South Carolina Baseball's Second CWS Title: Meet The SEC East's Most Dominant School

South Carolina Baseball Wins 2011 CWS Championship, Setting Up Surprise Dynasty

The South Carolina Gamecocks are the 2011 NCAA baseball national champions. Whoa. This is even more astounding than USC being named the 2010 College World Series champs. We're talking about an athletic department that, 364 days ago, had never won a major national title, yet has now established two years worth of dominion over summer's premier college sport.

And done it by knocking off the Florida Gators, the longtime lords of SEC East football -- and usually assorted other sports as well. Just months after Steve Spurrier pulled off USC's first-ever win in the Swamp, Carolina has gone through its biggest traditional obstacle to become the fifth program to ever post consecutive baseball titles.

You're crazy if you think there's any school Cocks fans would've rather beaten, short of Clemson.

Peter Mooney began a three-run third inning and slapped a home run in the sixth, while Michael Roth hurled seven and two-thirds innings of two-run ball. Matt Price came on to close, killing an eighth inning rally and giving Carolina the 5-2 victory and the sweep.

The most Cardiac Cock of all, Scott Wingo, was named the 2011 CWS Most Outstanding Player.

The SEC now has now posted three straight national championships, plus contributed the 2008 runner-up. The SEC East provided the 2011 CWS' top three teams. The conference isn't known for excelling at much beyond football, but it could be argued baseball is the SEC's No. 2 priority, and not basketball -- this is Atlanta Braves country, after all. And maybe this really isn't all that surprising when you think about it.

College World Series Score: South Carolina Extends Game 2 Lead With Championship In Sight

The top of the sixth inning came and went with the Florida Gators making some noise that wound up silenced (poetic!), but South Carolina Gamecocks SS Peter Mooney responded in the bottom of the inning with a home run to deep right field to make it 4-1. It was the first homer in five games for the Cocks, who've made their living on manufacturing runs the old-fashioned way -- just keep running around until the other team throws the ball into a nearby restroom or something.

Evan Marzilli doubled the other way, but Brian Johnson struck out Jackie Bradley Jr. to stop the bleeding.

Michael Roth remained masterful through the top of the seventh, with Christian Walker again reaching base in the bottom of the inning. Walker now has four hits in nine at bats in the CWS final. A double by Adrian Morales drove Johnson from the game, bringing on Anthony DeSclafani and then Steven Rodriguez.

Carolina very nearly tacked on another run, but Josh Adams whistled an out to first to end the seventh.

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills. Gators fans, head to Alligator Army; USC fans, visit Garnet And Black Attack.

CWS Game 2 Score: Florida Baseball Retorts, Now Trails South Carolina 3-1

After what amounts to an outburst by modern college baseball standards (three runs!), the fourth and fifth innings settled down somewhat -- but the Florida Gators still got on the scoreboard, and did so in Florida Gators fashion.

Mike Zunino achieved the 2011 CWS final's first homer, sending the ball into left field where a powerful Florida fan wrestled for the souvenir. This guy was really powerful. Michael Roth was able to escape the rest of the inning without sacrificing any more of USC's lead.

Karsten Whitson remained in the game, beaning his second batter of the game to start his share of the fourth. Nothing else happened. Not a single thing.

Roth got into his first jam in the top of the fifth, letting Brian Johnson and Vickash Ramjit on base with no outs. A masterful double play started by Scott Wingo eventually did away with all that.

In the bottom of the fifth, Christian Walker batted onto first -- friends, if he ends up being named the CWS MVP, it won't be a sentimental pick due to his injury status. Brady Thomas also pinged, bringing Whitson's support staff to the mound for a chat. Whitson responded by beaning his third Gamecock to load the bases.

Milwaukee Brewers draft pick Tommy Toledo took over and fanned Jake Williams to keep USC's lead at two.

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills. Gators fans, head to Alligator Army; USC fans, visit Garnet And Black Attack.

South Carolina Baseball Scores First In Game 2 Of CWS, Leads 3-0

The second inning of the 2011 CWS final's second game: not much happened besides exceptional pitching. BORING! Neither Michael Roth of the South Carolina Gamecocks nor Karsten Whitson of the Florida Gators allowed a single batter on base, so let's move on to the third.

Roth again tore through Florida's offense, seating Cody Dent, Bryson Smith and Nolan Fontana in order. Those of you who were hoping for a pitchers' duel highlighted by some total chaos at the end -- well, it looked like we were gonna get the first part.

But in the bottom of the third, pinging finally occurred. Peter Mooney scored a leadoff double off of Whitson, slapping the bal into the left field corner. Robert Beary was able to advance Mooney, though Whitson considered attempting to snag the leading baserunner. Evan Marzilli walked to put men on the corners, and a deep fly to right by frequent hero Scott Wingo sent Mooney on home.

The freshman pitcher's troubles weren't over, either, as he walked Jackie Bradley Jr. before Christian Walker sent a bobbled shot up the middle to score Marzilli. Blue jerseys scrambled to the bullpen, but not before Brady Thomas plated Bradley Jr. on an awkward chopper over the mound.

The inning ended with the Gamecocks scoring as many runs in one inning as both teams combined did in 11 the night before.

College World Series, Game 2 Score: Florida, South Carolina Tied After 1

South Carolina Gamecocks hurler Michael Roth entered Game 2 of the CWS final with a 0.96 ERA -- if he's able to contain the powerful Florida Gators lineup, he might actually earn a negative figure. He got off to a shaky start, however, allowing Bryson Smith onto first, where he was then moved along by Nolan Fontana.

