Wahoos Take Opener, Face Gamecocks Next
Monday, June 20 2011 by Tiki
On Sunday, the Hoos opened their second ever College World Series, facing off against the Cal Golden Bears. Cavaliers ace Danny Hultzen took the mount, while Cal went with a veteran Erik Johnson over their usual #1 starter.
Johnson did not fare all that well, lasting only 3 innings and giving up 5 walks, but managed to keep the Hoos scoreless. Hultzen performed at his usual level, holding the Bears scoreless into the 7th inning, when he gave way to senior Tyler Wilson. Wilson finished the 7th and at this point, the game was still scoreless. It would not remain so.
Keith Werman led off with a single, and leadoff hitter Chris Taylor followed with a walk. John Barr successfully bunted the runners over, and senior catcher John Hicks came up with two runners in scoring position. Hicks was confident that the Hoos would eventually break through, and he proved up to the task, coming through with an RBI single up the middle. Stephen Proscia followed with a sacrifice fly to RF and the Hoos had a 2-0 lead.
The Hoos picked up two more runs in the 8th, on Jared King's RBI triple and then an RBI single by Werman. Wilson would get into a little trouble in the 9th, giving way to Brandon Kline with 2 outs. Kline cleaned up and the Hoos had the win.
A good solid performance for the Hoos, as they won largely with pitching, defense and some clutch late hitting. Up next is the South Carolina Gamecocks, who beat Texas A&M.
The Gamecocks used their ace, Michael Roth, in the opener. So they will likely be going with sophomore righty Colby Holmes. Holmes is 7-3 with a 3.78 ERA in 12 starts on the season. The Hoos will answer with junior righty Will Roberts. Roberts is 11-1 with a 1.58 ERA. It certainly appears as though the Hoos have the advantage on the mound.
The Gamecocks will be confident, coming off a walk-off win, not to mention a national title last year. The Hoos will want to get to Holmes early, and hopefully take the Gamecocks out of their element. South Carolina has a very solid bullpen, so getting the Holmes early could be key. It may be tough to get any runs late.
I think the Hoos are ready for a breakout offensive game.
Tiki's Prediction: Hoos 9, Cocks 4