miami-Dade North Community College baseball team was in the same position that LSU was in Tuesday at Rosenblatt Stadium -- one win away from a national title. Paul Mainieri pointed out his father opted to throw his ace pitcher on limited days rest. His pitcher threw a courageous, phenomenal game.

And lost, 2-1.

Nearly four decades later, Mainieri wanted to avoid those negative vibes at all cost.

"I saw how it demoralized his team the next night and I think they got beat 10-2 in the championship game," Mainieri said.

"You hate to have negative thoughts like that in your mind. But you add the combination of the fact that Ranaudo would have had to go on three days' rest, and who knows how effective he would have been. As it turns out, he would have had to pitch a shutout for us to win the way their pitcher shut us down. I thought this was the best chance for us this way."

Well, who could ask for a better script?

It's a winner-take-all Wednesday between Texas and LSU for the national title. It's a sexy, intriguing, entertaining showdown between the NCAA Tournament's No. 1 seed in the Longhorns and the country's top-ranked team in a majority of the polls in the Tigers. Looking for bling? The two programs have combined for 11 national titles. Texas last won it all in 2005; LSU in 2000.

Texas also is looking to become the first top overall seed to win the crown since Miami had honors in 1999. If the Tigers lose, it would mark only the second time this season they have dropped back-to-back games.

"You couldn't get it any better for this for all the people involved. It's pretty cool," Texas coach Augie Garrido said.

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LSU's start Tuesday was pretty aggravating for Mainieri.

Tigers starter Aaron Ross (6-8) lasted only two innings in his first CWS start. Mainieri said he knew trouble was looming when Ross walked Michael Torres on four pitches to start the game. Ross never really captured his command, elevating pitches and throwing 23 strikes in 41 pitches. Reliever Ryan Byrd allowed three earned runs in two-thirds of an inning, and that's all Texas needed as Jungmann made a 5-1 lead after three innings stand.

"We got off to a bad start and we dug ourselves a hole that seemed insurmountable because of the kid pitching for Texas, he was so good," Mainieri said.

Now it's the Tigers' turn to flush a disappointing loss from their system. Texas rebounded just fine after squandering a pair of two-run leads and wasting five home runs in its 7-6 extra-inning defeat on Monday.

Mainieri also believes his team will recover, pointing to what's at stake and having the 6-foot-7 Ranaudo on the bump. Ranaudo is coming off one of his finest efforts of the season, throwing six innings and allowing no runs on only four hits while walking none and striking out five in last Friday's win over Arkansas.

Let's face it. Mainieri rolled the dice by holding Ranaudo out, possibly even shifting the momentum back to Texas' favor with the Longhorns victory. Still, Mainieri figured if he called his players together during the first day of fall practice and asked them if they would be in position to win the CWS on the final day with Ranaudo starting, would they take it?

You're darn tooting, outfielder Jared Mitchell and relief pitcher Nolan Cain nodded in agreement.

"if we can't get up for [Wednesday], we shouldn't be playing," Mitchell said.

"Someone's going to be a legend [Wednesday]; hopefully it's us," said Cain, who teamed with Daniel Bradshaw to hold the Longhorns scoreless over the final 6.2 innings in Tuesday's game.

Of course, by then it was too late. But it wasn't 1971.

If Ranaudo pitches the Tigers to their sixth national title, Mainieri will have his father to thank, too.

LSU Has Ace in the Hole for Game 3 originally appeared on FanHouse on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texas Tops LSU, Forces Game 3 in CWS

Jim Henry — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:59:00 EST

Filed under: College World Series

OMAHA, Neb. -- No. 1 national seed Texas didn't let this one slip away.

The Longhorns beat LSU 5-1 Tuesday night in the College World Series to force a decisive third game Wednesday for the national title. Texas mixed in the long ball again at Rosenbatt Stadium but it also made the most of its early scoring chances to rebound from Monday's disappointing extra-inning defeat.

Not to be overshadowed, however, was the outstanding effort from Longhorns freshman right-hander Taylor Jungmann. Jungmann (11-3), who made a brief, ineffective relief appearance Monday, turned in a dominating performance to snap the Tigers' 14-game winning streak and set up a winner-take-all finale.

More Coverage: LSU Has Ace in the Hole for Game 3

Relying on a nasty fastball and sweeping curve, not to mention a confidence that belies his youth, Jungmann surrendered five hits and fanned nine while only walking two to notch his first complete-game victory. The Tigers averaged 8.4 runs per game during their winning streak and were last held to one run in a 4-1 defeat to Vanderbilt to open the SEC tournament.

"I was staying back. I had a good feel for the ball and I mixed my pitches well," said Jungmann, who threw 126 pitches, 78 strikes, and registered his third CWS victory.

LSU will start co-ace Anthony Ranaudo (11-3, 2.87 ERA) in Wednesday's final, while Texas will counter with Cole Green (5-3, 3.07). The Tigers and Longhorns have combined for 11 national titles. Texas won its last crown in 2005; LSU in 2000. The showdown features the tournament's No. 1 seed in the Longhorns and the nation's top-ranked team as listed by the majority of polls in the Tigers.

"It would have been nice to win tonight obviously and wrap it up but the kid who pitched for them had something to say about us having to stay around for one more day," LSU coach Paul Mainieri said.

"He was really outstanding. We couldn't do much with him. He was mixing his pitches well, he had good velocity, he had a good sinker. It's the first time we lost in 15 games. We are going to put this one behind us and keep our chins up and we have one game left in the season. We have the opportunity to play for the national championship with our Friday night starter on the mound. I think our guys are pretty excited about that."

Tuesday's game was delayed one hour, 34 minutes by a thunderstorm that swept through the area, dropping the temperature from the mid-90s to a far more comfortable 82 degrees. Texas -- and Jungmann -- certainly didn't display any early nerves from facing elimination.

In fact, Longhorns coach Augie Garrido said the rain delay was a Texas blessing.

"It took the temperature down," Garrido said.

"It helped Taylor [Jungmann] finish the game. When we got off the bus, it was steamy. His teammates also got him the lead. It was certainly not a game of perfection, but we've created another bit of drama."

The Longhorns, who squandered leads of 3-1 and 6-4 and wasted five home runs in Monday's 7-6 loss, scored in each of the first three innings to build a 5-1 advantage that Jungmann held firm the rest of the way. He ended the game with a strikeout and an LSU runner on third base. It was the first complete game in the CWS since 2006.

While solo homers from Preston Clark and Russell Moldenhauer accounted for two of Texas' runs, more importantly, Longhorn hitters went 3-for-5 with three RBI with runners in scoring position in the first three innings. Texas was 1-for-13 with runners on base Monday.

After pushing across solo runs in the first and second innings to lead 2-1, Texas went to work in the third.

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OMAHA, NE - JUNE 23: The Texas Longhorns celebrate the win with fans after they defeated the Louisiana State University Tigers in Game 2 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 23, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Longhorns defeated the Tigers 5-1. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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Texas' Russell Moldenhauer rounds the bases after hitting a home run against LSU in the third inning of Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

Texas' Russell Moldenhauer (15) celebrates his home run against LSU in the third inning of Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 23, 2009.(AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Texas right fielder Kevin Keyes climbs the wall as he tries to catch a ball hit by LSU's DJ LeMahieu for a triple in the third inning of Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Texas second baseman Travis Tucker lands on LSU's Blake Dean after forcing him out at second base in the third inning of Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

Texas players in the bullpen bounce beach balls that fell from the bleachers in the third inning against LSU in Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Texas' Connor Rowe (10) beats the throw to second base on double that scored Cameron Rupp, as LSU second baseman DJ LeMahieu (17) awaits the throw in the third inning of Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

LSU shortstop Austin Nola can't reach an RBI single by Texas' Preston Clark in the third inning of Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

OMAHA, NE - JUNE 23: Pitcher Ryan Byrd #10 of the Louisiana State University Tigers pitches against the Texas Longhorns during Game 2 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 23, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ryan Byrd

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LSU right fielder Jared Mitchell can't reach a double by Texas' Cameron Rupp in the third inning of Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

Moldenhauer homored with one out -- he hit two solo homers Monday and his four homers in five games tied a CWS record. Cameron Rupp then doubled to right after Jared Mitchell failed to make a diving catch. Following a flyout, Connor Rowe doubled down the third-base line to score Rupp and make it 4-1. Preston Clark greeted LSU reliever Nolan Cain with a single to score Rowe for a 5-1 lead.

The Longhorns have hit 14 home runs in the CWS after hitting only 39 in 60 games heading to Omaha. They have hit seven solo home runs in their two games against the Tigers.

LSU starter Austin Ross lasted just two innings, struggling with his command -- 22 of his 41 pitches were strikes -- and surrendering two runs on four hits in two innings.

The Longhorns out-hit the Tigers 12-4, with Clark leading the way with three hits and two RBI. Eight of nine starters had at least one hit. Texas, however, also made three errors, giving them 11 in five CWS games after entering the series with the fourth-best fielding percentage nationally.

Texas manufactured a run in the top of the first inning to lead 1-0. Michael Torres walked on four pitches, raced to second on LSU's first error of the CWS -- an errant throw behind Torres at first base by catcher Micah Gibbs -- and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Travis Tucker. Brandon Belt followed with a line-drive single to right field.

Texas made it 2-0 in the top of the second on Clark's solo home run to left field.

LSU, however, made it 2-1 in the bottom half of the inning after Longhorns shortstop Brandon Loy booted Derek Helenihi's two-out ground ball, allowing Mitchell to score from second base. With two outs, Mitchell lined a single to left, the Tigers' first hit off Jungmann. Then speedy left fielder Leon Landry beat out an infield single, moving Mitchell to second.

LSU wasted an ideal scoring opportunity in the third, when DJ LeMahieu led off the bottom of the third inning with a triple. But Jungmann, who threw six pitches to two batters before being pulled in the ninth inning Monday, got a flyout, strikeout and fielder's choice groundout to end the threat. The Tigers wasted another chance in the sixth, but Blake Dean was doubled up when he was called out for leaving second base early on a flyout to center field.

The two teams also turned in stellar defensive plays.

Texas wiggled out of trouble in the bottom off the fourth inning on a 4-6-3 double-play that saw second baseman Travis Tucker snag a ground ball behind the bag near the outfield grass and shovel it to shortstop Brandon Loy.

In the top of the fifth, Landry made a diving catch near the foul line on a deep, slicing fly ball off the bat of Kevin Keyes. Not to be outdone, LSU shortstop Austin Nola made an over-the-shoulder catch in shallow left field on a towering Clark pop-up for the first out in the eighth inning.

Texas Tops LSU, Forces Game 3 in CWS originally appeared on FanHouse on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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An LSU Title Means History for 2 Tigers

Jim Henry — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:17:00 EST

Filed under: College World Series

OMAHA, Neb. -- Yes, that's Les Miles.

Miles, LSU's football coach, will be cheering for the Tigers against Texas in the College Word Series Tuesday night at Rosenblatt Stadium. Miles and LSU men's basketball coach Trent Johnson arrived from Baton Rouge, La., late Tuesday afternoon. LSU will try to win its sixth national title -- and first since 2000 -- in Game 2 of the best-of-three championship series.