Mike Zunino, who mustered three hits against Roth in their last meeting, achieved a walk to put a heap of pressure on Roth right away. Preston Tucker popped to the cavern in TD Ameritrade's center, but a laser by Jackie Bradley Jr. pinned Smith at second. Josh Adams flied out as well, and Roth survived.

USC retorted, with Scott Wingo claiming first base from Karsten Whitson, but Game 1 hero Christian Walker ground into a double play to end the inning.

College World Series, Game 2: Even Odds For South Carolina, Florida After Game 1 Mayhem

Vegas has learned its lesson. After favoring the Florida Gators to beat the South Carolina Gamecocks in Game 1 of the College World Series final, our friends at Bodog.com and others are throwing up their hands -- both teams enter Game 2 with even odds to win.

A pick 'em for the national championship! What could possibly be better?

After rolling with the defending champs in Game 1, I have no idea about this one. If not for a highly improbable string of events down the stretch, Florida would've won. Then again, that's how Cocky's made his mark. Then again, that luck's got to run out at some point.

To the pitching matchups! Carolina will send junior Michael Roth (0.98 ERA) up against freshman Karsten Whitson (2.43 ERA). Though Roth nearly filled in for the injured Christian Walker at first base in Game 1, Walker was able to gut out an excellent game. Likewise, Roth is pitching on just three days' rest.

That doesn't sound ideal, and thus it sounds perfectly USC. The Cocks will score the sweep Tuesday night and earn their first-ever repeat national anything.

College World Series TV Schedule, Plus United States-North Korea, Wimbledon, Braves-Mariners

South Carolina Baseball Wins 2011 CWS Game 1 In 11th Inning

The South Carolina Gamecocks have done it again, winning a College World Series game in improbable fashion. After trailing 1-0 for almost the entire game, the Cardiac Cocks (love it or leave it!) took a 2-1 lead over the Florida Gators in extra innings and are now one game away from repeating as national champs. Let's catch up.

With one out in the top of the 11th, the Gators pulled Nick Maronde for towering junior righty Greg Larson. Christian Walker, who's playing with a broken bone in his wrist, singled to first, and then -- OMAHAM! -- a pair of erratic throws on a solitary stolen base attempt sent Walker all the way around the basepaths, giving the Cocks their first lead of the game, 2-1.

Adam Matthews walked as "GAME! COCKS!" chants took over TD Ameritrade. Though Florida escaped without any further damage, USC fans clearly sensed their team was about to pull yet another postseason win out of nowhere.

Carolina brought on Matt Price to close, who'd only gotten two days of rest since his last effort. Brian Johnson reached first with no outs -- Paul Wilson took over as pinch runner. Josh Adams sacrificed Wilson to second. Tyler Thompson struck out swinging after a 10-pitch at bat. Daniel Pigott stepped to the plate and grounded out.

Let's get excited about Game 2 --  8 pm ET on Tuesday night.

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills. Gators fans, head to Alligator Army and SB Nation Tampa Bay; USC fans, visit Garnet And Black Attack.

Florida, South Carolina Baseball To 11th Inning In CWS Final Game 1

It's gonna take more than 18 innings to figure out who's got the best baseball team in the SEC East. After a 1-1 regulation contest, the South Carolina Gamecocks and Florida Gators took their 2011 CWS championship opener to extra frames.

Carolina put Jake Williams and Robert Beary on base in the top of the 10th with Nick Maronde pitching, but the threat fizzled out.

John Taylor remained on the hill for Carolina. Florida quickly counted in the bottom of the 10th, with Cody Dent reaching first after a chopper up the right side. Nolan Fontana successfully bunted Dent along before Mike Zunino pounded a base hit that sent Dent home from second -- but Jake Williams gunned him down from left field. To 11!

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills. Gators fans, head to Alligator Army and SB Nation Tampa Bay; USC fans, visit Garnet And Black Attack.

College World Series Game 1 To Extra Innings As South Carolina Baseball Survives

The Florida Gators were 90 feet away from beating the South Carolina Gamecocks to take a 1-0 series advantage in the 2011 CWS final, but USC's infield was able to put together an inning-ending double play with bases loaded. To the 10th we go.

But let's back up! In the top of the ninth, Brady Thomas achieved a one-out single to apply pressure on Steven Rodriguez. As Adam Matthews took over base running duties, Florida pulled Rodriguez for sophomore right-hander Austin Maddox, who typically functions as the team's closer. Maddox has been dealing with a sprained foot.

Maddox was able to get out of trouble immediately, forcing Adrian Morales into a double play.

Submariner John Taylor took over for the Gamecocks, walking Mike Zunino. Brian Johnson spent a long time attempting to bunt Zunino along, eventually giving up and swatting a shot down the right field line to put runners on the corners. Carolina intentionally walked Josh Adams to load the bases in hopes of a double play.

Tyler Thompson stepped to the plate having walked twice and scored Florida's only run to that point. He tapped the ball to second base, where Scott Wingo made a fantastic play to fire the ball home and acquire out No. 1. Daniel Pigott then grounded to second, with Wingo again sending the ball home; this time, catcher Robert Beary zinged the ball along to first base.

South Carolina Vs. Florida Baseball Score: Gamecocks In CWS Final Game 1

Finally, a little bit of excitement in the 2011 CWS championship opener. Hudson Randall has been all but unhittable all night, and pretty much remains so, though he did walk Peter Mooney to begin the eighth inning, with Florida up 1-0. Robert Beary and Evan Marzilli each sacrificed along the basepaths before Scott Wingo chopped a ball up the middle to put the South Carolina Gamecocks on the board.

