CWS South Carolina vs. Clemson Game Two Open Thread

by Gamecock Man on Jun 26, 2025 9:04 AM EDT in Baseball

The Gamecocks take on Clemson tonight, with a chance to play in the College World Series Finals on the line. The winner will face the team that emerges from this afternoon's TCU-UCLA game.

After the win last night, something that a commenter said in one of the threads really hit home for me: whatever happens in this game tonight, you have to be very proud of the way this Carolina team has responded down the stretch. This is a team that a lot of us have come close to giving up on over the course of the year. A lot of us thought they wouldn't do much after losing series to East Carolina and Clemson early in the season. Over the course of our successful run in the SEC, a lot of us thought, despite the mounting wins, that the team wasn't built for success in the post-season because of hitting woes. A lot of us thought that our abortive attempts in the Florida series and the SEC Tournament proved that. Yet, the team has bounced back to being within a game of playing for the national title. Like all truly great teams, it's playing its best ball when it matters most. This is going to be a team that we're going to remember for a long time, and we should, with pride, savor each remaining game, starting with tonight's game against our rivals. In sum, Ray Tanner has yet again given us one of the best teams in baseball, a admirable team that's fun to root for.

Go 'Cocks.

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Comments

BTW...

I really wonder if it wouldn’t be a bad idea just to throw another lefty—or lefties by committee—at the Tigers tonight. What Roth did last night was incredible, but it wasn’t unprecedented—CU had like six lefties in the starting lineup last night and has had trouble against them all year.

Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog by and for Gamecocks Fans.

by Gamecock Man on Jun 26, 2025 9:06 AM EDT reply actions

wouldnt be a bad idea

but I expect Dyson or Brown will get the start (with their experience) to try and get us an early lead… after that, anything is possible; I wouldnt be surprised at all to see Webb make the trott out if we have the game in hand.

by Gamecockrock on Jun 26, 2025 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions

beautifully put

I have felt since the start of the season that this team COULD get here… but I never really expected it, its safe to say im in lala land right now with this team. I know defense wins championships, but with us not being able to win it all when we had the big thundersticks, I didnt expect us to make a hard challenge this year… although if you look at the stats for us in the CWS, the bats have really come alive; we now have 6 HR’s, and although our RISP% isnt that great still, we have capitalized on getting runs when we need them most (minus the first OU game). You take away that first OU game (which I now believe has to be chalked up in part to the weather), this team has been extraordinarily impressive.

by Gamecockrock on Jun 26, 2025 10:47 AM EDT reply actions

Absolutely. And you're def. right about our hitting...

It’s come alive in the post-season, and if we can just bring the runners around tonight, I like our chances a lot.

Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog by and for Gamecocks Fans.

by Gamecock Man on Jun 26, 2025 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Dyson didn't exactlyight it up against Clemson his first time,

although we did end up winning the game. He went 5.2 innings allowing 4 runs on 5 hits. He walked 2 and struck out 7. There is a case to be made that perhaps we should go with another arm. I don’t really know the answer about the pitching situation, but just like last night, I think if USC can get up on Clemson early they’ll play tight and implode.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 12:17 PM EDT reply actions

Agreed on all counts.

I think that we have better options than Dyson, and I also worry every time he takes the mound—sometimes he’s fantastic, and sometimes he implodes, usually within the first couple of innings when it happens.

You’re also right about Clemson. You could tell they were on the ropes with the tight batting and hatpile and whatnot. What we do in the opening innings is crucial here—they’ll implode if we get an early lead, but if not, we could be in trouble.

BTW, is Price available tonight? I’m forgetting if I read anything on that.

Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog by and for Gamecocks Fans.

by Gamecock Man on Jun 26, 2025 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I imagine he's available if we absolutely need him.

He did pitch 3 innings on Thursday and has been used extensively in CWS. Not everyone can do what Price did last night (in fact, almost no one can). So I think we need to have reasonable expectations about how many innings our hurlers can go. If at all possible, be need to rest Price today.

Also, he’s a guy that pitches purely on adrenaline. He’s a great closer, but I don’t think starting him would be the right move even if he were rested.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions

might we see

Belcher… as far as how our guys faired against the Tigers earlier in the season, none of them really pitched excellent, if memory serves correctly, Roth didnt have that great of an outing against them during the regular season.

by Gamecockrock on Jun 26, 2025 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Can I just say...

that Jozy Altidore needs to stop flopping? It’s disgraceful.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 4:20 PM EDT reply actions

Bocanegra with a piss-poor effort on the goal by Ghana in extra time.

The US’s defense has been truly terrible in the World Cup. Good ball by the Ghanan striker, but defended so poorly by Bocanegra. Here we go again…sigh…

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Gamecocks on the board early.

1-0 USC after 1 inning.

However, I was not happy with Adrian Morales’ effort on his strike out. What, are you too good to run to first? Come on, kid, this is the College World Series. Maximum effort.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 7:28 PM EDT reply actions

Like the way the first inning went with Dyson.

Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog by and for Gamecocks Fans.

by Gamecock Man on Jun 26, 2025 7:29 PM EDT reply actions

Good effort by JBJ to try to keep that runner from getting to 3rd.

Unfortunately, no Dyse.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 7:33 PM EDT reply actions

See what I did there?

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Long fly ball to center gets some help from the wind,

but JBJ hauls it in for the final out of the inning.

Whew. Clemson threatens, but, once again, no Dyse.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions

1-0 USC after two innings.

All three USC batters struck out in the second inning.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 7:41 PM EDT reply actions

What is with people talking about Clemson's pants?

Why did the announcer just say that they have unique long pants? What is going on?!?

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 7:50 PM EDT reply actions

Hard shot eats up Wingo.