Miles will be watching two of his football players on the baseball diamond in Jared Mitchell (pictured right) and Chad Jones. Nearly 18 months after helping the Tigers beat Ohio State for the 2007 BCS national championship -- LSU's second title in five years -- Mitchell and Jones have a chance to do something special: win a national championship in two different sports.

It's a feat so rare that only one athlete in LSU history has accomplished it.

Bennie Brazell was a receiver on the Tigers' 2003 BCS championship as well as a sprinter on the track and field's 2002 outdoor and 2004 indoor national championship teams. According to LSU officials, Mitchell and Jones also are the first student-athletes in NCAA history to play for a BCS national championship and participate in the CWS.

Mitchell, a first-round selection of the Chicago White Sox in the major league amateur draft earlier this month, scorched a two-run triple in the Tigers' 7-6 victory over the Longhorns Monday night. Jones, a lefty, tossed a scoreless inning of relief with one strikeout.

Hopefully, Miles, who arrived at Rosenblatt around 4 p.m. and generated a loud of ovation from LSU fans in the left-field bleachers, brought an umbrella with him.

While the heat advisory that was in effect Monday continued Tuesday, with highs forecast near 100 with a heat index expected to be somewhere between 105 and 112 degrees, according to the National Weather Service, heavy rains and lightning delayed the start of the game.

Earlier Tuesday, LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri said right-hander Austin Ross will start Game 2. Ross, LSU's No. 3 starter during the regular season, allowed one run on two hits in two innings of relief against Virginia in the opening game of the CWS. Ross is 6-7 with a 5.09 ERA in 18 appearances, including 16 starts.

After Monday's game, Texas coach Augie Garrido said freshman Taylor Jungmann (10-3, 2.21 ERA) would take the mound Tuesday. Jungmann made a brief relief appearance in the ninth inning of Monday's game, walking the only hitter he faced on four pitches.

Mainieri expects his team to be focused despite Monday's heroics. LSU rallied from 3-1 and 6-4 deficits and withstood five Texas home runs.

"I think they understand that we haven't won anything yet," Mainieri said.

"I've been drilling it into their heads: We haven't played for the national championship yet. Everybody kept saying, 'You're playing for the national championship.' No we didn't. We needed to win a game before we were playing for the national championship. Now, we're playing for the national championship. Wow. Those are pretty cool words, actually."

An LSU Title Means History for 2 Tigers originally appeared on FanHouse on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texas Tries to Forget Epic Loss to LSU

Jim Henry — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EST

Filed under: College World Series

OMAHA, Neb. -- Sorry, but Augie Garrido's message to his Texas Longhorns late Monday night was private. Between head coach and team. The neighborly Garrido, who can spin a life-lesson while filling out a lineup card, wanted to make sure his players knew the score.

Sure, Texas already knew that score. The Longhorns, who had made a habit of winning on walk-off theatrics in the College World Series, had to swallow a dose of their own medicine, Bayou-flavor. The LSU Tigers scored two runs in the top of the ninth to tie the game at 6-all and then won it two innings later, 7-6. Both hits came with two outs, and, just to slip another burr under Texas' saddle, LSU survived five Longhorns home runs to boot.

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Garrido, 70 years old wise, shared a portion of his directive to the Longhorns, who are trying to become the first No. 1 national seed since Miami to win the championship. First, he reminded them that they've played with the spirit of a champion in the NCAA Tournament. He also wanted to make sure they knew that Georgia beat Fresno State in the opening game of the best-of-three championship series last year, and we all know how that ended.

"Fresno came back and waltzed off with the national championship on the third day," Garrido said, just in case anyone had forgotten.

Garrido also explained, in elegant coach-speak, that the key for the Longhorns when they hit their pillows early Tuesday morning was to forget. Not forgive, but forget. Of course, that's easier said than done, especially since it marked the first game Texas has lost in 40 games this season when leading into the ninth. Making matters worse, LSU's last six runs were all scored with two outs.

If that didn't make for a restless night, it also was the longest game by innings and time in the seven-year history of the CWS finals. Garrido, in a more point-blank tone this time, explained that it takes confidence for a team to forget, and he believes his team's spirit wasn't shattered by one defeat.

"If you can't wipe this game out, you are a loser before the (next) game starts," Garrido said.

"What happens now is everyone gets a little shaky. I thought we played with all of our heart and soul. The problem is the loss. The performance was pretty darn good. The difference is the team that doesn't win goes back and nitpicks its imperfections. The value of winning is that it forgives. If you can forgive all of your mistakes when you lose, you have a chance the next day."

LSU coach Paul Mainieri is no fool either. Yes, he was absolutely thrilled and proud and gushed over his team's victory, as he should. The Tigers struck first yet they were getting schooled by Texas ace Chance Ruffin, who tied a season-high 10 strikeouts in 5.2 innings. LSU starter Louis Coleman, like Ruffin, battled in the scorching 90-plus degree temperatures, but he struggled and gave up five homers in six innings.

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** RETRANSMISSION OF NENH121 FOR ALTERNATE CROP ** LSU closing pitcher Matty Ott celebrates the last out against Texas in the 11th inning of game one of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 22, 2009. LSU beat Texas 7-6 in 11 innings.(AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Texas players, including closing pitcher Brandon Workman (12), watch from the dugout as LSU completes the last out in the 11th inning of Game 1 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 22, 2009. LSU beat Texas 7-6. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

OMAHA, NE - JUNE 22: Chris McGhee #32 of the Louisiana State University Tigers celebrates with teammates Leon Landry #6 and Derek Helenihi #5 after Landry and Helenihi scored against the Texas Longhorns during Game 1 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 22, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Tigers defeated the Longhorns 7-6 in 11 innings. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Chris McGhee;Leon Landry;Derek Helenihi

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Texas closer Brandon Workman watches as LSU players celebrate LSU's 7-6 win in 11 innings in Game 1 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

OMAHA, NE - JUNE 22: Starting pitcher Louis Coleman #29 of the Louisiana State University Tigers congratulates Matty Ott #22 after the win against the Texas Longhorns during Game 1 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 22, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Tigers defeated the Longhorns 7-6 in 11 innings. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Louis Coleman;Matty Ott

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OMAHA, NE - JUNE 22: Manager Paul Mainieri of the Louisiana State University Tigers celebrates the win with Leon Landry #6 and Mikie Mahtook the Texas Longhorns during Game 1 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 22, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Tigers defeated the Longhorns 7-6 in 11 innings. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Paul Mainieri;Mikie Mahtook;Leon Landry

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LSU's Mikie Mahtook, left, Leon Landry and Jared Mitchell, right, celebrate after LSU defeated Texas 7-6 in 11 innings in Game 1 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

OMAHA, NE - JUNE 22: Derek Helenihi #5 of the Louisiana State University Tigers scores a run as Cameron Rupp #3 of the Texas Longhorns looks on during Game 1 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 22, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Tigers defeated the Longhorns 7-6 in 11 innings. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Derek Helenihi;Cameron Rupp

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OMAHA, NE - JUNE 22: Mikie Mahtook #8 and Leon Landry #6 of the Louisiana State University Tigers celebrate the win over the Texas Longhorns during Game 1 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 22, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Tigers defeated the Longhorns 7-6 in 11 innings. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mikie Mahtook;Leon Landry

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LSU closer Matty Ott celebrates the last out against Texas in the 11th inning of Game 1 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 22, 2009. LSU beat Texas 7-6 in 11 innings. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

At least Mainieri didn't lose his sense of humor when he first strolled to the mound.

"I went out to Coleman and said, 'At least they are solo home runs,' that we were still within striking distance because it was certainly a hitters' environment," Mainieri smiled.

Even while balls were sailing over the fence in record pace -- the teams combined for a CWS-record seven solo home runs -- it took a light-hitting, fresh-scrubbed freshman who reminded himself of hitting fundamentals as he strolled to the plate to emerge as a hero. Mikie Mahtook, who had struck out three times and bounced into a double play in his first four at-bats, stroked a 1-2 line-drive single up the middle in the top of the 11th for the eventual game winner and LSU's 14th consecutive victory.

"My first three at-bats, it wasn't like I just struck out. It was three terrible at-bats," said Mahtook, who required intravenous fluids to treat cramps in the sixth inning.

"I was chasing balls in the dirt. I stayed back on a change-up and bounced into a double play. When I got into the dugout, guys were telling me to make sure I keep my head straight. Jared Mitchell told me I was going to come back up again with a big at-bat, and you're going to come through for us. That helped me out a lot."

Now it's Texas that needs the help. LSU (55-16) can win its sixth national title with a victory over the Longhorns (49-15-1) on Tuesday night

"It has to happen some time. We can't have all the glorious game-ending victories," reasoned Russell Moldenhauer, who hit two of Texas' homers. "We've got to throw that aside and come back with the same feeling we had at the beginning of this game."

With a 9-0 record, LSU remains perfect in this year's NCAA Tournament; the Tigers also are 5-0 when playing for a national title in program history. While Garrido, called the Zen Master by his players, wouldn't divulge his entire postgame message to his team, Mainieri displayed his own version of Yoda-like charm.

"I've been fortunate to be around some kids who have played some great games through the years, and I savor all the victories, but this one was really sweet," Mainieri said. "On the biggest stage, with their backs against the wall, to come up with that kind of an effort is one for the ages.

"But we also know tomorrow is a new day. Like I always tell my team, we celebrate our victories and analyze our defeats until midnight. What happened tonight has no carry over into the next day."

Garrido would surely agree.

Texas Tries to Forget Epic Loss to LSU originally appeared on FanHouse on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LSU Nips Texas in Homer-Filled College World Series Finals Opener

Jim Henry — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:02:00 EST

Filed under: College World Series

OMAHA, Neb. - Touch 'em all. Rosenblatt Stadium has gone retro, reverting back to Rosenblast Stadium from earlier this decade.

No. 1 national seed Texas and LSU combined to smack seven home runs in the opening game of the best-of-three championship series in the College World Series Monday night. But, in the end, it was a clutch two-out single in the top of the 11th from freshman Mikie Mahtook that lifted LSU past Texas 7-6.

The surging Tigers, who have won 14 consecutive games, can clinch their sixth national title and first since 2000 with a victory Tuesday.

"It's hard to describe the emotions I feel about this game, but I am going to try," LSU coach Paul Mainieri said. "This was the most courageous, never-say-die resolve that I've ever seen from one of my teams in 27 years of coaching."

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Like Texas has done in the CWS, LSU, which had outscored its first three CWS opponents 32-6, also displayed its flair for the dramatic. Texas coach Augie Garrido, whose Longhorns had won eight consecutive CWS games dating back to their 2005 national title, including three walk-off victories here, felt like the rug had been pulled from underneath him.

"It was an incredible game between two teams that were doing unbelievable things to win a game," Garrido said. "The team that lost the game was going to feel the wrath of baseball. We were that team. It was an incredible performance by both teams in my opinion."

