The light came on for the South Carolina offense with the score tied 2-2 in the sixth inning on Sunday against Virginia Tech.
With runners at the corners with two outs, Scott Wingo hit an 0-2 pitch up the middle to score Christian Walker from third and put the Gamecocks ahead for good. South Carolina got three more hits, including a three-run homer by Jackie Bradley, Jr. to score six runs in the sixth inning and send the Gamecocks on their way to the Super Regional.
"We've come from behind in all three games," said South Carolina head coach Ray Tanner. "We've had some guys come up with some clutch hits."
Timely hitting has been the theme all weekend for the Gamecocks. In innings one through five, South Carolina scored just five runs in all three games combined. In innings six through nine, the Gamecocks scored 23 times.
"Their two-out hits were the difference tonight," said Virginia Tech head coach Pete Hughes. "When you're putting the ball in play, good things can happen."
After scoring a single run in 21 innings at the SEC Tournament last week, the potency of the South Carolina offense was being called into question.
"When we came back from the tournament, that was the only thing that was on my mind. We got to get back to who we are," said Tanner. "We got stuffed a bit against Florida and in the tournament and we were trying to get back to who we are - getting some two-out hits, scoring runs and supporting our pitching staff."
So, is the "slump" over?
"Double digits every single game in runs and hits? I think it's pretty much over," said Bradley. "We've still got to work hard though."
Mata Shuts It Down
Gamecock reliever Jose Mata was true to his intro song (Pitbull's "Shut it Down") on Sunday night. The junior went 4.1 innings, allowing just two hits and striking out five (a career high) against the Hokies.
"We are familiar with that style of pitching, but we didn't make adjustments," said Hughes. "He located and he was the difference. He kept putting up zeroes."
"I just went out and tried to find the zone and get ahead of hitters as much as I can," said Mata.
Morales Named Most Outstanding Player
Hitting 7-for-14 with three HR and 7 RBI, Adrian Morales earned a spot on the regional's All-Tournament team and the Most Outstanding Player award.
"He turned it up a notch," said Tanner. "He assumes responsibility when things are going well. He was very good in practice this week."
Kyle Enders, Evan Marzilli, Jackie Bradley, Jr., Brady Thomas and Blake Cooper were also named to the All-Tournament team.
Gamecocks Must Play Waiting Game
South Carolina must wait to find out its next opponent as well as the destination. Coastal Carolina forced a second title game on Monday against the College of Charleston with a 8-7 win tonight.
The two teams will play to decide the Myrtle Beach Regional at 1 p.m. on Monday. If Coastal Carolina wins, the Gamecocks will head to Myrtle Beach this weekend. A win by College of Charleston would likely give South Carolina its first chance to host a Super Regional since 2004.
With runners at the corners with two outs, Scott Wingo hit an 0-2 pitch up the middle to score Christian Walker from third and put the Gamecocks ahead for good. South Carolina got three more hits, including a three-run homer by Jackie Bradley, Jr. to score six runs in the sixth inning and send the Gamecocks on their way to the Super Regional.
"We've come from behind in all three games," said South Carolina head coach Ray Tanner. "We've had some guys come up with some clutch hits."
Timely hitting has been the theme all weekend for the Gamecocks. In innings one through five, South Carolina scored just five runs in all three games combined. In innings six through nine, the Gamecocks scored 23 times.
"Their two-out hits were the difference tonight," said Virginia Tech head coach Pete Hughes. "When you're putting the ball in play, good things can happen."
After scoring a single run in 21 innings at the SEC Tournament last week, the potency of the South Carolina offense was being called into question.
"When we came back from the tournament, that was the only thing that was on my mind. We got to get back to who we are," said Tanner. "We got stuffed a bit against Florida and in the tournament and we were trying to get back to who we are - getting some two-out hits, scoring runs and supporting our pitching staff."
So, is the "slump" over?
"Double digits every single game in runs and hits? I think it's pretty much over," said Bradley. "We've still got to work hard though."
Mata Shuts It Down
Gamecock reliever Jose Mata was true to his intro song (Pitbull's "Shut it Down") on Sunday night. The junior went 4.1 innings, allowing just two hits and striking out five (a career high) against the Hokies.
"We are familiar with that style of pitching, but we didn't make adjustments," said Hughes. "He located and he was the difference. He kept putting up zeroes."
"I just went out and tried to find the zone and get ahead of hitters as much as I can," said Mata.
Morales Named Most Outstanding Player
Hitting 7-for-14 with three HR and 7 RBI, Adrian Morales earned a spot on the regional's All-Tournament team and the Most Outstanding Player award.
"He turned it up a notch," said Tanner. "He assumes responsibility when things are going well. He was very good in practice this week."
Kyle Enders, Evan Marzilli, Jackie Bradley, Jr., Brady Thomas and Blake Cooper were also named to the All-Tournament team.
Gamecocks Must Play Waiting Game
South Carolina must wait to find out its next opponent as well as the destination. Coastal Carolina forced a second title game on Monday against the College of Charleston with a 8-7 win tonight.
The two teams will play to decide the Myrtle Beach Regional at 1 p.m. on Monday. If Coastal Carolina wins, the Gamecocks will head to Myrtle Beach this weekend. A win by College of Charleston would likely give South Carolina its first chance to host a Super Regional since 2004.
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