SB Nation Arizona - Arizona Wildcats Are 2012 College World Series Champshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46593/arizona-fave.png2012-06-26T05:01:00-07:00http://arizona.sbnation.com/rss/stream/28129222012-06-26T05:01:00-07:002012-06-26T05:01:00-07:00Arizona Wildcats Complete Impeccable Run With College World Series Championship
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<p>Following their national championship victory on Monday night, Scott Coleman takes a look at what was an incredible run for the Wildcats in Omaha.</p> <p>No one really gave the Arizona Wildcats much of a chance heading into the 2012 College World Series. In the end, it was a blessing in disguise.</p>
<p>Arizona's offense was plenty good and featured quite a few big names, but many of the so-called experts felt a lot of the production was more a product of knowing how to hit in Hi-Corbett Field's unique playing parameters. How would the hitters adjust once they left the comforts of home?</p>
<p>There was no denying that UA had a bonafide ace atop their rotation with Kurt Heyer, but inconsistencies in the starting rotation and a very young bullpen left questions about the club. Would they be able to hold up under the pressures of college baseball's biggest stage?</p>
<p>Many around the country answered these questions with a resounding "no".</p>
<p>The Wildcats had a chance to clinch a Pac-12 championship in their final season of the year with in-state rival Arizona St., which they did by winning two out of three games. The team was thrilled to achieve a conference title, but they simply wanted more.</p>
<p>They refused to settle for less than that. And that's when Arizona embarked on one of the most impressive runs in College World Series history.</p>
<p>In what was believed to be a very difficult field of New Mexico St., Louisville, and a red-hot Missouri team for Regionals, Arizona breezed through three games by scoring upwards of 15 runs in each contest. The Wildcats were not fazed by any of the three opponents, seemingly hanging crooked numbers on the scoreboard at will.</p>
<p>Arizona then met with St. John's in the Super Regionals portion of the tournament, winning both games in dramatic fashion. The first game was a 10-inning thriller that saw UA win 7-6. The second was decided by a score of 7-4. While they were a bit more dramatizing than hoped for, the 'Cats grew up a lot in these games.</p>
<p>For as many talented players on the roster as their were, Arizona was going to need to become a true team if they hoped to survive the riggers of Omaha and the College World Series.</p>
<p>Call it a cliché, call it an over-used anecdote that resembled a Hollywood film. It was true.</p>
<p>In perfect form, the 'Cats began playing the unselfish type of baseball that is needed to win a title. Power hitters in the middle of the order -- guys who usually look to clobber the ball over the fence -- began executing sacrifice bunts to move runners into scoring position.</p>
<p>Despite going deep into games all season long, Arizona's dynamic duo of Heyer and Konner Wade pitched with no regard for the health of their arms. The two would toss more than 120 pitches on any given night throughout the tournament, saving a bullpen that manager Andy Lopez admittedly did not have a ton of confidence in.</p>
<p>These two starters led UA to victories over Florida State and UCLA, propelling the club to a showdown with the South Carolina Gamecocks. USC had won the previous two championships at the College World Series, and they appeared to be on yet another magical run this time around.</p>
<p>Following yet another masterful performance in game one of the series by Wade, Arizona turned to No. 3 starter James Farris under the bright lights. The young righty responded by tossing seven innings of one-run ball.</p>
<p>Farris had not pitched in a live game situation in nearly four weeks. It would have been easy for the sophomore to stay complacent as he sat on the bench for nearly a month, but Farris kept himself fresh and ready to go through bullpen sessions and individual workouts.</p>
<p>He ended up throwing the game of his life, leading his team to a championship.</p>
<p>You can't write something that good.</p>
<p>This club probably didn't have the sheer talent that deserved a championship, but they worked harder than anyone else. And when the opposition made a mistake, the Wildcats pounded on it.</p>
<p>Arizona ended their run with an 11-game winning streak, which was part of an improbable stretch of winning 18 of their final 20. UA never once trailed in the College World Series, becoming just the third team in history to do so. They allowed no more than three runs in any game played in Omaha.</p>
<p>Those are video game numbers, folks. And they were a reality for the Wildcats this past month.</p>
<p>The players didn't just win these games; they dominated them, from start to finish. And when the odds were stacked against the club throughout the year, they just kept battling back.</p>
<p>That's the sign of a great team. That's now the sign of the 2012 College World Series champions.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/6/26/3117890/2012-college-world-series-champions-arizona-wildcatsScott Coleman2012-06-25T20:23:05-07:002012-06-25T20:23:05-07:00Arizona Wins College World Series, Tops South Carolina 4-1