Garrido was right. It was.

Trailing 6-4 with two outs in the top of the ninth, the Tigers tied the game on a two-run double from DJ LeMahieu.

After Texas stranded a runner at second base in the bottom of the ninth, the Tigers loaded the bases with one out in the top of the 10th. But hard-throwing righty Brandon Workman, the Longhorns' fourth reliever in two innings and making his first appearance since the regionals, fanned the next two LSU batters to end the threat.

LSU then broke through in the 11th on Mahtook's line-drive single back up the middle off Workman.

"He was throwing hard, and I saw that from the dugout," Mahtook said. "I made a point to put my foot down early and look for my pitch. He left one up and I took it up the middle."

The hit scored LeMahieu, who led off the inning with a walk. With two outs, LeMahieu stole second base and raced to third on a throwing error by catcher Cameron Rupp. After Micah Gibbs walked, Mahtook, who was 1-for-5 with three strikeouts, laced a single on a 1-2 count. Another LSU freshman, reliever Matty Ott, worked three scoreless, hitless innings to pick up the win.

"That was the definition of team effort and it will be what I reference when I talk to teams in the future about team effort," Mainieri said.

Texas, looking for its seventh title overall and third this decade, needs a victory to force a decisive third game on Wednesday.

Much of the game resembled a home run derby. The seven home runs were the most in any CWS game since 2001, when Southern Cal (six) and Georgia (one) combined for seven.

Texas, known for playing station-to-station, smacked five solo home runs. Not impressed? The Longhorns, who hit just 39 home runs in 61 games entering the CWS but countered with 102 sacrifice bunts, fifth most in NCAA Division I history, have hit 11 home runs in four CWS games.

LSU, known for its hitting power, got into the act, too. But the Tigers weren't nearly as impressive with a pair of home runs. They also have 11 home runs in four CWS games, and the two teams have combined for 22 of the 40 long balls hit through 13 CWS games.

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LSU's Derek Helenihi celebrates after scoring against Texas in the ninth inning of Game 1 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

LSU's DJ LeMahieu reacts after hitting a two-run single in the ninth inning against Texas in Game 1 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

LSU's Derek Helenihi (5), scores on a two-run single by DJ LeMahieu against Texas in the ninth inning of Game 1 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 22, 2009, with Texas' Austin Dicharry on left. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Texas coach Augie Garrido, left, and LSU coach Paul Mainieri talk with with home plate umpire Tony Maners, right, in the eighth inning of Game 1 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Texas' Connor Rowe rounds the bases after hitting a home run against LSU in the seventh inning of Game 1 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

LSU's DJ LeMahieu rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against Texas in the seventh inning of Game 1 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

Texas' center fielder Connor Rowe watches the home run ball hit by DJ LeMahieu go over the wall, in the seventh inning of Game 1 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

Texas' Russell Moldenhauer, center, celebrates his second home run against LSU in the sixth inning of Game 1 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

OMAHA, NE - JUNE 22: Louis Coleman #29 of the Louisiana State University Tigers reacts after giving up a home run to Kevin Keyes of the Texas Longhorns during Game 1 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 22, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Louis Coleman

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OMAHA, NE - JUNE 22: Kevin Keyes #29 of the Texas Longhorns is congratulated after his solo home run against the Louisiana State University Tigers during Game 1 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 22, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kevin Keyes

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Texas hit three homers in the fourth inning to build a 3-1 advantage off of LSU starter Louis Coleman, the Tigers' co-ace who had surrendered a team-high 16 home runs this season entering the game. Second baseman Travis Tucker, designated hitter Russell Moldenhauer and right fielder Kevin Keyes each went yard in the fourth.

It was the first time a team hit three homers in the same inning at the CWS since LSU accomplished the feat against Mississippi State on June 1, 1998.

Texas wasn't done flexing.

After LSU tied the game at 3-3 in the top of the sixth on Jared Mitchell's two-out, two-run double off of UT reliever Austin Wood, Moldenhauer answered with his second homer of the game. Not bad for the team's designated hitter who arrived in Nebraska without a home run this season -- he has hit three in the CWS. The Longhorns, relying on opportunity instead of brute strength, added another run in the top of the sixth on a wild pitch.

LSU's LeMahieu hit a solo homer in the seventh to give the Tigers some much-needed momentum and cut the deficit to 5-4, but Connor Rowe, who hit the two-out, game-winning blast against Arizona State on Friday, homered to give Texas a 6-4 lead.

Coleman allowed nine hits and six runs in six innings. The Longhorns didn't register a hit off of LSU's three relievers - Chad Jones, Paul Bertuccini and Ott.

Texas' five home runs is the most by any team in the CWS since USC hit six against Georgia in 2001. The most home runs hit a game is 10, set by LSU (eight) and USC (two) in 1998.

Texas starter Chance Ruffin was outstanding, battling a heat index of 104 at game's start and striking out 10 over 5 1/3 innings before he was lifted after 87 pitches.

LSU grabbed a 1-0 lead in the top of the first on left fielder Ryan Schimpf's towering solo homer to right. It was Schimpf's third homer in the CWS and his sixth in the NCAA tournament.

LSU Nips Texas in Homer-Filled College World Series Finals Opener originally appeared on FanHouse on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brother's Memory Sparks Pontiff at CWS

Jim Henry — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:55:00 EST

Filed under: College World Series

OMAHA, Neb. -- Inspirational stories abound at the College World Series.

Take LSU senior outfielder Nicholas Pontiff, for example. He wants to badly win a national title, just like older brother Wally Pontiff, Jr., did with the Tigers in 2000. Wally Pontiff was a three-year letterman (2000-02) who ranks in LSU's career top-10 in hits, doubles and average. He also was selected twice to the SEC Academic Honor Roll and was drafted in the 21st round by the Oakland Athletics in 2002.

While the siblings are different as players -- Wally was an All-SEC third baseman and Nicholas is an outfielder -- Nicholas wants to be compared to Wally as a person. "He was my idol," Nicholas said.

Wally Pontiff, Jr., died on July 24, 2002, due to heart heart abnormalities. He was 21. At the time, Pontiff, Jr. was still undecided whether to return to LSU for his senior season or sign with the Athletics. His contributions to LSU are not forgotten.

Pontiff, Jr.'s No. 31 was retired and graced the centerfield wall at Alex Box Stadium. Every year, LSU participates in the Wally Pontiff Jr. Baseball Classic. The Wally Pontiff, Jr.Foundation also is very active, while the family's hometown of Metairie, La., in 2003 renamed the city's oldest playground (the Metairie Playground) to the Wally Pontiff Jr. Playground.

Last month, as LSU watched the NCAA Tournament bracket announcement, head coach Paul Mainieri presented Nicholas Pontiff with the award named in honor of his late brother, the Wally Pontiff Jr. Scholar Athlete Award. Nicholas Pontiff is a three-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll. He earned his LSU degree in management earlier this month.

Pontiff has played in a reserve role this season for the Tigers, who tangle with No. 1 national seed Texas Monday night in the opener of the best-of-three national championship series at Rosenblatt Stadium. Pontiff, who has appeared in 32 games and is hitting .276, had two putouts in right field and a single in LSU's victory over Arkansas last Friday to advance into the finals.

Pontiff also has a faithful cheering section at the CWS. At the team's CWS banquet when it arrived here nearly two weeks ago, an LSU official smiled and said Pontiff, one of the Tigers' most popular players, introduced around 20 family members, including his parents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

While Pontiff and the Tigers advanced to the CWS last year, finishing 1-2, they have an opportunity to clinch the program's sixth national title and first since 2000, when Nicholas' older brother was one of the Tigers' stars.

Ironically, it also marks the last time LSU and Texas met in the CWS. Texas beat LSU 12-7 in a 1989 bracket final, and LSU won 13-5 in a first-round game in 2000.

Brother's Memory Sparks Pontiff at CWS originally appeared on FanHouse on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tigers Look Nearly Unbeatable

Jim Henry — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: College World Series

OMAHA, Neb. -- Texas or LSU? Who do you like in the College World Series?

The two powers tangle Monday night at Rosenblatt Stadium in the opening game of the best-of-three national championship finals. The showdown features two of the game's best coaches in Texas' Auggie Garrido, a master motivator with five national titles, and LSU's Paul Mainieri, who has turned the Tigers back into a national power in just three seasons. Texas has relied on dramatics this postseason, while LSU has made it look easy.

The weather is postcard-perfect -- it's expected to be a toasty 95 degrees for first pitch -- and a sellout crowd in excess of 25,000 is expected. In fact, the Old Market, a strip of restaurants and bars located a few miles from the stadium, has been flooded in deep purple and burnt orange.

This is going to be fun. I haven't covered a CWS since 1991, which should make LSU fans happy. That's when the Tigers beat Wichita State, 6-3, for the first of their five national titles. I will be honest. Like any father, I had hoped to attend the CWS as a fan to watch my son, Bryan, a pitcher at Florida State from 2005-07. Close but no cigar. The Seminoles advanced last year and Bryan is now chasing another dream in the minor leagues.

Despite the slow economy, game attendance is up by 10 percent from last season, according to Jack Diesinig, president of the CWS of Omaha, and more than 300,000 fans are expected to pass through the turnstiles by the time the series ends, either Tuesday or Wednesday. Of course, that's good news for a city that counts on an annual benefit of more than $40 million from the CWS.

Diesing points to the low cost of tickets as an advantage in the recession -- he expects to sell more than 130,000 general mission tickets at $6 each. Concession sales are ahead of last year's record pace, according to the stadium's food contractor. Event 1 Retail Services, which runs the souvenir shop on the stadium grounds, says sales are up about 5 or 10 percent from 2008. With the CWS moving from Rosenblatt Stadium into a new downtown stadium in 2011, Rosenblatt nostalgia has already taken hold as hotels are already booking reservations for next year.

Well, Texas or LSU?

I pick LSU to sweep. Why?

The Tigers have rolled opponents. They have flashed power and speed -- only two teams nationally have combined for more than the Tigers' total of 103 homers and 112 stolen bases. LSU has won 13 straight games and averaged more than 10 runs per game in their three CWS wins. The Tigers lost consecutive games only once this season. Don't think for a second that LSU is a bunch of free-swingers at the plate either. The Tigers rank fourth in the nation with 338 walks. Looking for leather? LSU has not made an error in the CWS.

The Tigers also have a pair of aces on the bump in Louis Coleman (14-2, 2.68 ERA) and Anthony Ranaudo (11-3, 2.87, 155 strikeouts). Coleman gets the start Monday on six days rest, while Ranaudo only threw 77 pitches in Friday's victory over Arkansas and could get the starting nod on Tuesday. (He may also be pushed back a day if there is a Game 3 on Wednesday). Freshman closer Matty Ott, who had to be lifted in the ninth inning in that Friday game versus the Hogs, has walked only five batters while striking out 66 in 47.1 innings.

I do have a soft spot for Texas, however.