Runners at the corners with 1 out.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 7:53 PM EDT reply actions

Next batter hits to Wingo.

Double play fails, 1 run scores.

Runner on 1st. 2 outs.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Dyson plunks the next batter.

Runners on 1st and 2nd.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Strike out to end the inning.

1-1 after 2.5 innings. The Tigers aren’t giving up yet.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Gamecocks fail to score in the 3rd.

Still 1-1.

We’re having good at-bats, though. Onward!

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 8:05 PM EDT reply actions

This Trevor kid seems like a giant douche.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 8:14 PM EDT reply actions

Aaaaand he wants Clemson to win.

Giant. Douche.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Christian Walker tags a solo shot to left field.

2-1 USC in the bottom of the 4th. No outs.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 8:17 PM EDT reply actions

Stupid bunt does not pay off for Gamecocks.

Dumb, dumb, dumb. It’s not like Adrian Morales is known for his speed.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Rocket-hard line drive to Merrifield out in right field.

1 out in the 5th.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 8:29 PM EDT reply actions

Merrifield triple.

JBJ HBP. Runners at the corners with two outs for Christian Walker.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 8:38 PM EDT reply actions

JBJ thrown out trying to seal second.

Bad decision. Hope that doesn’t come back to bite us in the ass.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Walker grounds out to 3rd to end the inning.

Had a good chance there. Too bad.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Close play at first ends the inning before the runner at third scores.

Still 2-1 after 5.5 innings.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 8:51 PM EDT reply actions

Game tied. Double play botched.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 9:09 PM EDT reply actions

Wingo not exactly having a great day defensively.

Although the effort is definitely there.

Price on for Dyson now with two outs in the 7th.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions

USC in some trouble here with runners at the corners and 2 outs.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Price strike out Parker to move to the bottom of the 7th.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Alright need some runs here.

Wingo starts off the inning with a noisy fly to center. 1 out.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 9:20 PM EDT reply actions

Let's make some history Whit Merrifield.

Only one player has ever hit for the cycle in the CWS. Now would be a good time to add to your HR total.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Merrifield strike out swinging.

Catcher claims Merrifield interfers, but it appears he’s just a whiny baby. Marzilli steals 2nd and then advances to 3rd once the ball escapes to the outfield. Let’s see if JBJ can deliver here. Prime opportunity.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Interesting...

Clemson walking JBJ for Walker.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Walker comes through with a base hit.

3-2 USC

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Morales comes though with a base hit.

4-2 USC

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Brady thomas comes though with a walk.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Kyle Enders gets my hopes up with a long fly out to right center.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Man, that one was 4 inches away from being a hit.

The wind really carried it.

4-2 ’Cocks after 7 innings.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Aaaand we're back to that stupid hat pyramid...

Clemson is so lame.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 9:42 PM EDT reply actions

What the hell was that?

Wingo and Merrifield collide in right field. F’ing talk out there. Why the hell did this happen two games in a row? Merrifield is still on the ground… not good. Clemson batter advances to 3rd.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 9:46 PM EDT reply actions

BTW,

how in the world do they score that a triple? Whit seems to be Ok, thank God. this puts us in on heck of a rough spot.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Bouncing ball to Wingo scores the run.

1 out. Wingo’s throw was almost too lazy to get the out. Snap out of it, kid!

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Wingo walks.

Atta boy.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 9:58 PM EDT reply actions

Merrifield hits into a double play to end the inning.

4-3 going into the 9th inning.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Price gets the first Clemson batter to strike out looking.

Clemson batter mouths “F***ing Bulls***.” You stay classy, Clemson.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 10:10 PM EDT reply actions

Second out is a grounder to Adrian Morales at 3rd.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Clemson batter takes advantage of an extra pitch to single to center.

On the previous pitch Marzilli tripped over one of the bullpen mounds while tracking down a foul ball for the final out.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Christian Walker snags a rocket shot to first for the final out of the game!

Bwahaha. Take that Clemson. Cry your f-bombing eyes out.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Clemson drops another F-bomb from the dugout.

Just a class program Leggett’s got there.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Congratulations on advancing to the College World Series finals.

The Gamecocks continue to represent the SEC well in Omaha, and you should be very proud of the fine season South Carolina has had . . . and continues to have.

Well done.

Go 'Dawgs!

by T Kyle King on Jun 26, 2025 10:16 PM EDT reply actions

Thank you, sir.

One thing you can say about the Gamecocks is that you always get your money’s worth when you watch them play - no matter the sport. Hopefully the Gamecocks will play smart baseball next week. UCLA’s ERA is somewhere around 3.01. That doesn’t bode well for my ’Cocks.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Hopefully yalls pitching stays strong.

AN except for that blooper in the outfield the defense for South Carolina has been exceptional.

by Jalakin on Jun 26, 2025 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions

True enough (about getting your money's worth, I mean).

Regardless of which way you were rooting, you definitely saw an exciting ballgame tonight.

The finals ought to be a pretty solid pitching exhibition on both sides.

Go 'Dawgs!

by T Kyle King on Jun 26, 2025 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Congrats South Carolina

Yall are making the SEC proud and keeping the ACC frustrated in the CWS.

by Jalakin on Jun 26, 2025 10:18 PM EDT reply actions

'preciate 'cha!

Feels good to carry the SEC banner instead of riding its coattails for once.

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 26, 2025 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Unlike some people I respect every team in the SEC

This is definitely a conference were any team can take the other in a game in almost any sport. And South Carolina has done a good job the past few years stepping up a little more in football, baseball, and even some in basketball. I hope yall have a good run in football this year and even take out Florida, because I would love to see yall make a statement there too. Plus my dad is a FSU alum so Im a little biased against Florida.

by Jalakin on Jun 26, 2025 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions