Despite loss, USC breaks records in 2012 CWS
Two outs, bases loaded, bottom of the ninth and the winning run at the plate.
However, for the first time in recent memory, the Gamecocks could not complete a rally to save their shot at a championship.
Arizona's two wins over the Gamecocks ended USC's run as the king of college baseball. The Wildcats defeated USC 5-1 on Sunday and 4-1 on Monday to claim the national title.
Arizona's pitching staff silenced the Gamecocks' bats as USC managed just two runs and nine hits in the two contests. The Wildcats, who arrived in Omaha as one of the hottest-hitting teams in the country, put up nine runs and 19 hits in their two victories.
For the second consecutive season, college baseball's national champion went undefeated in the NCAA tournament. South Carolina swept through the field in 2011 and Arizona duplicated that feat this year. The Gamecocks continued their remarkable postseason run, becoming the first team to compete for the national championship three consecutive years since Texas did it from 1983 to 1985.
USC's pitching staff was superb throughout the postseason, allowing one run or less in five tournament games. Senior Michael Roth closed out his historic career at the College World Series by claiming the records most career starts at the CWS (eight) and the most starts in the national championship series (three). Roth also set the record for most career innings pitched at the CWS, finishing with 60.1 career innings of work in Omaha.
Gamecock closer Matt Price made his 13th career appearance in Omaha in game two against Arizona, tying the CWS record. Price also owns the mark for most career victories at the CWS with five. Roth stands second all-time with four CWS wins. With a no-decision on Monday night, Roth ends his career without a single loss at the CWS. In three seasons, the Gamecocks only lost one game in Omaha that Roth started.
At the plate, first baseman Christian Walker tied a CWS record for most career hits with 28. Walker also tied the mark for most career at-bats at the College World Series with 73. Walker was issued eight bases on balls during the 2012 CWS, tying the record for most walks in a single tournament.
South Carolina finished the season with a record of 49-20, breaking their run of two consecutive years with 50 or more wins. USC has posted 40 or more victories for the past 13 seasons, a streak that started in 2000. The Gamecocks have made six trips to Omaha under Ray Tanner and have played for the national title four times, winning two championships.