Pitching and defense are Texas strengths. The Longhorns ranked second nationally in ERA and fourth in fielding before the CWS. Their defense has been a tad shaky in Omaha, but it's not a concern, quite honestly. Plus, there's no overlooking Texas' ability to perform in the clutch. It seems like every player has produced a memorable moment in the NCAA Tournament. And there's also no denying the Longhorns' focus on the little things. No team in the nation has more sacrifice bunts than Texas.

Texas will start Chance Ruffin (10-2, 3.27) in Monday's opener on five days' rest. Freshman righty Taylor Jungmann, provided he doesn't throw in relief Monday, is expected to start on Tuesday. Cole Green should be available on four days' rest on Wednesday, if needed. Closer Austin Wood finally appears recovered from his epic 13-inning performance against Boston College in the regionals.

Then there's Garrido. The Zen Master. Garrido, a 41-year coaching veteran, has seen it all and done it all. Garrido knows adversity, too. Remember, he was charged with DUI prior to this season, supsended for his team's opening series and even Garrido feared the university might fire him. Thankfully, that didn't happen and the Longhorns rallied around their coach.

The Longhorns will be playing for a title for the 12th time in 33 CWS trips. Texas has won six times, with Garrido lugging the national championship back to Austin in 2002 and 2005. He also won three national championships at Cal State Fullerton. Shoot, even Mainieri admits that he's a huge fan of Garrido's.

While Texas is considered a team of destiny for the dramatic ways it has won in this postseason, the Tigers are simply too strong and are playing too well.

LSU started the year with the preseason No. 1 ranking. And that's how the Tigers will end it.

No. 1.

Tigers Look Nearly Unbeatable originally appeared on FanHouse on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:57:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texas Reminiscent of 2005 CWS Champs

Jim Henry — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:35:00 EST

Filed under: College World Series

OMAHA, Neb. -- Chance Wheeless has experienced destiny firsthand. It engulfed him four years ago, but it still feels like yesterday. The pitch, the swing, the cheers. If Texas is indeed considered a team of destiny in the College World Series against LSU, then Wheeless believes, too.

"This year's team reminds me of the '05 team in a way," Wheeless, a former Longhorns first baseman, told FanHouse Sunday afternoon. "We relied on pitching and defense and didn't have the big offense. This year's team isn't like LSU, rolling over everyone, but it's a team that is winning close games, one that fights and battles and comes up with the clutch hits.

"As a fan and watching LSU, that's what you would want your team to look like. But how Texas fights and battles each inning until the last out, those are the guys you want to have your back in the trenches."

Texas (49-14-1) and LSU (54-16) tangle in the best-of-three national championship series that starts Monday at Rosenblatt Stadium. The Longhorns might be the NCAA Tournament's No. 1 national seed, but it's the Tigers who have overwhelmed their postseason opponents and are considered prohibitive favorites. Still, Texas faithful are encouraged by their team's incredible resolve, winning four of eight NCAA Tournament games in its final at-bat, punctuated by three walk-off victories.

None was bigger than Friday night, when Connor Rowe's walk-off home run with two outs lifted Texas past Arizona State, 4-3, and into the finals. It was the first walk-off home run in the CWS since Wheeless belted a homer to give the Longhorns a 4-3 win over Baylor to advance into the 2005 CWS finals. Texas went on to win its sixth national title against Florida, an SEC opponent, just like -- guess who? -- LSU.

Wheeless, 24, who has watched the CWS from Austin, Texas, has seen his dramatic home run replayed and discussed on television. It can also be found on YouTube in living color. The question remains the same -- can history repeat itself for the Longhorns in 2009?

Wheeless was thrilled to see Texas, usually a team that relies on bunting and aggressive base running, rally with the big sticks against the Sun Devils. Trailing 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth, Cameron Rupp tied it with a towering home run to straightaway center field. Rowe, the No. 9 hitter, won it with shot into the left-field seats. Rowe's blast was personal. The Rowe and Wheeless families are good friends, their children growing up in nearby towns and attending competing high schools in the same district.

"People always seem to think Texas teams don't have any power, but we play in a graveyard at [Disch-Falk Field]," said Wheeless, a Longhorn from 2004-07 who spent two years in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. "We start hitting home runs in the postseason."

The Longhorns may have 102 sacrifice bunts, fifth most in NCAA Division I history, but they certainly have found their power stroke in the friendly confines of Rosenblatt. Texas has as many home runs in the CWS as it does sacrifice bunts -- six. For the record, however, Texas has 45 home runs this season compared to 103 for LSU.

Latest College World Series Images

Texas coach Augie Garrido, right, answers a question as he and Louisiana State coach Paul Mainieri, left, participate in a news conference in Omaha, Neb., Sunday, June 21, 2009, before the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals which begins on Monday. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

Louisiana State coach Paul Mainieri, left, answers a question as he and Texas coach Augie Garrido, right, participate in a news conference in Omaha, Neb., Sunday, June 21, 2009, before the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals which begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

The College World Series trophy, lower left, is displayed as Texas coach Augie Garrido, right, and Louisiana State coach Paul Mainieri shake hands at a news conference in Omaha, Neb., Sunday, June 21, 2009. before the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals which begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

The College World Series trophy, lower left, is displayed as Texas coach Augie Garrido, right, and Louisiana State coach Paul Mainieri joke at a news conference in Omaha, Neb., Sunday, June 21, 2009, before the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals which begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

Louisiana State coach Paul Mainieri, left, answers a question as he and Texas coach Augie Garrido, right, participate in a new conference in Omaha, Neb., Sunday, June 21, 2009, before the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals which begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

The College World Series trophy, lower left, is displayed as Texas coach Augie Garrido, right, and Louisiana State coach Paul Mainieri joke at a new conference in Omaha, Neb., Sunday, June 21, 2009, before the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals which begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

The College World Series trophy, lower left, is displayed as Texas coach Augie Garrido, right, and Louisiana State coach Paul Mainieri shake hands at a new conference in Omaha, Neb., Sunday, June 21, 2009. before the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals which begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

Arkansas catcher James McCann, left, and first baseman Andy Wilkins collide and tumble while chasing a foul ball hit by Virginia's John Hicks in the 12th inning of an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 17, 2009. Arkansas beat Virginia 4-3 in 12 innings.

Eric Francis, AP

Arizona State's Jason Kipnis. left, and assistant coach Andy Stankiewicz, second left, react to losing 4-3 to Texas in an NCAA College World Series baseball game, in Omaha, Neb., Friday, June 19, 2009. Texas beat Arizona State 4-3 after scoring two home runs in the ninth inning. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

Arizona State's Jason Franzblau reacts in the dugout after losing to Texas 4-3 in an NCAA College World Series baseball game, in Omaha, Neb., Friday, June 19, 2009. Texas advances to the championship series against LSU, and Arizona State goes home. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

Of course, Wheeless' home run against Baylor is one of the most dramatic in school history. It almost didn't happen though since Wheeless was injured. His right shoulder kept popping out of joint on swings during the game, leaving him in considerable pain. Texas coach Augie Garrido told Wheeless he was going to pinch hit for him in the ninth. But Wheeless talked him out of it by convincing Garrido he had hit Baylor relief pitcher Ryan LaMotta hard.

Wheeless saved his best swing for last.

Wheeless deposited LaMotta's first pitch into the right-field seats for the win. The home run also saved Wheeless from an unlucky error two innings earlier, when he was blinded by the sun on a throw from pitcher Kenn Kasparek that led to two Baylor runs and a 3-2 Bears lead.

"I just asked coach just to give me a chance," Wheeless said.

"That's what I like about this year's team, too. Give them a chance and they are going play hard and handle anything that comes their way. That's why playing for coach Garrido is so great. He's an expert about redirecting your focus and not letting fear or pressure getting into the mix. Coach builds character throughout the year that you are prepared for these one-run games in the CWS and you don't dwell [on the bad]."

While Texas' pitching staff enters the series with the nation's best ERA at 2.88, the Longhorns will need to tighten its defense. LSU is hitting .368 and averaging 10.7 runs per game in the CWS, outscoring its three opponents 32-1. The Longhorns made 50 errors in 61 games and were tied for the fourth-best fielding percentage in the country at .979 heading into the CWS. However, they have committed six errors in three games, while the Tigers haven't committed an error in their three games

Wheeless expects the Longhorns to play well, crediting the 70-year-old Garrido. Garrido is the winningest coach in college history with 1,717 victories. He also owns five national titles, three at Cal State Fullerton and two since he arrived at Texas 13 years ago.

"Coach is the Zen master," Wheeless said.

"He knows how to connect with people our age. He believes in people our age because he's shaping us as men. Don't let him fool you. He's young at heart. He dresses young. He's got style. He's a renaissance man. He has an autographed photo of Mickey Mantle in his office. When we won the title in CWS one of the first people to call coach was Kevin Costner. We've had Matthew McConaughey in the outfield shagging fly balls with us. That's his secret. Coach believes in people and has that way of making everyone pull together and feel comfortable."

The Longhorns' comfort level expects to be tested by the Tigers. While it's hard to regard any team Garrido is coaching as an underdog -- especially one that won the Big 12 Conference regular-season and tournament titles en route to a No. 1 national seed -- LSU coach Paul Mainieri is well aware of Texas' prowess.

Mainieri even admitted to being glad that Texas advanced into the finals because "that's the kind of team you're supposed to beat to win a national championship. All the teams here are outstanding, but I just felt like Texas represents a program of excellence. I am a fan of Augie. He's a wonderful person, a great coach and epitomizes everything good about college athletes. I relish the opportunity to play Texas in the finals. They have great tradition and history."

And possibly destiny once again on its side?

Wheeless believes.

Texas Reminiscent of 2005 CWS Champs originally appeared on FanHouse on Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LSU, Texas Take Different Paths to College World Series Finals

Jim Henry — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 22:16:00 EST

Filed under: College World Series

Looking for drama at the College World Series? No. 1 national seed Texas has it covered. LSU, on the other hand, has made the game look easy, playing it without any stress or care in the world.

"I think LSU has played the best baseball in this tournament. They have been the most consistent team," Texas coach Augie Garrido said. "Most people probably would pick them as the favorite. But if this series is about drama, then we've got that covered."

Texas (49-14-1) and LSU (54-16) tangle in the best-of-three national championship series that starts Monday at Rosenblatt Stadium. Both teams emerged from their respective brackets undefeated after three games, but that's the only similarity between the pair.

LSU is hitting .368 and averaging 10.7 runs per game in the CWS, outscoring its three opponents 32-11. Two of the wins came against SEC foe Arkansas, prompting Razorbacks coach Dave Van Horn to point out the Tigers have some "really good baseball players, a couple really good football players -- they might even have a basketball player over there. I don't know.

"They're pretty good."

LSU's Blake Dean, who has teamed with outfielder Ryan Schimpf to hit 38 home runs (seven less than Texas' team total), credits the Tigers' calm demeanor. Winners of 13 straight, LSU has not lost since a 4-1 decision to Vanderbilt in the opening round of the SEC Tournament on May 21.

"Up to this point we've been rolling pretty well," Dean said.

