A slow offensive weekend ended South Carolina’s season as Oklahoma State swept South Carolina in the Super Regionals, winning Sunday’s contest 3-1.
The bats couldn’t connect on Sunday, as the Gamecocks had nine hits but could not capitalize on opportunities. Three times the Gamecocks had runners on first and second with one out, but continued to leave guys on, leaving nine total on during the game. South Carolina scored just two runs over two days in this series, and that isn’t the way to make it back to Omaha.
“In a super regional game it’s going to be difficult to score,” senior infielder D.C. Arendas said. “We just couldn’t get the big hits in the few opportunities we had.”
Clarke Schmidt pitched well but couldn’t get any bats behind him. He worked out of multiple jams to help keep the game scoreless until the fifth. Even when Oklahoma State scored their three in the fifth, Schmidt got no help on defense which is what caused the runs to score.
Oklahoma State pitchers continued to stun the Gamecocks as starter Tyler Buffett blanked the hitters over seven innings. He gave up seven hits but had good defense behind him to keep the Gamecocks scoreless until the eighth.
The Gamecocks tried to rally in the eighth, having a familiar story as they had all afternoon. Gene Cone walked and T.J. Hopkins singled to put runners at first and second with no outs. Dom Thompson-Williams hit a fly to center, but Cone moved to the corner. A wild pitch while Alex Destino was batting scored Cone, but that was the only run they could muster. Destino grounded out and John Jones flied out to end the inning.
South Carolina again tried to rally in the ninth with their season on the line. Arendas worked a two-out walk, and then Mooney followed with a single. Cone went up hoping to make a difference, but lined one too short and that was the end.
Oklahoma State was a tough opponent in both games; they have strong pitching and timely hitting that got them to their first College World Series since 1999.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my team.” Holbrook said as he choked up at the post-game press conference. “I’ve been coaching for 20-some years, and I don’t know if I’ve enjoyed a team more than this one … they’ll always be one of my favorite teams.”
After failing to make the NCAA tournament in 2015, this season was a huge comeback; finishing atop the SEC East, winning 46 games, winning the Columbia regional and getting the chance to host a super regional. South Carolina can have a chance to make it back next year; only three seniors leaving and four players selected in the MLB draft will not be that big of a loss. Additionally, they have another good recruiting class and pitcher Wil Crowe returning from Tommy John recovery.
“Playing with this group of guys, I don’t think I’ve ever played with a team as fun as this one,” sophomore pitcher Clarke Schmidt said. “I can guarantee we’ll be back next year. I think we’re going to Omaha next year; we’re just scratching the surface at what we can do and it’s just the beginning.”
The 2016 season is over, but it was a good ride and the Gamecocks have a lot to look forward to in 2017.