South Carolina Gamecocks: Best firework finishes since joining the SEC
By Jacob Elsey
5. WINGO’S CWS PERFORMANCE VS. FLORIDA
The 2011 College World Series produced one of the greatest games in Gamecock baseball history. South Carolina was looking for its second straight national title, while the Gators were looking to play spoiler.
Florida led 1-0 entering the eighth, but the Gamecocks would tie it up in the top half of the inning. Florida would have multiple chances to win in the bottom of the ninth, loading the bases with nobody out.
Second baseman Scott Wingo took over at that moment. First, he made a diving stop, throwing out a runner at the plate to keep the bases loaded and the game tied. The next batter again grounded to Wingo, who turned an inning-ending double play.
In the 10th, with a runner on second, the Gators threatened to score again as Mike Zunino hit what looked to be a game-winning RBI single into left field. Gamecock outfielder Robert Beary would field the line drive and throw the potential winning run out at home plate, keeping Gamecock hopes alive.
South Carolina took the lead in the 11th on back-to-back Gator miscues, and Matt Price shut the Florida offense down in the bottom half of the inning to give the Gamecocks a 2-1 win. They’d go on to take the second game 5-2, securing another national title.