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<p>South Carolina's reign of terror over college baseball is now over!</p>
<p>Arizona scored three runs in the top of the 9th to break a 1-1 tie en route to a captivating victory over University of South Carolina for the 2012 national title. Mat Troupe got the win after loading the bases in the bottom of the ninth with one out to end the thrilling game.</p>
<p>South Carolina was vying for a three-peat as champions but Trent Gilbert's three RBIs helped snare the Wildcats first College World Series since 1986. James Farris pitched close to eight strong innings, giving up two hits and one run while striking out four. It wasn't until the Wildcats got to right handed ace Matt Price that reclaimed the lead.</p>
<p>The teams traded more outs than runs to create plenty of drama, but in the end the Wildcat machine that never trailed once throughout the entirety of the College World Series prevailed.</p>
<p><b><i>For more updates on the 2012 College World Series, keep up with this <a href="http://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/5/28/3048881/arizona-wildcats-college-world-series-tucson-regional" target="_blank">StoryStream</a>. To discuss Arizona Wildcats athletics head over to <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Desert Swarm</a>.</i></b></p>
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https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/6/25/3117653/arizona-wins-college-world-series-tops-south-carolina-4-1Peter Woodbrook2012-06-25T14:39:44-07:002012-06-25T14:39:44-07:00College World Series, Arizona vs. South Carolina: Wildcats Send James Farris To Mound For Game Two
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<p>The Arizona Wildcats are just a few hours away from what could be their final game of the season. Should the Wildcats win, it would be their fourth national championship in school history and their first since 1986. UA defeated South Carolina in the first game of the College World Series by a score of 5-1, and now they'll look to end the series on Monday night.</p>
<p>Many had wondered if manager Andy Lopez would go with ace Kurt Heyer on short rest this evening, but the team has elected to rest him in case a third game is required to determine a champion. Instead, Arizona will go with right-handed sophomore James Farris. <a href="http://azstarnet.com/sports/baseball/college/wildcats/arizona-wildcats-pick-starting-pitcher-for-tonight-s-college-world/article_1d1fc732-bed7-11e1-af2a-001a4bcf887a.html" target="_blank">Ryan Finley of the Arizona Daily Star</a> was the first to report the news.</p>
<p>Farris went 7-3 with an ERA of 4.18 in 16 starts this season. His most recent start, which came June 3 against Louisville, was a complete game effort in which he struck out seven batters. Farris is more than capable of tossing a great game on the mound, although he will need to control his emotions and adrenaline in the heat of Omaha. More than 22,000 fans are expected for the game.</p>
<p>First pitch for game two is set for 5:10 p.m. in Tucson. ESPN will have the broadcast.</p>
<p><b><i>For more updates on the 2012 College World Series, keep up with this <a target="_blank" href="http://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/5/28/3048881/arizona-wildcats-college-world-series-tucson-regional">StoryStream</a>. To discuss Arizona Wildcats athletics head over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/">Arizona Desert Swarm</a>.</i></b></p>
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https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/6/25/3117031/arizona-vs-south-carolina-2012-college-world-seriesScott Coleman2012-06-25T07:01:01-07:002012-06-25T07:01:01-07:00Arizona Vs. South Carolina, 2012 CWS: Wildcats Could Clinch National Title On Monday Night
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<p>The Arizona Wildcats met the South Carolina Gamecocks on Sunday night in the first game of the 2012 College World Series Championship Finals. The best-of-three series got off to a great start, as the Wildcats won by a final score of 5-1.</p>
<p>The Wildcats, who have not yet lost a game since arriving in Omaha, only need to win one more game in order to become the national champions. The Gamecocks have played their best baseball in elimination games during the tournament and will be the home team in Game 2, so Arizona should not assume that a two-game sweep is a foregone conclusion.</p>
<p>The second game of the Championship Finals will take place on Monday in Omaha at TD Ameritrade Park. First pitch will be at 5:00 p.m. PT and will be televised on ESPN.</p>
<p>A complete tournament bracket is available <a href="http://www.ncaa.com/brackets/baseball/d1">at the NCAA website</a>.</p>
<p><b><i>For more updates on the 2012 College World Series, keep up with this <a href="http://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/5/28/3048881/arizona-wildcats-college-world-series-tucson-regional" target="_blank">StoryStream</a>. To discuss Arizona Wildcats athletics head over to <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Desert Swarm</a>.</i></b></p>
