The 2011 College World Series' Columbia Regional might've opened with a pair of surprises if not for a strong seven-inning, two-hit performance by South Carolina Gamecocks starter Matthew Roth. The Georgia Southern Eagles fell 2-1 to the defending champs, but the Atlantic Sun's Stetson Hatters sent the N.C. State Wolfpack to the loser's bracket with an 8-7 extra-innings victory, capped by a walk-off base hit from catcher Nick Rickles.
Round 2's marquee matchup: the Hatters and Cocks! Sports are so weird! For the Eagles, it's make or break time, as a loss on Saturday would end their 2011 season. If they can outlast the Pack, they'll get the loser of Stetson-Carolina on Sunday.
The complete Columbia region bracket and schedule:
Game 1: Stetson def. N.C. State, 8-7
Game 2. South Carolina def. Georgia Southern, 2-1
Game 3: Georgia Southern vs. N.C. State, June 4 at 1 pm ET
Game 4: South Carolina vs. Stetson, June 4 at 7 pm ET
Game 5: Game 4 loser vs. Game 3 winner, June 5 at 1 pm ET
Game 6: Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, June 5 at 7 pm ET
Game 7, if necessary: Whoever remains standing, June 6 at 7 pm ET
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