And with that, Randall was forced from the game, having given up only three hits through eight and two-thirds. Sorta-sidearmer Steven Rodriguez took over for the Florida Gators, fanning Jackie Bradley Jr.

Tyler Webb remained on the mound for Carolina, popping Cody Dent into the wilderness that is TD Ameritrade's centerfield. Nolan Fontana then fouled out to left, where Jake Williams made a great hustle play. Bryson Smith accepted a base on balls, but Preston Tucker ground out to send the 1-1 game into the ninth.

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills. Gators fans, head to Alligator Army and SB Nation Tampa Bay; USC fans, visit Garnet And Black Attack.

College World Series Score, Game 1: Forrest Koumas Pulled, Hutson Randall In Control

After five and two-thirds successful innings, South Carolina Gamecocks starter Forrest Koumas relinquished the hill to Tyler Webb. Though Koumas gave up a run, he -- well, come on. He held Florida's offense to one run. Job done. In the bottom of the sixth, Webb ended up with two Florida Gators on base before flying out Mike Zunino.

Hutson Randall continued his dominance in the top of the seventh, seating all three Gamecocks batters in quick order. In Webb's first full inning of work, he got Brian Johnson to ground out and Josh Adams to pop out to that Middle Earth of a centerfield before walking Tyler Thompson. Daniel Pigott then popped out to end the OH WOW THIS GAME IS BORING.

Carolina is doing a good job of containing Florida's offense, but they're going to need to crack Randall at some point.

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills. Gators fans, head to Alligator Army and SB Nation Tampa Bay; USC fans, visit Garnet And Black Attack.

South Carolina Baseball Still Down 1-0 To Florida In CWS Final Game 1

Through five, the Florida Gators hold a 1-0 lead on the South Carolina Gamecocks thanks to an imposing start by Hutson Randall. He's giving up only two hits and no walks while fanning five. USC starter Forrest Koumas hasn't been quite as masterful, giving up a run in the third thanks in part to a wild pitch, but he's holding his own.

Koumas found himself in some trouble in the bottom of the fifth, however. Brian Johnson reached first base with nobody out, followed by a Josh Adams sacrifice bunt to put a man in scoring position -- the 12th successful sac by Adams on the year.

Tyler Thompson, who scored Florida's first run, struck out to provide Koumas with hope of making it through the inning. Thompson disputed until coach Kevin O'Sullivan lobbied for a review, which showed that Thompson had made contact. Carolina coach Ray Tanner then had a word. Baseball is fun.

Thompson then popped out, as did Daniel Pigott.

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills. Gators fans, head to Alligator Army and SB Nation Tampa Bay; USC fans, visit Garnet And Black Attack.

Florida Baseball Scores 1-0 Lead Over South Carolina In CWS Final

In a park like TD Ameritrade (and against the best players in the nation), runs are going to come at a premium. The Florida Gators were able to produce the first score of the 2011 College World Series final, as Cody Dent scored Tyler Thompson on a sacrifice fly to right field. Forrest Koumas sustains the earned run -- it was a Koumas wild pitch that advanced Thompson into easy scoring position.

Hudson Randall has given up just one hit for Florida, and has mown down three batters. Koumas is a step behind, having also allowed a walk. However, he has not yet struck a batter.

Florida Vs. South Carolina, Game 1 Score: Tied Up After First, As Bryson Smith Caught Stealing

Florida Gators pitcher Hutson Randall started off what's expected to be a low-scoring College World Series final with a pair of strikeouts, with South Carolina Gamecocks Scott Wingo and Jackie Bradley Jr. going down swinging. Christian Walker, who's playing with a broken wrist, broke up the no-hitter with a double to right field, but Brady Thomas grounded out to Randall to end the frame.

Forrest Koumas took the mound for the Cocks and failed to bean a single batter. He's got time to top his impressive triple-beaning in his first meeting against Florida, but I'm a little nervous already. He did force Nolan Fontana to pop deep to center before Bryson Smith poked one down the third base line to reach first.

Dangerous bat Preston Tucker popped out into the very deep warning track. Smith attempted to steal second, but was gunned down by Robert Beary to conclude the inning.

South Carolina, Florida Governors Wager On CWS, Establishing Rooting Interests

Florida Vs. South Carolina, College World Series: Gators Favored To Win Game 1

Despite the South Carolina Gamecocks winning the season series against the Florida Gators -- not to mention both teams entering the 2011 CWS final undefeated for the tourney -- Florida's favored to win Game 1, according to odds posted at Bodog. 

You can review the stats here, which favor Carolina. The Cocks have been better than the Gators both head-to-head and in the College World Series, and I'd take their significant pitching advantage over Florida's offensive edge.

So why the love for the Gators? This one looks like a brand name battle. Are you really comfortable betting on USC, which has won one championship in any sport ever, against Florida, which is going for the NCAA equivalent of a triple crown? Nevermind that Carolina's lone title came last year.

Still, I think riding with the champs tonight is the better pick.

Florida-South Carolina TV Schedule, Plus Braves-Mariners, Wimbledon And Women's World Cup

Florida Vs. South Carolina, 2011 CWS Final: Season Series Favors Gamecocks

It's not every year that the College World Series final round features a matchup of two teams who have already posted a season series against each other. The Florida Gators and South Carolina Gamecocks, however, are SEC East rivals (we're just gonna keep saying it!), and thus have thrice played baseball this season. How'd that go?