"I don't think we've reached a stress point in any game. I think we are playing more confident than we ever have been, and we believe we can go out there and compete with any team."

The Longhorns, of course, aren't just any team. Plus, they certainly seem to have destiny on their side in the NCAA Tournament with three walk-off victories.

After it beat Boston College in 25 innings in its home regional, Texas rallied from a four-run deficit in the bottom of the ninth against Army and then won it on Preston Clark's grand slam.

Texas opened the CWS with a victory over Cinderella Southern Miss, scoring the winning run on a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the ninth. Then, in the first meeting against Arizona State, the Longhorns rallied from an early six-run deficit off All-American pitcher Mike Leake. They outdid themselves on Saturday night, however, rallying for two runs in the bottom of the ninth on solo home runs to stun the Sun Devils, 4-3.

Connor Rowe's walk-off blast was the first in the CWS since -- check your tea leaves -- Texas first baseman Chance Wheeless belted a homer to give the Longhorns a 4-3 victory over Baylor to advance into the 2005 CWS finals. Texas went on to win its sixth national title against Florida, an SEC opponent.

Texas returns to the CWS finals for the first time since that season, while LSU will play for its first title since 2000 and sixth overall.

LSU coach Paul Mainieri says he plans to keep the Tigers' preparation simple, like always. He also doesn't want this team to think it's playing for a national title -- not just yet anyway.

"We are going to go out and keep trying to do the same thing, try to make the game very simple and execute," Mainieri said.

"We just try to make it as simple as we can for the kids and let their talents shine through. They work hard, they compete and they know what they are doing. We try not to over-coach them. I really don't feel like we are playing for a national championship yet. We can't win a national title on Monday. We have to win two (games) to win it all."

LSU will start ace Louis Coleman, who threw six innings and surrendered one hit to beat Arkansas last Monday. Texas is expected to counter with Chance Ruffin, who was knocked out with none out in the third for the shortest start of his career against Arizona State last Tuesday. Despite that blip, the Longhorns pitching staff leads the country with a 2.88 ERA.

Cameron Rupp, whose Herculean home run over the center field fence pulled Texas even at 3-3 with ASU in the bottom of the ninth Saturday night, promises the Longhorns won't panic in the finals. Texas has won its last eight CWS games dating back to its national title.

"I'm sure in the next two or three (games) we're going to find a couple more ways to win," said Rupp, who is hitting .400 (14-for-35) with three home runs and seven RBI in the NCAA Tournament.

"Every game's a battle for us, and we've competed to the end of it. We'll take it any way we can get it-we'll come out and compete every day, just like we have been. No matter how much we're behind or how much we're ahead, we're still going to play the same game."

LSU, Texas Take Different Paths to College World Series Finals originally appeared on FanHouse on Sat, 20 Jun 2009 22:16:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Walk-Off Propels Texas To CWS Finals

Jim Henry — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:25:00 EST

Filed under: College World Series

Arizona State was positioned to see another day in the College World Series after an unlikely hero delivered his first hit in more than a month. But that all changed dramatically in a matter of minutes for the Sun Devils.

Cameron Rupp and Connor Rowe smacked solo home runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift No. 1 national seed Texas past Arizona State, 4-3, Friday night at Rosenblatt Stadium. The stunning victory advances the Longhorns into next week's best-of-three national championship series against LSU, which beat Arkansas, 14-5, in Friday's first game.

"Wow -- what a game," Texas coach Augie Garrido said. "The two home runs in the bottom of the ninth was about as exciting as it gets. How does it happen? It just does."

It does -- and it did.

Rowe's home run into the left field seats with two outs was the game-winner, and it came one batter after Rupp tied it with a titanic blast over the 22-foot wall in straightaway center field. Rowe, who batted in the No. 9 spot, hit the first walk-off homer in Omaha, Neb., since Texas' Chance Wheeless did it in a win over Baylor in 2005.

The Longhorns poured out of their dugout as Rowe sprinted around the bases with his helmet raised in his right hand. Rowe was mobbed by teammates after he jumped on home plate.

"I wasn't thinking about hitting a home run," Rowe said of his hit off of freshman ASU reliever Mitchell Lambson. "I had faced him three times before and I'd seen a lot of change-ups. I was sitting there waiting for it and got it."

The Longhorns, known to play small ball, came up big after it appeared the Sun Devils would push Texas into an elimination game on Saturday. Freshman Zack Wilson stroked a run-scoring triple with two outs in the top of the ninth for his first hit and RBI since May 10 to give ASU a 3-2 lead.

"You can probably surmise that this is a pretty emotional moment," ASU coach Pat Murphy said. "(Lambson) has been good all year and he was good again tonight. The credit goes to Texas, they did a wonderful job of hitting in the clutch."

Both Texas and LSU boast CWS tradition.

Texas last won a national title in 2005 and is looking for its third crown this decade and seventh overall. LSU is seeking its first CWS title since 2000 and sixth in program history. The series starts Monday night, and the Longhorns will try to become the first No. 1 national seed to win the title since Miami in 1999. Texas has also won its last eight CWS games dating back to 2005.

Of course, the Longhorns' dramatics against ASU kept that streak alive. Texas also rallied from a six-run deficit and scored 10 unanswered runs in its victory over the Sun Devils on Tuesday.

"We came in (in the ninth inning) and we were a little upset," Rupp said.

"We picked each other up, we've done that before and we take pride in that. We got into each inning looking to win. We've competed like that all tournament long and it gave us the win tonight."

Austin Wood (6-1) got the win after throwing three innings in relief of starter Cole Green, who went six innings. All-American Mike Leake also went six innings on two days rest for the Sun Devils.

"We have two games left and we'll find out Wednesday if we are a (team of destiny)," Wood said. "Arizona State is a good team but we have to be ready for LSU now."

Walk-Off Propels Texas To CWS Finals originally appeared on FanHouse on Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LSU First to Finals After Downing Arkansas Again

Jim Henry — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:47:00 EST

Filed under: College World Series

Beating LSU twice is not easy. Just ask Arkansas.

LSU became the first team to advance into next week's best-of-three national championship series by eliminating Arkansas, 14-5, Friday in the College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium. Not even a two-hour, 30-minute rain delay could save the Razorbacks from the inevitable as they fell to their SEC rival for the second consecutive time at the CWS and fourth time this season.

LSU (54-16) flicked aside Arkansas (41-24) with a dominating all-around performance, combining power with precision. Ryan Schimpf, Blake Dean, Jared Mitchell and Tyler Hanover smacked home runs and pitcher Anthony Ranaudo bounced back from his shortest outing of the season with six scoreless innings as the Tigers pushed their winning streak to 13 games.

The margin of victory tied LSU's second-largest in CWS history.

"The team's doing a great job and we're peaking at the right time," Schimpf said.

LSU is 8-0 in the NCAA Tournament heading into Monday's championship opener against Texas, a 4-3 winner over Arizona State in Friday's second game. LSU is seeking its first CWS title since 2000 and sixth overall; Texas is chasing its third national title this decade -- 2002 and 2005 -- and seventh in program history.

The Tigers will enter well-rested and Bayou-hot.

Undefeated in three games at the CWS, LSU beat Arkansas on three days rest and has an additional two days off to prepare for the finals. The Tigers are hitting .368 and averaging 10.7 runs per game in Omaha, Neb., scoring at least nine runs in each of their wins. They also have smacked 14 home runs in the NCAA Tournament -- nine in the CWS -- to push their season total to 103. LSU homered in three straight innings to break open the game against the Razorbacks.

"A lot was made and being asked about the long layoff," LSU coach Paul Mainieri said. "We just treated it like a weekend series without any midweek games. We had three good practices and those guys were chomping at the bit to play someone in another colored uniform."

The Tigers could do no wrong against the Razorbacks. They led 1-0 in the top of the first and never looked back, scoring runs in six of nine innings. Twelve different players had hits, 10 scored runs and nine had at least one RBI. Schimpf led the 16-hit assault with three hits, punctuated by his team-best 21st home run.

Ranaudo (11-3), meanwhile, dominated the Razorbacks, needing only 78 pitches -- 59 strikes, 19 balls - to get through six innings following his worst outing of the season in LSU's opening victory against Virginia. Ranaudo was knocked out of that game with one out in the fourth inning and the bases loaded.

"I had a bad outing last time," Ranaudo said.

"I didn't have good command and that's what gets you into trouble. Today (Friday) I pounded the zone early and the offense scored early and gave me time to relax and go out and compete."

The Razorbacks were without starting shortstop Ben Tschepikow, who broke the ring finger on his glove hand during an at-bat in Wednesday night's 4-3, 12-inning win over Virginia. His absence forced Arkansas to shuffle its defense. The Razorbacks also handed the ball to senior closer Steven Richards, a lefty making his first start of the season and just the second of his career. No. 1 pitcher Dallas Keuchel had to work the last four innings against Virginia and was available only if the game's outcome was on the line.

It wasn't.

Richards lasted two innings and allowed four runs, two earned. The Razorbacks used eight pitchers, and combined there were 13 pitchers in the game. Both marks tied a CWS record for pitchers used in a game. The Razorbacks may have run out of juice, too, after it had to grind out a tense win over the Cavaliers two days earlier. Arkansas, however, refused to make excuses, instead crediting its fellow SEC member.

"LSU was just too strong, and we didn't have enough to hold them down," Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said. "Ranaudo was too good. He threw a lot better today than his first time out."

Home runs accounted for all of Arkansas' runs against the Tigers - a two-run shot from Brett Eibner, who finished with three hits, in the seventh and a three-run blast from Chase Leavitt in the ninth. Arkansas was outscored 23-6 by LSU in two CWS games and has scored only nine runs in the last 36 innings versus LSU.

In fact, teams haven't had much luck with second chances against LSU. The Tigers are 32-7 in 2009 when facing an opponent for a second time or more. The only SEC team that beat LSU twice this season was Tennessee, which also stuck the Tigers with their only back-to-back losses.

In 10 SEC series this season, LSU lost the opener three times and bounced back to win the final two games each time. Eight times the series went to a rubber game and the Tigers won seven of those. Arkansas doesn't want to see LSU any time soon. The Tigers went 4-1 against the Razorbacks this season and have won 13 of the last 16 games against the Razorbacks.

Now they can turn their attention to the CWS finals.

"I think it's tough to beat us right now the way we're pitching and hitting," Dean said.

LSU First to Finals After Downing Arkansas Again originally appeared on FanHouse on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sun Devils Ride Big Inning Past UNC

Jim Henry — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 01:15:00 EST

Filed under: College World Series

North Carolina pointed to its pitching staff and believed it could manage the long road to a first College World Series title. Instead, the Tar Heels imploded on the mound Thursday night while they were handcuffed a second time in five days by a creative left-handed Aussie.

Josh Spence slowed UNC with off-speed pitches and Arizona State's offense ignited an impressive rally as the Sun Devils thumped the Tar Heels 12-5 in an elimination game at Rosenblatt Stadium.

