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.