The Cocks took the Gainesville series, two games to one, and won the run differential 14-7. That sounds sort of like a SEC East football score, but don't be fooled -- something more WTF like 12-5 is more of a football score than a baseball score around here.

Carolina held Florida to just a single home run during those three games. The Gators averaged right around one round-tripper per game on the year -- if USC can hold them well below that figure this week, which might not be all that hard in the pitcher-friendly TD Ameritrade Park, they'll have a leg up on the championship series. Small ball has been key throughout the CWS, all the way up to Carolina clinching a finals appearance thanks to a mishandled bunt.

Sophomore righty Hutson Randall (2.24 ERA) will get the start for Florida against freshman right-hander Forrest Koumas (3.07 ERA). The two have faced off once this season, in Florida's lone win -- Koumas pitched six solid innings, other than beaning three Gators.

The 2011 CWS final schedule (all times pm ET):

Game 1, Mon. at 8, ESPN

Game 2, Tues. at 8, ESPN

Game 3 (if necessary), Wed. at 8, ESPN

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills. Gators fans, head to Alligator Army and SB Nation Tampa Bay; USC fans, visit Garnet And Black Attack.

South Carolina Baseball Vs. Virginia Final Score: 13th Inning Win Sends USC To CWS

The South Carolina Gamecocks are going to their second-straight College World Series final, having downed the Virginia Cavaliers 3-2 in the 13th inning thanks to a cluster of errors that put the HAM in Omaha. The Cocks now  are in the peculiar position of potentially winning consecutive national titles in a sport everybody has heard of -- a year ago, they'd never even won one.

On the other side, the Florida Gators knocked off the Vanderbilt Commodores yet again, 6-4, and aim to become just the fifth school to win a football national championship, March Madness and the CWS. And they'll have done it all in well under a decade. If you ever needed a reason to Gatorhate...

Events get underway Monday night at TD Ameritrade, with Tuesday night's game determining whether a Wednesday nighter is needed. More to come between now and then.

For more Florida join Alligator Army, and for more Carolina join Garnet And Black Attack.

Florida-South Carolina CWS Final: All-SEC Haters' Ball Certain To Piss Off Jim Delany

Florida Baseball Vs. Vanderbilt, Final Score: Gators To CWS Championship With 6-4 Win

The Florida Gators are headed to their second-ever College World Series final, having dispatched the Vanderbilt Commodores 6-4 Friday afternoon in Omaha. Sadly, this also concludes Vandy's best season ever in any sport.

Florida rolled its way to a 4-1 lead, which it carried into the top of the seventh inning. Nashville aluminum came alive when Connor Harrell scored Mike Yastrzemski to begin a three-run mini-rally, tying it up by the middle of the eighth.

The Gators emptied the bullpen and then some, sending six pitchers to the mound during Sonny Gray's time on the hill. Vandy starter Gray survived through seven innings before letting the bases load up due to crafty bunting in the bottom of the eighth, when he was yanked for Will Clinard.

After Clinard tallied one out, Preston Tucker hit a ball into the fence to score one, with an incredible whirling throw by Tony Kemp the only thing keeping two or more from plating. Vandy's own pitching turnover was then underway, with Dent scoring from third on a wild pitch by Corey Williams to make it 6-4.

The latter event happened just after Mike Zunino broke his bat on a foul ball -- his composite metal bat. College sports: awesome!

Still ahead: the Virginia Cavaliers and South Carolina Gamecocks will play at 7 pm ET. A Carolina win would mean the first SEC-on-SEC championship series since 1996, while a win by those despicable lawn sports enthusiasts would delay the world the feel-good all-SEC final it craves.

Florida Vs. Vanderbilt Baseball Score: CWS Semifinal Tied Up Halfway Through, 1-1

Halfway through the 2011 College World Series semifinals throwdown between the Vanderbilt Commodores and Florida Gators, we're all knotted up at 1-1. So, good news, Vandy fans: the Dores scored their second run on Florida through three postseason meetings.

Sonny Gray has been solid on the hill for Vandy, giving up three hits and walking two through three innings. Likewise Alex Panteliodis has conceded three hits through four, giving up no bases on balls. Aaron Westlake got Vandy on the board in the top of the first with a solo home run, countered in the third when Preston Tucker drove home Cody Dent.

If the Commodores are able to beat Florida for only the second time in their approximately 280,000 meetings this season, they'll need to repeat the task Saturday to advance.

NCAA Baseball Scores, Bracket: Virginia Clinches All-Southern CWS Championship Series

Thursday night, the Virginia Cavaliers continued the 2011 College World Series' most-important trend: the team closest to Atlanta has won every game but one. The No. 1 seed Cavs downed America's sweetheart, the California Golden Bears, 8-1, setting up a sure-thing showdown between southern teams in the championship series round.

The Hoos will advance to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks Friday night -- UVa will need to beat the defending champs twice in order to advance, while USC only has to win once. Same deal for the Vanderbilt Commodores and Florida Gators in the early game, with Florida having the advantage.

The 2011 CWS' final round will be the first to feature only ACC or SEC teams since 1999's FSU-Miami matchup and could be the first to match a SEC team with a ACC team since LSU-Miami in 1996. The last all-SEC championship series? LSU-Alabama in 1997. Like everybody doesn't know that.

