By: Tyler Ward
Yesterday's Game 2 of the College World Series was officially the last game at Rosenblatt Stadium. The Gamecocks defeated the UCLA Bruins, 2-1 in 11 innings, to earn their first major championship in any men's sport. South Carolina lost their first CWS game this year, but somehow rallied off four straight victories to coast into the World Series. In the best-of-3 series, South Carolina won the first two games to bring their streak to six games and lead a sweep of the opposing Bruins.
But, somehow, the Gamecocks' victory was overshadowed by Rosenblatt Stadium, itself. This stadium had hosted every College World Series game since 1950. As the game drew closer to the end, flashing lights illuminated the entire stadium, in hopes of catching one last picture of the historic stadium. Game 2 had over 24,000 people in attendance for the game, which was the highest of this year's CWS games. The game couldn't have gotten any better as the game went to extra innings and every person's heart was pounding in the waning moments.
This was the first time since 1970 that a CWS win-clinching game went into extra innings. And the game sure delivered.. OF Whit Merrifield's one-out single led to the game winning run in the 11th inning. Scott Wingo scored from third base on the play. Wingo led off the 11th inning with a walk on a 3-2 pitch count and somehow got to second base on a passed ball. He was sacrificed to third base on Evan Marzili's bunt into the infield. That set up the stage for Merrifield, who delivered a line drive to steal the win away from the Bruins. Merrifield said after the game, "In that situation, you're trying to get a pitch elevated. I worked the count (2-0) in my favor and got a fastball. Even though it was kind of down, I got the barrel on it ... it fell for me. And it was a great feeling." This marked the third time in five years that the team that won the CWS was a first time winner (Fresno State def. Georgia in '08 and Oregon State def. North Carolina in '06). South Carolina is also the 6th team in 7 years to be unseeded and still win the National title. They finished 54-16 this season, becoming Head Coach Ray Tanner's third best team with South Carolina.After the game was over, fans were treated to a video of some of the best games played at Rosenblatt. The lights were almost turned off as it played so people can truly remember the stadium's history. Tanner was in awe of the video and his respect for the game and stadium will live forever. When asked about his thoughts on moving on, Tanner said, "I know the new stadium will be very special and a great facility.But this is history. And we'll be part of the College World Series and Rosenblatt for a long, long time. It's got to be the most special post-season tournament in all of NCAA championships. So it's an incredible journey and incredible ending."
Jackie Bradley Jr. was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. Bradley carried the Gamecocks throughout the season with his late-inning heroics and fast speed. He became a leader in the clubhouse and many can't wait until the 2011 season to see Bradley return.
This is also Ray Tanner's first College World Series championship. He has spent 14 seasons with South Carolina and has coached some great teams, only to fall short multiple seasons. Tanner led the Gamecocks to three straight CWS appearances in 2002-04, but was not able to get them back until this year.
A great game ended a run at a great stadium. Tuesday's win solidified Rosenblatt Stadium's long-storied career in the record books. Now, the College World Series will go 3 miles down the road to their new stadium. But, the old stadium will live in infamy. Tanner was right, it was an incredible journey and it's finally over.
The all-tournament team:
Catcher: Bryan Holaday, TCU
First base: Christian Walker, South Carolina
Second base: Cody Regis, UCLA
Third base: John Hinson, Clemson
Shortstop: Taylor Featherston, TCU
Outfielders: Jackie Bradley Jr,South Carolina, Beau Amaral, UCLA, and Evan Marzilli, South Carolina
Designated hitter: Brady Thomas, South Carolina
Pitchers: Matt Purke, TCU and Trevor Bauer, UCLA
