South Carolina: National Champions!

Finals, Game 2: South Carolina Wins!

South Carolina's Whit Merrifield hits a one-out, champoinship-winning single in the bottom of the eleventh inning of the last game of the 2010 College World Series, scoring Scott Wingo from third.





South Carolina celebrates its first national championship.

Favorite photos from the first ten games ...

(Click on the title to go see the entire series of related photos.)

1. Game 9: Curry Go-Ahead Grand Slam

With TCU down 7-5 in the bottom of the eighth inning, Matt Curry hits a two-out, full-count grand slam over the center field wall to give TCU the lead 9-7.

2. Game 2: The Catch

Florida's Matt den Dekker makes an amazing over-the-shoulder catch off a blast by UCLA's Brett Krill to deep centerfield.

3. Game 10: South Carolina's 12th Inning Comeback

South Carolina's Brady Thomas knocks the first pitch he sees through the middle and into centerfield, scoring Jackie Bradley, Jr. to win the game in twelve innings.

4. Game 8: Caught Sealing Home

Clemson's Wilson Boyd is thrown out at home while attempting to execute a two out double steal in the bottom of the fourth inning.

5. Game 6: Caught Stealing Second

TCU's Jerome Pena tags UCLA's Beau Amaral out as he attempts to steal second for the final out of the final out of the bottom of the fourth inning.

6. Game 8: Lightning in the Distance

Lightning near Rosenblatt Stadium causes play to be suspended suspended for the night. There was also lightning in the distance during game 2 and weather interrupted game 3 for nearly six hours.

Game 12: Erin Andrews Fist Bump

South Carolina's Bobby Haney gives ESPN's Erin Andrews a fist bump following their 5-1 win over Clemson.

Game 12: Complete Game

Michael Roth on the mound during his complete game, three-hit win over Clemson.

Game 12: Double Play

Christian Walker grounds into a double play for the first two outs of the top of the eighth inning.

Game 12: Rally Caps

Clemson tries to use a tower of rally caps to changes its luck during game 12.

Game 11: Featherston Home Run

Taylor Featherston hits a two run home run to left in the bottom of the seventh inning, scoring Matt Curry and giving TCU a 5-2 lead.

Camera Issues: Redux

Re-posted from July 23, 2008 (for reasons that I will explain later).

An online op-ed in the New York Times sheds some light on how the N.C.A.A. treated some fans with cameras at this year's College World Series.

Takedown at the Ballgame
By BUZZ BISSINGER
Published: July 19, 2008
The search for the Pure Sports Experience is spoiled at the N.C.A.A. College World Series in Omaha ... all because of a dispute that started when the N.C.A.A. refused to permit the author to bring a camera into one of [the 2008] College World Series games. Here's an excerpt:

I asked why had I already been allowed to enter the stadium three previous
occasions with my camera. The answer back was that the enforcement of the
N.C.A.A. rule had been lax. What rule? I didn’t see it posted anywhere.

An argument ensued, and I openly admit it got heated. An N.C.A.A. official
in an orange shirt was called over. He had one of those little faces born in
contempt, and he wasn’t happy.
* * *
Back inside, I ran into a man with a lens on his camera as long as Pinocchio’s nose. I asked him if he had had any trouble getting inside. He had no idea what I was talking about. So much for fair and evenhanded enforcement.
* * *
No matter how ill-advised or expensive or illogical, don’t even think of messing with the N.C.A.A. Just put up. And shut up.

Game 10: South Carolina Wins in the 12th

South Carolina's Brady Thomas knocks the first pitch he sees through the middle and into centerfield, scoring Jackie Bradley, Jr. to win the game in twelve innings.

South Carolina celebrates after their extra-inning win.

ESPN's Erin Andrews interviews Brady Thomas and Jackie Bradley, Jr. after South Carolina's extra-inning win.

Final: South Carolina 3, Oklahoma 2 (12 innings)

Game 10: Walker Evens the Game in the 8th Inning

Christian Walker hits a grounder through the left side of the infield, scoring Evan Marzilli and evening the game up 1-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Final: South Carolina 3, Oklahoma 2 (12 innings)

Game 10: Ogle Homers, Oklahoma Takes the Lead

Oklahoma's Tyler Ogle hits a solo shot to right-center field -- just out of the reach of right fielder Robert Beary -- to lead off the 12th inning and give Oklahoma a 2-1 lead.

Final: South Carolina 3, Oklahoma 2 (12 innings)

Game 10: Someone Call It!

First baseman Christian Walker and third baseman Whit Merrifield collide in the middle of the infield, allowing Tyler Ogle to reach first on an error.

Final: South Carolina 3, Oklahoma 2 (12 innings)