The remaining 2011 CWS schedule (all times pm ET):

Bracket 1:

Vanderbilt def. UNC, 5-1

Florida vs. Vanderbilt, Fri. at 2, ESPN (rematch Sat. at 2 on ESPN if Florida loses)

Bracket 2:

Virginia def. Cal, 8-1

South Carolina vs. Virginia, Fri. at 7, ESPN (rematch Sat. at 7 on ESPN2 if USC loses)

Championship Series:

Game 1, Mon. at 8, ESPN

Game 2, Tues. at 8, ESPN

Game 3 (if necessary), Wed. at 8, ESPN

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills.

College World Series Scores, Bracket: SEC East Baseball Guaranteed A Finals Berth

The Vanderbilt Commodores knocked out the North Carolina Tar Heels Wednesday night to earn another rematch or two against the Florida Gators. Even before the South Carolina Gamecocks take on either the Virginia Cavaliers or California Golden Bears, the 2011 College World Series' championship round is already assured of including at least one SEC East team.

Georgia Bulldogs fans, how are you feeling about this? I think the rest of the country is starting to see why UGA baseball was valued so highly despite its underwhelming record. Look at what the Dawgs had to compete against this year.

SEC teams will have made it to the CWS championship series four years in a row in just a few days, and this year's final will be the seventh in a row to feature at least one southeastern team. A South Carolina win will ensure three straight SEC national titles, while Carolina has a chance to become just the sixth program to ever post back-to-back titles.

The remaining 2011 CWS schedule (all times pm ET):

Bracket 1:

Vanderbilt def. UNC, 5-1

Florida vs. Vanderbilt, Fri. at 2, ESPN (rematch Sat. at 2 on ESPN if Florida loses)

Bracket 2:

Virginia vs. Cal, Thurs. at 7, ESPN2

Winner vs. South Carolina, Fri. at 7, ESPN (rematch Sat. at 7 on ESPN2 if USC loses)

Championship Series:

Game 1, Mon. at 8, ESPN

Game 2, Tues. at 8, ESPN

Game 3 (if necessary), Wed. at 8, ESPN

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills.

Vanderbilt Vs. UNC Baseball, Final Score: Florida Awaits Dores After 5-1 Decision

The Vanderbilt Commodores will advance to take on the Florida Gators yet again, dispatching the North Carolina Tar Heels 5-1 in the Wednesday night losers bracket matchup. The SEC improves to 5-0 against non-SEC teams, with the conference's only loss being Vandy's toppling at the hands of the Gators.

Let's call it the College World SECries. Or let's not. No, you know what, let's.

Vandy tore out to a 4-0 lead at the end of the second and a 5-0 lead after the third, any of which would've been good enough to weather UNC's eventual awakening. Taylor Hill earns the victory for throwing seven innings and allowing only four hits, while Greg Holt suffered through two and two-thirds innings and giving up all five Commodores scores.

UNC Vs. Vanderbilt Score, College World Series: Vandy Up 4-0 Through Two

The Wednesday night elimination game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and North Carolina Tar Heels reached a 1-0 advantage for Vandy at the end of the first. SS Anthony Gomez contributed a sacrifice fly that brought home LF Tony Kemp. Through two innings, UNC starter Greg Holt has also given up a three-run homer to CF Connor Harrell, making it 4-0.

Taylor Hill is on the mound for the Dores, giving up just one hit and striking out two so far. 

The winner of this game will advance to face the Florida Gators in the College World Series semifinal round. The loser will depart Omaha and go think about either never having won a championship in any sport ever or its soon-to-be abolished football program. Depending on who wins, of course.

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills. Vandy fans, join Anchor Of Gold, and UNC fans, visit Carolina March.

NCAA Baseball Scores, Schedule: SEC Unbeaten Through Round 2, Save Vandy Vs. Florida

The SEC has gone 4-0 against teams from other conferences in Omaha, and the Florida Gators and South Carolina Gamecocks have taken the top spots in their respective brackets -- each will get at least an extra day of rest plus two chances to beat their next opponents. Two Texas teams were the first to be eliminated from the 2011 College World Series, with the California Golden Bears the lone non-southern team to survive the first knockout round.

Florida beat the Vanderbilt Commodores Tuesday morning, 3-1, completing a weather-delayed game from Monday night. Cal followed by sending Texas A&M home, 7-3, to join the Texas Longhorns, and Carolina gave the Virginia Cavaliers their first loss, 7-1, in the main event.

On Wednesday the North Carolina Tar Heels are again playing Vandy, this time for the right to face Florida. In their Round 1 CWS meeting, the Dores walked away with a 7-3 victory. Lot of football scores in here.

The remaining 2011 CWS schedule (all times pm ET):

Bracket 1:

Vanderbilt vs. UNC, Wed. at 7, ESPN2

Winner vs. Florida, Fri. at 2, ESPN (rematch Sat. at 2 on ESPN if Florida loses)

Bracket 2:

Virginia vs. Cal, Thurs. at 7, ESPN2

Winner vs. South Carolina, Fri. at 7, ESPN (rematch Sat. at 7 on ESPN2 if USC loses)

Championship Series:

Game 1, Mon. at 8, ESPN

Game 2, Tues. at 8, ESPN

Game 3 (if necessary), Wed. at 8, ESPN

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills.

South Carolina Vs. UVA Baseball Final Score: Cocks Top Cavs, Which Is Fun To Say

The No. 1 overall seed Virginia Cavaliers were sent to the losers bracket at the hands of the 2010 champion South Carolina Gamecocks, who delivered a 7-1 Round 2 beatdown of the Cavs. Carolina will thus have free time until Friday night, letting it reset its pitching staff and rest up for either the California Golden Bears or a UVa rematch. Those two will play Thursday night.