Kole Calhoun walloped a game-tying grand slam in the fifth inning and a go-ahead double in an eight-run seventh inning as ASU erased an early four-run deficit. Spence, a native of Australia, allowed seven hits and four runs, three earned, and had eight strikeouts in seven innings in his second go-around against the Tar Heels in Omaha, Neb.

Seven UNC pitchers, meanwhile, combined to uncork five wild pitches, hit five batters and issue 10 walks. The 12 runs UNC surrendered were also a season high.

"We couldn't find the strike zone," UNC coach Mike Fox said. "I feel bad, our guys were trying. We opened the door for a good team. We dodged bullets during the first few innings but couldn't recover in the seventh."

While the Tar Heels exit the CWS for the fourth consecutive year without a championship, the eight-team, double-elimination tournament has been trimmed to four teams -- Texas, LSU, Arkansas and Arizona State. Texas and LSU, each 2-0 in bracket play, need one victory to advance into next week's best-of-three finals.

In rematches Friday, Arkansas tangles with LSU and Texas meets Arizona State. LSU beat Arkansas 9-1 on Monday; Texas beat Arizona State 10-6 on Tuesday. Arkansas and Arizona State can force elimination games on Saturday with wins.

Latest College World Series Images

Arizona State's Carlos Ramirez, center, celebrates with teammates Matt Newman, left, and Jason Kipnis, after Ramirez scored on a double by Kole Calhoun, in the seventh inning of an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game, in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, June 18, 2009. Arizona State beat North Carolina 12-5.(AP Photo/Eric Francis)

Arizona State coach Pat Murphy, right, and North Carolina's coach Mike Fox meet after Arizona State beat North Carolina 12-5 in an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game, in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, June 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

North Carolina coach Mike Fox and Adam Warren (28), hug after North Carolina's 12-5 to Arizona State in an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, June 18, 2009.(AP Photo/Eric Francis)

North Carolina's Chad Flack sits in the dugout after North Carolina's 12-5 to Arizona State in an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, June 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

North Carolina coach Mike Fox, left, replaces pitcher Colin Bates (25) with Patrick Johnson, unseen, as two Arizona State runners are on base in the seventh inning of an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, June 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

North Carolina second baseman Levi Michael can't reach a ball hit by Arizona State's Jason Kipnis for a base hit in the seventh inning of an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, June 18, 2009.(AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Arizona State's Kole Calhoun is greeted at the dugout after scoring in the seventh inning against North Carolina, in an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, June 18, 2009. Calhoun hit a grand slam in the fifth inning and a two-run double in the seventh. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

North Carolina's Mark Fleury, left, and Mike McKee, right, greet Ben Bunting (3) after he scored against Arizona State on a single by Ryan Graepel in the fourth inning of an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, June 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

Arizona State's Kole Calhoun, right, is hugged by Jason Kipnis (28) after Calhoun hit a grand slam against North Carolina in the fifth inning of an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, June 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Arizona State's Kole Calhoun watches his grand slam against North Carolina in the fifth inning of an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, June 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

ASU coach Pat Murphy, who earlier in the week had ruled out Spence until the weekend, reconsidered and gave Spence the surprise start against a UNC lineup that featured six left-handed batters. Spence was working on three days' rest after allowing eight hits and one run in seven innings -- he threw 122 pitches -- in ASU's 5-2 victory over UNC in 10 innings on Sunday.

"I wouldn't say I was tired, I got caught up in the moment when I gave up that three-spot," said Spence, who threw 127 pitches. "I am blessed to have such a poised coaching staff and such a poised catcher to keep me in line and get me back on track."

The Tar Heels appeared to be in good position to advance, leading the Sun Devils 4-0 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning. They scored a pair of runs off Spence on safety squeeze bunts and Mike Cavasinni and Ryan Graepel hit back-to-back RBI singles to in the fourth.

But Calhoun ignited the Sun Devils' rally with a towering grand slam to center field. Calhoun has hit a home run in all three CWS games, driving in 10 runs. ASU sent 13 batters to the plate in an eight-run seventh inning that Calhoun started with his two-run double into the right-center field gap.

"I don't know what to say, I just get up there and hit," Calhoun said. "I am just excited to hit right now."

UNC's Dustin Ackley, the second overall selection of the Seattle Mariners in last week's draft, extended his NCAA tournament hitting streak to 22 games with a single in his last at-bat in the ninth. Ackley, who was 8-for-16 in three games in Omaha this year, has had at least one hit in each of his 15 career CWS games. He holds the CWS record with 28 career hits.

"For me, I just came in as a freshman trying to get a job starting anywhere on the field," Ackley said. "It was a great ride. To end it on a stage like this is incredible."

The Sun Devils, meanwhile, must regroup in a hurry.

"We're honored and grateful to be in this position," Murphy said. "We'll think about [Texas] tomorrow. Texas is a tremendous baseball program, they've played great, they beat us last time so we'll have our work cut out for us."

Sun Devils Ride Big Inning Past UNC originally appeared on FanHouse on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 01:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Virginia Loses Heartbreaker as Arkansas Advances in CWS

Jim Henry — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:15:00 EST

Filed under: College World Series

Virginia wasted chance after chance Wednesday night to advance in the College World Series.

The Cavaliers were one strike away from victory in the top of the ninth inning against Arkansas, not to mention a ball away from a scoring the winning run on a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the ninth. UVa wasn't any better executing its extra-inning opportunities either, leaving the door open for the Razorbacks to make something happen again.

And they did in dramatic fashion.

Andrew Darr doubled in the go-ahead run in the top of the 12th inning and lefty Dallas Keuchel threw four scoreless innings and escaped multiple jams in his first relief appearance of the season to lead Arkansas past UVa 4-3 in an elimination game at Rosenblatt Stadium.

"Roller coaster," Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said and exhaled. "Those were tough kids that didn't want to go home."

The Razorbacks will get another crack at LSU on Friday -- and possibly Saturday -- and need to beat the Tigers twice to advance into next week's best-of-three championship finals. LSU beat Arkansas 9-1 Monday. North Carolina and Arizona State meet in an elimination game Thursday, and the winner faces the same scenario against No. 1 national seed Texas on Friday.

Virginia is the third team eliminated from the eight-team tourney, finishing 1-2 in its first CWS appearance and joining Cal State Fullerton and Southern Miss on the sidelines. It also ended the homecoming of Cavaliers head coach Brian O'Connor, who grew up outside of Omaha, Neb., in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and has notched a CWS trifecta as a player, assistant coach and head coach.

"This game took everything from Arkansas, it took everything from Virginia and unfortunately we came out on the short end of the stick," O' Connor said.

"I thought we pitched well, swung the bat well and had opportunities but didn't capitalize. I told them (players) that I couldn't take the hurt and the pain away because it means so much to them. We felt we had a legitimate chance to win the national title."

Latest College World Series Images

Virginia's Franco Valdes, center, is comforted by assistant coach Karl Kuhn after Virginia lost to Arkansas in an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 17, 2009. Arkansas beat Virginia 4-3 in 12 innings. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

Arkansas' Jarrod McKinney (14) is congratulated by teammates after he scored the go-ahead run against Virginia in the 12th inning on a double by Andrew Darr in an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 17, 2009. Arkansas beat Virginia 4-3 in 12 innings. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

Virginia's Steven Proscia reacts after Arkansas beat Virginia 4-3 in 12 innings in an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

Arkansas pitcher Stephen Richards tags out Virginia's Steven Proscia, left, in a run-down between third and home plate in the eighth inning of an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

Arkansas closing pitcher Dallas Keuchel reacts to the last out against Virginia in the 12th inning of an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 17, 2009. Arkansas beat Virginia 4-3 in 12 innings. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Virginia's Franco Valdes, the last out of the game, reacts to Virginia losing 4-3 to Arkansas in an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

Arkansas first baseman Andy Wilkins, top, celebrates after the out on Virginia's Danny Hultzen at first base to complete a double play and end the inning in the ninth inning of an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game, in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 17, 2009.(AP Photo/Eric Francis)

Arkansas' Brett Eibner, right, celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against Virginia in the ninth inning of an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

Arkansas' Brett Eibner, center right, celebrates with teammates after he hit a two-run home run against Virginia in the ninth inning of an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 17, 2009.(AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Arkansas left fielder Chase Leavitt leaps for, but misses, a ball hit by Virginia's Danny Hultzen in the fifth inning of an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 17, 2009. Virginia's John Barr scored on the play. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

Arkansas guaranteed an SEC representative in the finals by stunning the Cavaliers, who had won the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament and earned regional and super regional titles on the road. But they were unable to shake the stubborn Razorbacks, who rallied for their 16th victory this season in games where they trailed in the seventh inning or later.

"We had an opportunity every inning, all the way to the end," UVa outfielder Dan Grovatt said. "We just didn't come up with the big hit and Arkansas did."

The Cavaliers, who had been 45-1 when leading after eight innings, banged out 16 hits but stranded 14 runners. UVa had a runner on third base in each of the final four innings -- three times with less than two outs -- but were unable to score against Keuchel, the Razorbacks' No. 1 starter who beat Cal State Fullerton in their CWS opener on Friday.

"I told myself I've been through this before," Keuchel said. "I didn't want to let them (teammates) go out like that. They (Cavaliers) kept swinging through the slider and missing."

It was about missed opportunities, too.

In the ninth, Keuchel fell behind Danny Hultzen 3-0 with the bases loaded and one out before inducing a double-play ground ball to short to send the game into extra innings tied at 3-3. Keuchel was just as clutch in the 10th, recording a pair of strikeouts with a runner on third. The 11th? No problem. Keuchel recorded a groundout with a runner on third and two outs.

UVa reliever Andrew Carraway came on with two out in the ninth and retired eight in a row before Jarrod McKinney singled with one out in the 12th. McKinney stole second and Darr followed with a double down the third-base line for the Razorbacks' first lead of the game.

"I tried to have a good at-bat," said Darr, who also had a game-winning hit against Florida State in the Super Regional two weeks ago. "I was looking for something up in the zone. I am confident because I've been there before. Across the board, it was a good baseball game."

Naturally, the square-jawed Keuchel was Houdini-like in the 12th, too.

Steven Proscia led off with a double and stole third with one out. But Keuchel struck out the Cavaliers' next two hitters to end the game.

UVa appeared on the verge of ending the game in the ninth. Closer Kevin Arico retired Arkansas' first two batters and had two strikes on Zack Cox -- the Razorbacks' No. 6 hitter -- but Cox singled up the middle. Eibner followed with a two-run homer deep into the left-field stands to tie the game. The last four hitters in Arkansas' lineup came up big, combining for eight of the team's 12 hits.

UVa led the entire game until the ninth, taking a 2-0 lead in the fifth before the Hogs trimmed that in half with a run in the seventh. The Cavs added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth with two outs when Grovatt hit a solo home run to left-center field for a 3-1 lead.

"We knew if we strung some hits together [in extra innings] we could get some runs across," Proscia said. "But unfortunately we couldn't get that big hit with runners on base. Arkansas did, so we have to tip our caps to them."

