Tag Archives: Matt Price
Arizona coach Andy Lopez shared a handshake and a hug with South Carolina’s Ray Tanner after his team clinched a national title Monday. Soon after, Lopez was gushing, at every opportunity, about the Gamecocks in media interviews.
Sincere words from Lopez, too. He called Michael Roth a “legend.” And SC’s closer, Matt Price? “My God,” Lopez said, rendered speechless.
Not that the Wildcats needed any validation for what they accomplished this year — they just won a CWS title! — but taking down the two-time defending champs along the way adds some significance to the moment for Lopez and his players.
They knocked off South Carolina in the same (seemingly magical) fashion that the Gamecocks won the past two championships — timely hitting, efficient defense …
Read more »
South Carolina starting pitcher Michael Roth has thrown his final pitch in the College World Series.
The senior left-hander knew it was over, too. He’d just been visited by pitching coach Jerry Meyers. He almost got out of the inning on a double play, but he couldn’t squeeze a throw from shortstop Joey Pankake while covering first.
So Meyers came out for a mound visit, again. Roth’s day was done. The veteran ace stayed on the field until reliever Matt Price reached the mound. Roth gave the baseball to Price, then walked off the field to a standing ovation from most of the near-capacity crowd.
Roth pitched 6 2/3 innings Monday, allowing one run and three hits. He left with runners on first and third …
Read more »
By no means can you discount what the Wildcats have proven over the past few weeks. They’ve earned the right to be one game away from a CWS title.
Arizona’s perfect in the postseason, winning its last 10 games — including the first in a best-of-three series against South Carolina Sunday night. In NCAA tournament play, the Wildcats won two games against the Big East co-champions (Louisville and St. John’s) and the ACC champ (Florida State). They’ve also defeated UCLA, who they shared the Pac-12 title with this year.
Nice resume. But it’s missing something.
One more win. And it will not come easy Monday. It’s going to take one extra special effort to take down South Carolina on a night in Omaha when senior …
Read more »
The reign of South Carolina’s college baseball dynasty will last at least a few more days, extended once again by a familiar formula.
The Gamecocks weren’t flashy offensively against Arkansas Friday night, but they managed to manufacture just enough runs to capitalize on remarkable efforts by their gritty pitching. They battled back from an early deficit and closed the door late, advancing with a 3-2 win over the Razorbacks.
Doing just enough to win. Again and again. That’s the SC way.
Coach Ray Tanner isn’t quite sure how to explain it. He’s had plenty of talent on his championship teams, yes. A little luck, too. But mostly, his players simply know how to battle, maintaining a sense of resiliency throughout.
Said Tanner: “You try not …
Read more »
Who else would the Gamecocks rely on for a shot at a CWS title? Matt Price, the veteran right-handed closer, is on the mound now, hoping to keep his team’s season alive.
Price entered to begin the seventh inning. It’s 2-2 now as we head to the bottom half of that frame.
Actually it’s somewhat surprising that coach Ray Tanner didn’t turn to Price a little earlier.
Why? Price, in 11 CWS appearances, is 4-0 with six saves. His ERA is 0.42! He’s struck out 28 batters (walked seven) over 21 2/3 innings. Quite remarkable, really. (Also, a shoutout to junior Tyler Webb for four scoreless innings of work to keep Arkansas from pulling away Friday).
Arkansas has plenty of talent to counter with, though.…
Read more »