The Cocks scrambled to a 3-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back, tacking on two in the fourth. Colby Holmes and John Taylor constructed eight-and-two-thirds innings of five-hit ball before Matt Price came on to close. Adrian Morales led the way on offense for Carolina, turning in three hits.

The Cavs trotted out six pitchers in the game, with starter Will Roberts sent to the pine after three and two-thirds innings.

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills. For more on the Cocks join Garnet And Black Attack, and for more Cavs join Streaking The Lawn.

College World Series, South Carolina Vs. UVA Score: Gamecocks Extend Lead

The South Carolina Gamecocks scrambled to an early 3-0 lead over the Virginia Cavaliers in their long-delayed Tuesday night meeting, tacking on three more runs by the bottom of the fourth inning. UVa finally produced some offense thanks to a one-run homer by C John Hicks, which was chased by a double off the bat of DH Danny Hultzen. It's now 6-1, the champs, at the top of the fifth.

Cavs starter Will Roberts was chased from the mound after just more than three innings after having given up eight hits, a walk and three earned runs. Cody Winiarski has made it through two-thirds of a scoreless inning in relief.

Other than that home run, Colby Holmes has been outstanding, striking out six Hoos (Hoos!). Of course, he's gotten better backup from his fielders than Virginia's starter did, as the Cavs defense has committed a pair of errors.

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills.

South Carolina Vs. Virginia Score: After Rain Delay, Gamecocks Dart To Early Lead

The College World Series winners bracket matchup between the South Carolina Gamecocks and Virginia Cavaliers was delayed for over an hour due to Omaha's insistent weather, but once it started ... well, it really started, for Carolina at least. The defending champs ran out to a 3-0 lead on the Hoos, with Jackie Bradley Jr., Adrian Morales and Brady Thomas providing consecutive RBI.

Virginia put a man on base after John Barr accepted a walk, but Colby Holmes fanned Stephen Proscia to escape the minor difficulty.

So far, the winner in all but one game has been the team located closest to Atlanta. Early returns in the Tuesday night main event suggest nothing otherwise should be expected. Loser gets Cal, while the winner gets a few days off, by the way.

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills.

Florida Vs. Vanderbilt Final Score, College World Series: Florida Picks Up Where They Left Off, Win 3-1 Over Vanderbilt

The conclusion of the Florida-Vanderbilt game that was suspended yesterday went pretty much like the beginning had. Florida took a 3-0 lead on a home run from Preston Tucker, and their bullpen made that stand up today. With a rain delay, the onus always comes down to the bullpens, and both performed admirably. But because Florida had the lead coming in, they walk away with the win. Because this is the winner's bracket however, Vanderbilt is still alive, and still has a shot at the Championship.

Even though Florida's starter performed admirably yesterday, the star of the game has to be Steven Rodriguez. Rodriguez pitched in relief yesterday, then came right back today and picked up where he left off this morning. In total, he went 4.1 innings without allowing a run and striking out seven. He actually gets the win in this game.

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills.

NCAA Baseball Scores, Schedule: Florida-Vandy Weather Delay Makes For Tuesday Marathon

All three SEC teams in the 2011 College World Series will be active Tuesday thanks to a weather delay that postponed the conclusion of Monday night's winners bracket meeting between the Florida Gators and Vanderbilt Commodores. That game will resume at 11 am ET on ESPN, with Florida leading 3-1 in the bottom of the sixth with two outs.

If Vandy can't come back, they'll meet the North Carolina Tar Heels in an elimination game on Wednesday. The Heels ousted the Texas Longhorns 3-0, continuing the 2011 CWS' streak of seeing games won by the school located closer to Atlanta. Of course, a Dores loss would end all that.

Texas A&M sometimes thinks it's a SEC institution, which may factor into your rooting interests in Tuesday's elimination game, while the South Carolina Gamecocks take on the Virginia Cavaliers in the main event.

The 2010-11 college athletics season has only a few days left, friends, so be thankful the Nebraska weather gods saw fit to drag this thing out as long as possible.

The 2011 CWS Round 2 schedule (all times pm ET):

Monday, June 20

UNC def. Texas, 3-0

Florida vs. Vanderbilt (3-1 Florida), 11 am, ESPN

Tuesday, June 21

Texas A&M vs. Cal, 2, ESPN

South Carolina vs. UVA, 7, ESPN

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills.

College World Series: Florida-Vanderbilt Weather Delay Could Last Hours

With three and one-third innings left in Monday's Omaha main event, the Florida Gators and Vanderbilt Commodores have been sent to their dugouts due to a large and imposing storm making its way across Nebraska. Get a look at all that red -- some are saying the heavy winds could delay the game by two hours or more.

Watching a game being played to the sounds of tornado sirens was more thrilling than watching the average baseball game, especially when both sides just kept slingin' for quite a few minutes. It was like that movie were Robert De Niro tries to kill Bobby Bonilla.

Florida leads 3-1 in a game that will hopefully end at some point before Tuesday.

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills. Florida fans should head to Alligator Army and SB Nation Tampa Bay, while Vandy fans should join Anchor Of Gold.

Florida Vs. Vanderbilt Score, College World Series: Preston Tucker Gives Gators Midpoint Lead

RF Preston Tucker has been on a tear in the NCAA Tournament, adding his fifth tourney home run in the top of the fourth inning against the Vanderbilt Commodores to put the Florida Gators up 3-0. In a game that had been marked by sharp pitching, you had to wonder how long Florida's power could be contained.

