Ahhh, it feels good to be back. ( via www.eartunes.com)

View full size photo »

Welcome to Omaha, Gamecock fans!

First off, let me apologize for not posting since our rousing victory over Coastal Carolina to put us on our way to Omaha. You see, I was on my way to Atlanta to begin training for a new job. I just got back home tonight, so I'll do my best to offer you up some information before the start of Sunday's game.

South Carolina has a great opportunity to win the CWS, so don't think for one second that the Gamecocks are just happy to be there. Last week they proved their worth by dispatching Coastal Carolina in consecutive games (The Chanticleers aren't the only team that can claim an undefeated season in the Big South). The only teams in Omaha with more losses than Oklahoma (16) are Clemson (23) and Florida St (19).

As of May 30 Oklahoma (18) sat right behind South Carolina (17) in the NCAA RPI. The Sooners boast a .312 team batting average, a 3.79 ERA and a .257 batting average against. For comparison, South Carolina's current team batting average is .302, ERA is 3.61, and batting average against is .230. If the old adage that good pitching always beats good hitting, then Carolina stands a pretty good chance of beating the Sooners.

The Oklahoma lineup is led by Garrett Buechele, who is hitting .371 with 16 HRs and a .452 on base percentage. Their pitching staff is led by Bobby Shore (10-4, 3.86 ERA). 

Hopefully I'll be around during tomorrow's open-thread to throw out some more analysis. I like our chances in this game. Unlike Clemson, we got a relatively easy draw. Let's hope the Gamecocks can take care of business tomorrow afternoon.

Go 'Cocks!