The Connecticut Huskies built a 4-0 lead and never trailed in eliminating Coastal Carolina 12-6 from the NCAA Baseball Regional on Sunday afternoon at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson.
The Huskies John Andreoli hit the first pitch of the game down the left field line for a triple. He would score on an RBI groundout. UConn took a 2-0 lead in the first after a Tucker Frawley passed ball. UConn scored single runs in the second and third on a wild pitch and an RBI groundout.
Coastal got back in the game with a three run third inning. Following a wild pitch and a Tommy LaStella sacrifice fly, Dan Bowman's base hit to center scored Rich Witten to make it a 4-3 game.
The Huskies took control of the game with a three run sixth. Chants reliever Matt Laney delivered a bases loaded walk. Jordan Coons then came on in relief and gave up a two run double to Ryan Fuller to make it a 7-3 game.
UConn would pour on three more runs in the seventh and two more in the ninth. Coastal Carolina's season ends with a 42-20 record.
WPDE Sports Director Rich Chrampanis has his thoughts from Doug Kingsmore Stadium
This was a lot like 2009 when the Chants dominated Kansas on Friday in Chapel Hill, NC and then turned around and lost to top seeded UNC on Saturday night and had a big letdown against Kansas on Sunday. Josh Conway did not have his best stuff as CCU was fortunate to be down just 4-0 after 2 1/2 innings. Coming into the NCAA Regional, there was a lot of concern about CCU's offense, but it was their pitching that cost them in the end. Anthony Meo was fantastic on Friday, but after that, the Chants couldn't find that second arm to carry them deep into the weekend. The 2010 Chanticleers had the talent and ability to be a national championship caliber team. This 2011 edition of CCU was not at that level, but once again proved it is still a national power. It will be interesting to see if Coastal can keep their string of dominance in the Big South going and get some elite recruits and restock.
The 2011 Draft
In postgame, Gary Gilmore joked that his team could be reduced to intramural status depending on the MLB Amateur Draft which begins on Monday with the first round and goes through the next three days. Anthony Meo is expected to go in the first three rounds and is almost certain to not return for his senior season. Players like Dan Bowman, Rich Witten, Taylor Motter and Keith Hessler will get drafted and then decide if they will cash in or return to CCU for their senior season. Throw in a number of incoming freshmen who will likely get drafted and the 2012 Chanticleers success will likely be decided on who is on campus against who goes to the minors.