Grayson Garvin's challenging inning wasn't yet over either, with 2B Josh Adams reaching first base before a strikeout stopped the bleeding.

Thus far in the postseason, Florida has outscored Vandy 8-0 in head-to-head play. The Gators have made their mark by belting about one home run per game this season, so the Dores will just have to accept that shot and counter it.

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills. Florida fans should head to Alligator Army and SB Nation Tampa Bay, while Vandy fans should join Anchor Of Gold.

College World Series Scores: Florida, Vanderbilt Still Tight After Three Innings

With one out on the scoreboard in the bottom of the third, Vanderbilt Commodores leadoff man Tony Kemp belted a Karsten Whitson pitch into the outfield and motored all the way to third base. The Florida Gators responded by bringing in their infield tight -- you get the sense this game could be a low-scoring one despite the pair of potent offenses.

SS Anthony Gomez grounded out on the next at bat, sending 1B Aaron Westlake to the plate with a chance to give Vandy its first score on Florida in the past 19 innings.

Whitson fanned Westlake after a lengthy plate appearance to survive the inning.

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills. Florida fans should head to Alligator Army and SB Nation Tampa Bay, while Vandy fans should join Anchor Of Gold.

Florida Vs. Vanderbilt, NCAA Baseball Score: All-SEC CWS Matchup Scoreless Through Two

The first SEC-on-SEC matchup in the 2011 College World Series and fifth meeting on the year between the Florida Gators and Vanderbilt Commodores began with a hitless half-inning by Grayson Garvin, followed by a hit in the latter portion of the inning by Vandy SS Anthony Gomez which amounted to little. Other than that hit, Florida's Karsten Whitson has made it through two innings unscathed.

Each team has committed an error so far, with the more noteworthy being the mixup at first base that saw Florida's Vickash Ramjit whirled around by an advancing baserunner. After seeing Albert Pujols break his arm on a very similar play this weekend, that had to be a cautious moment for Ramjit.

Through two innings, neither team has gotten a whole lot of offense going.

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills. Florida fans should head to Alligator Army and SB Nation Tampa Bay, while Vandy fans should join Anchor Of Gold.

NCAA Baseball Scores, Schedule: South Carolina Walkoff Win Makes SEC 3-0

Southeastern Conference baseball -- specifically the SEC East -- made it through the opening weekend of the 2011 College World Series without suffering a loss. The South Carolina Gamecocks survived a 4-4 tie against Texas A&M thanks to Scott Wingo's fourth walk-off hit of the season, sending A&M into an elimination match against the California Golden Bears.

This is the first time in five CWS appearances that USC coach Ray Tanner has avoided the losers bracket through Round 1. The defending champs will advance to take on the Virginia Cavaliers, who beat Cal earlier Sunday in a somewhat more comfortable 4-1 fashion.

The SEC's perfect record isn't going to make it through the night, however, with the Florida Gators and Vanderbilt Commodores scheduled to face each other in Monday night's winners bracket showdown. Looking forward to this one, which pits Vandy's excellent contact batting against Florida's overwhelming power. UNC and Texas tangle in the Bracket 1 loser's battle.

So far, every game has been won by the school closest to Atlanta. Pretty fun fact to me.

The 2011 CWS Round 2 schedule (all times pm ET):

Monday, June 20

UNC vs. Texas, 2, ESPN

Vanderbilt vs. Florida, 7, ESPN2

Tuesday, June 21

Texas A&M vs. Cal, 2, ESPN

South Carolina vs. UVA, 7, ESPN

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules, and here for NCAA baseball news and stories. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills.

NCAA Baseball Scores, Schedule: Florida Knocks Off Texas, Vandy Awaits

The second round of the 2011 College World Series' first bracket is set, with the Florida Gators having surprised the Texas Longhorns, 8-4. They'll get the Vanderbilt Commodores at 7 pm ET Monday after the Dores pummeled the North Carolina Tar Heels, 7-3. Texas and UNC will meet in the sadface bracket at 2 pm ET Monday, with the loser leaving Omaha. Or they could stay and watch.

Alligator Army has a complete wrapup of Florida's impressive surge against Texas' elite defense -- the Horns haven't given up that many runs in one game since March, and that's including 17 postseason outings. And they did it without belting any of their trademark home runs, though Brian Johnson swatted a three-run homer in the seventh that was incorrectly ruled a two-run ground rule double.

Florida fans, check in with Anchor Of Gold's CWS coverage for more on your next opponent, though the two teams have already met four times this season. The Gators won thrice, with a 22-18 run differential in favor of the Dores.

The 2010 champion (still not used to saying it!) South Carolina Gamecocks are ready to begin their title defense against Texas A&M in the Sunday nighter, preceded by a game between an ACC team and a team from the other side of the world.

Sunday's College World Series schedule:

Cal vs. Virginia, 2, ESPN

South Carolina vs. Texas A&M, 7, ESPN2

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills. Florida fans should head to Alligator Army and SB Nation Tampa Bay, while Texas fans should join Burnt Orange Nation and SB Nation Dallas.

Vanderbilt Vs. UNC Baseball Score: Vandy Wins College World Series Opener

The first College World Series game in TD Ameritrade Park history is in the can. Vanderbilt Commodores baseball will next take on the winner of Saturday night's marquee showdown between the Florida Gators and Texas Longhorns, having downed the North Carolina Tar Heels 7-3 in the 2011 CWS opener.

UNC, accordingly, will play the loser of that game Monday afternoon and need a win in order to survive.