Virginia Loses Heartbreaker as Arkansas Advances in CWS originally appeared on FanHouse on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texas' Bats Light Up in Win Over ASU

Jim Henry — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:10:00 EST

Filed under: College World Series

No. 1 national seed Texas was in trouble. The scoreless Longhorns trailed Arizona State by six runs after three innings. The Sun Devils also had their ace, All-American and Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year Mike Leake, on the bump.

Texas coach Augie Garrido gathered his team around him in the dugout in the top of the fourth inning for a quick pep talk.The Longhorns were all ears, especially Cameron Rupp. Rupp's three-run homer ignited a six-run fourth inning and his solo blast in the seventh snapped a tie game and helped lead Texas past Arizona State 10-6 Tuesday night in the College World Series.

"Baseball creates enough adversity as any sport can," Garrido said.

"We added to it tenfold both offensively and defensively.To win that game tonight (Tuesday) was nothing short of a miracle. They played the game from pitch to pitch. It was rough, ugly, but it got done."

More Coverage: UNC Ends Southern Miss' Dream Season

Texas joins LSU as the lone undefeated teams in the double-elimination tournament, and the pair won't play again until Friday. Arkansas meets Virginia in an elimination game Wednesday for the opportunity to face LSU, while the Arizona State-North Carolina winner Thursday plays Texas.

LSU and Texas each need one win to advance to next week's best-of-three championship round. Cal State Fullerton and Southern Miss were eliminated in two games.

A highly-anticipated pitcher's duel never materialized between the Longhorns and Sun Devils.

Texas jumped on Leake for six runs in the fourth and finished with 15 hits in a game that lasted four hours, four minutes -- the fourth-longest, nine-inning game in CWS history.

Leake, the No. 8 pick by the Cincinnati Reds in last week's major league draft who entered with a 1.36 ERA, lasted just 3 1/3 innings. It was his shortest outing in 17 starts. Texas sophomore Chance Ruffin was knocked out with none out in the third for the shortest start of his career.

"With Mike Leake on the mound and a six-run lead, we felt pretty good about ourselves," ASU coach Pat Murphy said.

"First of all you have to give Texas credit. They put the bat on the ball and got some timely hits. Not sure exactly what happened, but his stuff wasn't his normal sinking stuff. But they got some timely hits, and that's what happens."

Garrido downplayed his talk with the Longhorns in the fourth inning, instead crediting his players. After Rupp's second home run put Texas in front, Kevin Keyes' double into the right-center gap and Brandon Loy's two-run single in the eighth provided insurance for Texas, 40-0-1 when leading after seven innings.

"Whatever I tell the team doesn't have as much value as how they respond," Garrido said.

"A better response may be to ask the players what did it leave with them. We gave them a lot of extra outs in those innings. That would have taken the pressure off. That was part of it."

Latest College World Series Images

OMAHA, NE - JUNE 16: Jared McDonald of the Arizona State Sun Devils dives back into first base during a game against the Texas Longhorns at the College World Series on June 16, 2009 at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska. Texas defeated Arizona State 10 - 6. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jared McDonald

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OMAHA, NE - JUNE 16: Raoul Torrez of the Arizona State Sun Devils watches a hit against the Texas Longhorns at the College World Series on June 16, 2009 at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska. Texas defeated Arizona State 10 - 6. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Raoul Torrez

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OMAHA, NE - JUNE 16: Chance Ruffin of the Texas Longhorns throws a pitch against the Arizona State Sun Devils at the College World Series on June 16, 2009 at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska. Texas defeated Arizona State 10 - 6. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Chance Ruffin

Getty Images

Texas pitcher Taylor Jungmann delivers against Arizona State in the fourth inning of an NCAA College World Series baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 16, 2009. Jungmann earned his second win in relief at the CWS, holding ASU to two hits in 5 2-3 shutout innings. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Arizona State players follow the ninth inning of the baseball game against Texas at the NCAA College World Series in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 16, 2009. Texas won 10-6. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Texas' Kyle Lusson (6) and Kevin Lusson, right, celebrate with teammates Austin Wood, left, and Travis Tucker, second from right, after the two scored on a hit by Brandon Loy in the eighth inning against Arizona State in an NCAA College World Series baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Texas' Cameron Rupp, right, celebrates with Travis Tucker after hitting his second home run of the game against Arizona State, in the seventh inning at the NCAA baseball College World Series in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Texas' Cameron Rupp, right, celebrates after hitting his second home run of the night against Arizona State, in the seventh inning of an NCAA College World Series baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 16, 2009.(AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Texas' Preston Clark, left, is tagged out during a rundown between first and second base by Arizona State's shortstop Drew Maggi in the seventh inning of an NCAA College World Series baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Arizona State second baseman Zack MacPhee dives for, but is unable to come up with, a ball hit by Texas' Travis Tucker for a single in the sixth inning of an NCAA College World Series baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

Rupp translated Garrido's dugout message.

"Coach called us in and told us that we could do it," Rupp said. "We had to compete and go play-by-play. We put everything behind us and moved on. He stayed calm; he just told us to put it all behind us."

The Longhorns have won their last seven games in the CWS dating back to their 2005 national championship. The six-run deficit also represented the largest Texas has overcome this season. With Leake on the mound, the Sun Devils admitted they felt good about their chances. Instead, they saw their seven-game win streak snapped.

"When we were up 6-0, we kind of laid back -- we were thinking we would be cruising," ASU outfielder Kole Calhoun said. "We got Mike Leake on the mound, but we've rode him a lot of times."

Texas freshman Taylor Jungmann (10-3) picked up his second win in relief at the CWS, holding ASU to two hits in 5.2 shutout innings.

"After coach talked to us the guys rallied around each other," Jungman said. "When we tied it, we knew that we had the win."

Texas' Bats Light Up in Win Over ASU originally appeared on FanHouse on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UNC Ends Southern Miss' Dream Season

Jim Henry — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:45:00 EST

Filed under: College World Series

Corky Palmer's magical season -- and coaching career -- at Southern Miss has ended.

Palmer and the Golden Eagles can blame their early exit from the College World Series on a number of factors, from jitters to pitching struggles, but it's the record-setting performance from Dustin Ackley that will certainly leave a lasting impression.

Ackley, the No. 2 overall selection of the Seattle Mariners in last week's major league amateur draft, went 5-for-6 and became the CWS' career hits leader in North Carolina's 11-4 victory over USM in an elimination game Tuesday at Rosenblatt Stadium.

The Tar Heels, making their fourth consecutive CWS appearance, will advance in bracket play while Palmer, known for his Southern charm and twang, can plan his retirement.

"We had a magical season, our kids played great and you can't ask more than we we've done over the past three weeks," said Palmer, who announced his retirement plans in April and was 458-281 in 12 seasons at USM. "I am real glad these guys let me work a little longer - it wasn't me, it was them."

More precisely, it was Ackley.

Ackley has 27 hits in 14 CWS games. His bid to become the second player to have six hits in a CWS game ended with a deep flyout to left field in the ninth inning. Ackley, who had four singles and a double, singled to left in the third inning to break the record of 24 career hits by Stanford's Sam Fuld (2001-03).

The Golden Eagles tipped their caps Ackley's way after the game.

"It seemed like every time I shaded the middle he'd hit it through the four-hole and every time I shaded the four-hole he'd hit it up the middle," USM second baseman James Ewing said of Ackley's at-bats.

"The guy can just flat-out hit. We always heard about him coming into this game, but to watch him -- the guy hits the ball where it's pitched. He's got great hand-eye coordination and you just can't strike him out. The only time we got him out, the ball was hit really hard. That was quite a show he put on for us today."

Ackley, who is expected to play outfield in professional baseball after starring at first base for the Tar Heels, admitted it was exciting to become the CWS' career hits leader. However, he was far more pleased his team avoided elimination and will play Thursday against the loser of Tuesday night's game between Arizona State and No. 1 national seed Texas.

"Today was one of those days where I was hitting the balls into the right hole," Ackley said.

"I was getting good hits. It's exciting to break the record. I heard about having the chance to do it, but it's bigger for us to win the game. With every game we get more and more relaxed. We've been in a lot of elimination games and we know what to do."

Latest College World Series Images

Arizona State shortstop Drew Maggi, left, throws to first base for a double play after forcing out Texas' Travis Tucker (2) in the first inning of an NCAA College World Series baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

Texas starting pitcher Chance Ruffin works against Arizona State in the first inning of an NCAA College World Series baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

Arizona State's starting pitcher Mike Leake delivers against Texas in the first inning of an NCAA College World Series baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

Southern Mississippi players, from left in front, Nick Smith, Scott Copeland, Jonathan Johnston and Cody Schlagel leave the dugout after the team's 11-4 loss to North Carolina in an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Southern Mississippi coach Corky Palmer, right, comforts his wife Debbie after Palmer's team lost 11-4 to North Carolina in an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game, in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 16, 2009. Coach Palmer announced he will retire following the College World Series. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

North Carolina's Ryan Graepel (24) and Greg Holt (14) celebrate with Kyle Seager (10), who hit a home run in the ninth inning against Southern Mississippi in an NCAA College World Series baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 16, 2009. North Carolina beat Southern Mississippi 11-4. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

Retiring Southern Mississippi coach Corky Palmer hugs second baseman James Ewing (28), after losing 11-4 to North Carolina in an NCAA College World Series baseball elimination game, in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 16, 2009. Palmer announced he will retire after the College World Series.(AP Photo/Eric Francis)

Southern Mississippi coach Corky Palmer, right, and his wife Debbie walk off the playing field of Rosenblatt Stadium after Southern Mississippi lost 11-4 to North Carolina in an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game, in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 16, 2009. Corky Palmer announced he will retire after this season.(AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

North Carolina's Kyle Seager, right, survives a pickoff attempt at third base by Southern Mississippi third baseman Taylor Walker during the seventh inning of an NCAA College World Series baseball game, in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, June 16, 2009. North Carolina beat Southern Mississippi 11-4.(AP Photo/Eric Francis)

Like Ackley, the Tar Heels were pretty good, too, against the Golden Eagles. They banged out a CWS record-tying 23 hits. Ryan Graepel added four hits, Ben Bunting had three and Kyle Seager homered. UNC's Adam Warren allowed three hits and fanned six in six innings

USM, which walked in the winning run against Texas in its opener, struggled with its pitching again. Starter JR Ballinger was down 6-0 when he left with two outs in the third inning.

At that point Palmer knew the Golden Eagles were in for a long day. But he wasn't about to complain.

"It was a tough day, kind of my worst nightmare," Palmer said.

"North Carolina is a good club. They hit well, pitch well and played good defense. We just didn't match up very well with seven left-handers in the lineup. Going to Omaha, winning regionals and super regionals, this was the most satisfying season.

"It was a capper for us."

UNC Ends Southern Miss' Dream Season originally appeared on FanHouse on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LSU Keeps Rolling, Thumps Arkansas

Jim Henry — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:57:00 EST

Filed under: College World Series

By no means are LSU's strengths top secret -- the Tigers are consistently good on the mound and in the field. If there has been the slightest of concerns this baseball season, according to LSU head coach Paul Mainieri, it has been on offense.

