Who should Gamecock baseball fans watch today?
By Rixon Lane
We are one day into the 2014 NCAA baseball tournament and things have already gotten crazy.
Three national seeds are facing elimination, one team advanced on a walk-off hit by pitch and the last team in the field got its teeth kicked in.
South Carolina and Maryland aren’t set to square off until 7 p.m. tonight, so here are the match-ups that Gamecock fans might want to keep their eyes on today.
Florida vs. North Carolina (1 p.m.)
Why Gamecock fans should care: Because Florida is on South Carolina’s side of the bracket and the Gators and Gamecocks would wind up facing each other if both advanced to Omaha. If North Carolina wins this afternoon’s elimination game, Florida is 0-2 and barbecue in the tournament.
Louisiana-Lafayette vs. San Diego State (2 p.m.)
Why Gamecock fans should care: Because the Ragin’ Cajuns are another national seed on South Carolina’s side of the bracket that is facing elimination. Louisiana-Lafayette was one of the hottest teams in the nation all throughout the year and the Aztecs could end the dream season this afternoon.
Jacksonville State vs. Ole Miss (6 p.m.)
Why Gamecock fans should care: Because inclement weather in Oxford pushed back the game between the Rebels and (other) Gamecocks. No non-national seed regional host has lost its first game in the tournament, but South Carolina would love to not have to deal with Ole Miss down the road.
Long Beach State vs. College of Charleston (7 p.m.)
Why Gamecock fans should care: Because former Gamecock assistant Monte Lee is the head coach at College of Charleston and his Cougars sent Florida to the losers’ bracket last night. It’s always fun when a #4 seed springs an upset, but it’s even more fun when the upset benefits your team.
Arkansas vs. Virginia (8 p.m.)
Why Gamecock fans should care: Because the winner of the Columbia Regional faces the winner of the Charlottesville Regional and South Carolina stays home if Virginia doesn’t advance. Arkansas is a tough team, but the Gamecocks would obviously prefer to stay in Columbia for a super regional.