Vandy took advantage of its potent offense to post a three-run sixth inning that countered a 3-2 Heels advantage to that point, with center fielder Connor Harrell's two-run homer providing the highlight. Can't say UNC's offense didn't have its chances, having left 15 on base.

Oakland Athletics first-round draft pick Sonny Gray didn't have his greatest outing, surrendering three earned runs, eight hits and five walks in four and two-thirds innings, but the Vanderbilt bullpen played an outstanding game. Corey Williams ably took over, posting two and two-thirds scoreless innings, with Will Clinard and Kevin Ziomek closing out the game in the ninth.

As few as two wins away from playing for the first revenue-sport national title in school history? How you feelin', Dores fans?

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills. Vandy fans, join Anchor Of Gold, and UNC fans, visit Carolina March.

Florida, Vanderbilt Start 2011 College World Series Play Worlds Apart

College World Series 2011 Odds Favor Florida, Vandy To Win

Odds for the 2011 College World Series aren't all that easy to find, but there are a few outlets willing to take your money over some NCAA baseball. BetUSA.com, for one, has a set of odds to win, with the five southeastern teams all given better chances to take the tourney than any of the three western schools. 

The Florida Gators come in with the best odds (5/2) of all despite a minor slipup against the Mississippi St. Bulldogs. Florida's been able to power out runs in bunches, but the Vanderbilt Commodores (3/1) might have just as good an argument for favored status.

Vandy's closest win of the tournament was by five runs over Belmont -- only the South Carolina Gamecocks (5/1) and North Carolina Tar Heels (11/2) have made it through the bracket without a loss, and both had at least one scare along the way. The Dores also boast the highest batting average and third-best ERA of all 2011 CWS teams. It might be easy for some to overlook them simply due to brand name.

Best pick, though? The Texas Longhorns (7/1). The Horns have the nation's second-best team ERA and third-best fielding percentage. Runs come at a premium for Texas, but anything can happen in low-scoring games. And The Valley Shook, for one, likes Texas to escape Bracket One and play for the title.

Florida: 5/2

Vanderbilt, Virginia: 3/1

South Carolina: 5/1

North Carolina: 11/2

Texas: 7/1

Texas A&M: 9/1

Cal: 11/1

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills. Florida fans should head to Alligator Army and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Gamecocks fans, join Garnet And Black Attack, and Vandy fans, join Anchor Of Gold.

Vanderbilt Baseball's CWS Run Could Be 'Dores Greatest Single Season In Any Sport, Ever

2011 College World Series Complete Bracket And TV Schedule, From Vandy-UNC On

The 2011 NCAA baseball championships finally reach TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska on Saturday, June 18. Click here for the entire 2011 College World Series bracket and schedule, complete with game times and TV channels.

Three SEC teams made the field, along with a pair each from the ACC and Big 12 and one from the Pac-10. This will actually be the last time we ever get to use the term Pac-10, so let's hope for a deep run by Cal baseball.

In Bracket 1 are the Vanderbilt Commodores, Florida Gators, North Carolina Tar Heels and Texas Longhorns, while Bracket 2 features the South Carolina Gamecocks, Virginia Cavaliers, California Golden Bears and Texas A&M Aggies.

SBNation.com will have coverage of each game, while clicking any of the linked team names above will take you to a dedicated team community and maybe a regional hub site too. SB Nation Atlanta will keep up with each SEC game, paying little-to-no attention to A&M-UVA matchups, bless their hearts.

This is the end of the 2010-11 college sports year, friends. After this, we have nothing but football recruiting rumors. Let's make it count.

College World Series TV schedule, Round 1:

Saturday, June 18:

Vanderbilt vs. UNC, 2, ESPN

Florida vs. Texas, 7, ESPN

Sunday, June 19:

Cal vs. Virginia, 2, ESPN

South Carolina vs. Texas A&M, 7, ESPN2

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills. Florida fans should head to Alligator Army and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Gamecocks fans, join Garnet And Black Attack, and Vandy fans, join Anchor Of Gold.

2011 College World Series: South Carolina, Florida, Vandy Await Final CWS Teams

Every 2011 NCAA baseball Super Regional that included a SEC team sent a SEC team to the College World Series, with the Florida Gators, Vanderbilt Commodores and South Carolina Gamecocks reaching Omaha. The Mississippi St. Bulldogs fell short of stealing their second-straight road series of the tournament, but they fell to Florida, so the conference came out all right.

A pair of Round 1 matchups are already set, with Vandy drawing UNC and Florida taking on Texas.

Vanderbilt's bats could do damage against the Heels, as the Dores boast the CWS' highest batting average and Carolina trots out the field's highest ERA. Florida's dependence on the long ball, which has only picked up as of late, will be an interesting factor against the team with the nation's second-best pitching.

Round 1 College World Series TV schedule:

Saturday, June 18:

Vanderbilt Commodores vs. North Carolina Tar Heels, 2, ESPN

Florida Gators vs. Texas Longhorns, 7, ESPN

Sunday, June 19:

California Golden Bears vs. Virginia Cavaliers or UC Irvine Anteaters, 2, ESPN

South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Florida St. Seminoles or Texas A&M Aggies, 7, ESPN2

Check here for complete 2011 CWS scores and schedules. For more SEC sports, join Team Speed Kills. Florida fans should head to Alligator Army and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Gamecocks fans, join Garnet And Black Attack, and Vandy fans, join Anchor Of Gold.

South Carolina Baseball: Amidst Debates Over Football Grandeur, Is This Their Real Rising Power?