Offense was the least of LSU's concerns Monday night.

Mikie Mahtook, Austin Nola and Blake Dean homered and LSU stayed unbeaten at the College World Series with a 9-1 victory over fellow SEC brethren Arkansas. The Tigers have won a season-high 12 straight games and need one more victory to move into next week's best-of-three finals.

More Coverage: Virginia Eliminates Cal State Fullerton

"Our pitching has been pretty consistent all year, as well as our defense. Our hitting at times has been awesome and at times not so good," Mainieri said.

"Tonight (Monday), you saw what we're capable of. It seemed like just about everybody was throwing up some good at-bats. When we're clicking, we're a good offense team one through nine."

The Tigers banged out 13 hits against four Arkansas pitchers and blew the game open with a five-run sixth inning. D.J. LaMahieu and Jared Mitchell each had three hits for the winners. More impressively, LSU also scored all nine of its runs with two outs.

LSU is now 7-0 in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers are hitting .348 and averaging 8.3 runs per game in the stretch, scoring nine or more runs five times. Looking for a little pop? LSU ran its season home run total to 99, including five in its two CWS games. It was the 14th time this season the Tigers have hit three homers in a game.

"I thought it was really an outstanding effort in a lot of ways," Mainieri said.

"These kids are focused, they're balancing focus and energy. It's a coaches' dream right now the way these guys are conducting themselves. They're a very confident group right now."

Arkansas, which beat Cal State Fullerton in its opener Sunday, plays Virginia in an elimination game on Wednesday.The winner gets another crack at LSU on Friday. In action Tuesday, North Carolina and Southern Miss meet in an elimination game, while Arizona State tangles with No. 1 national seed Texas.

The Sun Devils should have the edge on the mound, where it will start All-American Mike Leake. Leake is 16-1 with a 1.36 ERA and 150 strikeouts. He is the Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year for the second consecutive season and his 40 career wins is tied for second-best in school history with Eddie Bane. Leake also has been named one of five finalists for the Golden Spikes Award, given to the nation's premier amateur baseball player.

The Longhorns are expected to counter with sophomore Chance Ruffin, who is 10-2 with a 3.08 ERA in 116 1/3 innings pitched.

Latest College World Series Images

LSU's Mikie Mahtook celebrates after he hit a three-run home run against Arkansas in the first inning of an NCAA College World Series baseball game, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn signals for pitcher Sam Murphy, not seen, to replace TJ Forrest (15) in the sixth inning against LSU in an NCAA College World Series baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 15, 2009. At left is catcher James McCann. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

LSU's Austin Nola (36) is mobbed by teammates after he hit a home run against Arkansas in the sixth inning of an NCAA College World Series baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

LSU first baseman Sean Ochinko (14) dives to first for the out on Arkansas' Zack Cox, right, with LSU pitcher Louis Coleman, left, watching in the fifth inning of an NCAA College World Series baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn argues with first base umpire Darrin Sealey, unseen, over whether Arkansas' Chase Leavitt was out at first base in the fourth inning against LSU in an NCAA College World Series baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Fans watch Arkansas outfielders Chase Leavitt (8) and Collin Kuhn chase a ball hit by LSU's Jared Mitchell for a double in the first inning of an NCAA College World Series baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

Arkansas left fielder Chase Leavitt leaps in vain as a three-run home run hit by LSU's Mikie Mahtook lands in the stands, in the first inning of an NCAA College World Series baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

LSU's Mikie Mahtook (8) celebrates with teammates Grant Dozar (7) and Buzzy Haydel (2) after he hit a three-run home run against Arkansas in the first inning of an NCAA College World Series baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

LSU's DJ LeMahieu steals second base as Arkansas shortstop Ben Tschepikow can't come up with the ball, in the first inning of an NCAA College World Series baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

The Razorbacks, meanwhile, didn't have an answer for LSU. LSU's Louis Coleman (14-2) gave up six hits over his six innings, allowing the Hogs' only run in the first. Daniel Bradshaw and Nolan Cain finished LSU's third win in four meetings against its SEC rival.

Arkansas loaded the bases in the third inning but were unable to score and cut into LSU's 4-1 advantage.

"We were getting runners on, just not driving them in," Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said.

"The good thing is we get another chance to redeem ourselves on Wednesday. We were down 4-1 with bases loaded, and we didn't get the hit. We didn't even hit the ball hard. If we get the hit, we're right in there. We have been getting the hit. You just have to give the credit to Coleman."

Dean, who smacked his 16th home run of the season in LSU's five-run sixth inning, credited team chemistry and clutch timing as other intangibles that have fueled the Tigers' run.

"To have such a veteran team and then to have these young guys step up," Dean said.

"Mahtook and the rest of the young guys bring the fire, while the veterans tend to go with the flow. Two-out hits are how you win ball games. When you get [Coleman] nine runs, it's going to be hard to lose the ball game."

Arkansas shortstop Ben Tschepikow expects the Razorbacks to bounce back. Arkansas saw its six-game win streak snapped and suffered its first loss in the NCAA Tournament.

"We've bounced back all year," he said. "We'll have a good practice [Tuesday]. We've battled all year. This team has character, and we're still capable of winning."

LSU Keeps Rolling, Thumps Arkansas originally appeared on FanHouse on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:57:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Virginia Eliminates Cal State Fullerton

Jim Henry — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: College World Series

Virginia's baseball program made a statement Monday by winning its first-ever game in the College World Series. Cal State Fullerton, meanwhile, offered an apology after being the first club bounced from the eight-team tournament by the Cavaliers.

"It is unfortunate for the people who saw us this weekend," Cal State coach Dave Serrano said following his team's 7-5 defeat to Virginia in an elimination game at Rosenblatt Stadium. The Titans -- the tourney's No. 2 national seed behind Texas -- were knocked into the losers' bracket in Saturday's opener by Arkansas and now have dropped five consecutive CWS games.

"I am not taking anything away from Virginia or Arkansas, but we didn't play very well," Serrano continued. "We didn't stay very true to ourselves and got out of character. We'll have to go back to the drawing board and see what happened."

Virginia was what happened Monday.

The Cavaliers have eliminated both of the Big West's national seeds from the NCAA Tournament -- No. 6 UC Irvine and No. 2 Cal State Fullerton --- and their effort against the Titans extended the homecoming of head coach Brian O'Connor. O'Connor was raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa, just outside of Omaha, Neb., and played in the CWS for Creighton University as a relief pitcher.

"I know where we're at and how big this is," said O'Connor, whose team was knocked into the losers' bracket Saturday by LSU.

"I am happy for these guys. It is better to win one of these games as a player, to be able to wear the uniform of your school in competition.

"They've handled the situation with maturity and bounced back today. It's really special."

The Cavs beat one of the nation's top pitchers in Ca State Fullerton ace Daniel Renken (11-3), who had not allowed more than four runs in any of his previous 16 starts this season. Renken lasted just 5 2/3 innings to snap a string of seven consecutive starts -- and 10 of his last 11 -- of at least eight innings.

"Pressing-wise, I think that we pressed ourselves a little too hard during both games," Renken said. "I can't speak for the offense, but it looks like they were pressing themselves as well."

Fullerton catcher Dustin Garneau agreed with his starter, saying, "We definitely came here expecting to win it all, and we didn't really play good baseball both games."

Keith Werman, UVa's No. 9 hitter, went 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Five UVa pitchers combined to hold Fullerton to five runs, scattering 13 hits, walking four and striking out five. The Cavaliers rallied from an early 2-0 deficit and built a 7-3 lead before the Titans plated a pair of runs in the ninth.

The Cavaliers will play Wednesday against the loser of Monday night's winners' bracket game between LSU and Arkansas.

"This is a very big win for our program," said UVa reliever Andrew Carraway, who pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings and collected his ninth win in 10 decisions.

"No one wants to come here and go two and out. We have a lot of young guys on our team. The energy level is high."

Latest College World Series Images

Virginia's Keith Werman (2) is congratulated by teammate Danny Hultzen (23), after Werman scored against Cal State Fullerton on a single by Tyler Cannon in the sixth inning of an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 15, 2009. Virginia beat Cal State Fullerton 7-5. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Virginia'a Danny Hultzen follows the ball after hitting a single against Cal State Fullerton in the second inning of an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 15, 2009. Hultzen's single scored teammates John Hicks and Keith Werman, as Virginia beat Cal State Fullerton 7-5. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Cal State Fullerton players hug after losing to Virginia 7-5 in an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 15, 2009. At center is Jake Silverman (45) hugging Gary Brown. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

Cal State Fullerton coach Dave Serrano, back to camera, partially obscured, address his players after the team's 7-5 loss to Virginia in an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 15, 2009. At left is Gary Brown, and at right is Christian Colon. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

Cal State Fullerton's Christian Colon rounds the bases after hitting a home run against Virginia in the third inning of an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

Virginia first baseman Danny Hultzen, right, tags out Cal State Fullerton's Josh Fellhauer, who was caught in a rundown between first and second bases, in the third inning of an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

Virginia's Steven Proscia, left, survives a pickoff attempt at second base as he slides under the glove of Cal State Fullerton second baseman Joe Scott, in an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Cal State Fullerton's Jeff Newman reacts after being thrown out on a bunt by Virginia third baseman Steven Proscia, in the second inning of an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 15, 2009.(AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Cal State Fullerton's Dustin Garneau (23), celebrates with teammates Jared Clark and Joe Scott, left, after he hit a two-run home run against Virginia in the second inning of an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 15, 2009.(AP Photo/Ted Kirk)

Virginia's Steven Proscia (19), celebrates with teammate Tyler Cannon (10), after Proscia scored against Cal State Fullerton on a single by John Hicks in the second inning of an NCAA College World Series elimination baseball game, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Francis)

Serrano, meanwhile, was still searching for answers, though one culprit was the team's pitching. The Titans, who entered the CWS fourth in the country with a 3.36 ERA, allowed 17 earned runs (9.00 ERA) in their two games after they surrendered 11 runs in their five games in NCAA Regional and Super Regional action.

"If we had played better, we wouldn't be here right now," Serrano said.

"We think with what we have coming back next year, we'll be back [to the CWS]. We got 13 hits and five runs, and that's not very good offense for us. We got good at-bats when it didn't matter and bad-at-bats when it did matter."

O'Connor, on the other hand, was pleased with his team's performance. The Cavs improved to 6-2 in the NCAA Tournament and are 3-0 in elimination games. O'Connor is also the second head coach to pick up his first CWS victory, joining Arkansas' Dave Van Horn.

"I spoke Saturday about how this team shows resiliency and they've been that way all year long," O'Connor said. "They've bounced back from defeat and come back fighting. I wrote six different lineups last night and they one we had today wasn't one of them. The right things worked out for us."

Virginia Eliminates Cal State Fullerton originally appeared on FanHouse on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:56:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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