Past Ncaa Brackets

South Carolina's bats make difference

OMAHA, Neb. – South Carolina’s offense made sure that no late inning heroics would be needed Tuesday night against Virginia. The Gamecocks pounded out 13 hits to put away the Cavaliers early and cruise to a 7-1 win.

South Carolina head coach Ray Tanner inserted Jackie Bradley Jr. into the cleanup spot, a game after returning to the lineup following a two-month absence in the No. 9 hole. The move paid off.

Bradley Jr. ripped a RBI double in a three-run first-inning for the Gamecocks, and finished the game 2-for-5. It was the junior’s first RBI since April 19, and has led South Carolina into Friday’s game with a perfect 2-0 record in Omaha.

“It’s been a long year as far as putting lineups together,” Tanner said. “I’ve spent more time than any time in my career on it. I thought about this one right up to the point I had to turn it in, and I asked Jackie where he felt comfortable and he told me fifth. So I told him that if he’s comfortable there, I’ll move him up one more spot.”

The 2010 CWS Most Outstanding Player wasn’t the only Gamecock to light up the scoreboard. The Nos. 3 thru 6 hitters went a combined 10-for-20, including Brady Thomas’ 3-for-4 performance.

While those numbers would be impressive in any contest, they look even better when you take into account Virginia’s starting pitcher, Will Roberts, who entered the game with an 11-1 record and a 1.58 ERA.

Roberts isn’t used to getting knocked around.

The junior was tagged for eight hits and six runs (three earned) in only 3 1/3 innings. It marked the shortest start of the season for Roberts, and tied career highs with the six runs, eight hits allowed.

The Gamecocks handed Roberts only the second loss in his three-year career to drop his record to 18-2.

“They got a lot of big clutch hits and took advantage of their opportunities when they had them,” Roberts said of South Carolina. “It’s a credit to their hitters. They weren’t going to give in with two strikes. They were pretty aggressive early in the count.”

Simply the Best: California head coach David Esquer not only picked up the Golden Bears’ first College World Series victory since 1981 on Tuesday, but also garnered the National Coach of the Year Award presented by the National College Baseball Writers Association. Esquer led the Bears to their first CWS appearance since 1992 despite an emotional season that included the program being cut in September and then reinstated six months later.

Women's NCAA Bracket Update: UConn Breezes Past Duke, Gets Notre ...

Women’s tournament to fall before reaching the Final Four, blasting No. 2 Duke 75-40. Chalk abides, as the Huskies move on to right the wrong imposed by No. 2 Notre Dame, which knocked off No. 1 Tennessee.

On the other side, No. 1 Stanford awaits the winner of No. 2 Texas A&M and No. 1 Baylor. Early on the Aggies are actually making a little noise, so this tournament might liven itself up with a little (

Certain photos copyright © 2011 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.

Scoreboard data copyright © 2011 by STATS LLC. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC is strictly prohibited.

OpenCalais - Powered by Thomson Reuters

We’ve developed a unique newsletter that delivers the five most interesting sports stories fans are talking about, direct to your email three times a week. Each email is curated by an SB Nation editor who follows sports the way you do: as a fan. One email three times a week, with stories worth your time.

You can unsubscribe at anytime, and we'll never use your address for evil. Not interested? Make this bar go away forever. You can always sign up later.

Standing Tall, A Memoir of Tragedy and Triumph

Print media coverage of the 2006 NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Basketball Championships

Sport public relations, managing organizational communication

ESPN College Basketball Encyclopedia, The Complete History of the Men's Game

2007 in Volleyball, 2007 Ncaa Division I Women's Volleyball Tournament, Fivb World League 2007, Fivb World Grand Prix 2007