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https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/6/25/3115427/south-carolina-vs-arizona-2012-college-world-seriesBill Hanstock2012-06-24T20:23:43-07:002012-06-24T20:23:43-07:00Arizona Vs. South Carolina, 2012 CWS: Wildcats Win 5-1, On The Threshold Of National Title
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<p>On Sundays, the best-of-three Championship Finals series kicked off in the 2012 College World Series in Omaha. The Arizona Wildcats played the home team against the South Carolina Gamecocks and continued their undefeated streak in the NCAA national title tournament. At the end of nine innings, Arizona had won by a final score of 5-1. Now one win is all that stands between the Wildcats and a national championship.</p>
<p>Arizona scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning on a home run by Robert Refsnyder, which was all the run support the Wildcats would end up needing. Starter Konner Wade had another spectacular complete game for Arizona, getting the win with just one run allowed on six hits and one walk.</p>
<p>A complete tournament bracket is available <a href="http://www.ncaa.com/brackets/baseball/d1">at the NCAA website</a>.</p>
<p><b><i>For more updates on the 2012 College World Series, keep up with this <a target="_blank" href="http://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/5/28/3048881/arizona-wildcats-college-world-series-tucson-regional">StoryStream</a>. To discuss Arizona Wildcats athletics head over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/">Arizona Desert Swarm</a>.</i></b></p>
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https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/6/24/3115428/south-carolina-vs-arizona-2012-college-world-series-scoreBill Hanstock2012-06-24T08:00:19-07:002012-06-24T08:00:19-07:00Arizona Vs. South Carolina, 2012 CWS: Championship Round Game 1 Preview
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<p>After defeating the Arkansas Razorbacks, South Carolina is set to take on the Arizona Wildcats for the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship. The Gamecocks (49-18) and the Wildcats (46-17) will face off in the first game of their best of 3 series starting today (Sunday). </p>
<p>Unlike the normal bracket play, the championship series winner is determined by a best of three format. ESPN 2 will televise the first game, with first pitch scheduled to be thrown at 8pm ET (5pm PT). You can also watch the game online at ESPN3.com. </p>
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https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/6/24/3114094/south-carolina-vs-arizona-2012-college-world-seriesTyler Nickel2012-06-23T05:00:29-07:002012-06-23T05:00:29-07:00College World Series 2012 Bracket: The Arizona Wildcats Meet South Carolina For The Championship
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<p>The Arizona Wildcats already clinched their berth into the Championship Finals of the 2012 College World Series, but on Friday night, they discovered who will be their final opponents in Omaha as they vie for a national title. The South Carolina Gamecocks knocked off the Arkansas Razorbacks on Friday by a final of 3-2 to advance to the finals.</p>
<p>South Carolina's win over Arkansas on Friday caps off a thrilling run of three straight do-or-die wins for the resilient Gamecocks. The Wildcats will be hoping their resilience has limits as the two teams meet up starting on Sunday for a best two-of-three series to determine a national NCAA champion.</p>
<p>The first game of the finals will take place on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. PT and will be televised on ESPN 2.</p>
<p>A complete tournament bracket is available <a href="http://www.ncaa.com/brackets/baseball/d1">at the NCAA website</a>.</p>
<p><b><i>For more updates on the 2012 College World Series, keep up with this <a target="_blank" href="http://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/5/28/3048881/arizona-wildcats-college-world-series-tucson-regional">StoryStream</a>. To discuss Arizona Wildcats athletics head over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/">Arizona Desert Swarm</a>.</i></b></p>
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https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/6/23/3112208/2012-cws-bracketBill Hanstock2012-06-22T05:00:46-07:002012-06-22T05:00:46-07:00College World Series 2012: Arizona Awaits Winner Of Arkansas And South Carolina
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<p>The Arizona Wildcats advanced to the College World Series Championship Finals on Thursday after beating the Florida State Seminoles 10-3, winning their third consecutive game in Omaha. Arizona awaits the winner of Arkansas and South Carolina — a game that will be decided on Friday evening at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can tune in on ESPN to follow the action.</p>
<p>The best of three championship series begins on Sunday, 8 p.m. ET at Omaha and will be televised on ESPN2. Game two takes place on Monday at 8 pm. ET, televised on ESPN. If necessary, game three will take place on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.</p>
<p>Arizona's appearance in the <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/2012/6/21/3109143/college-world-series-2012-arizona-blasts-florida-state-reaches-first" target="_blank">College World Series Finals is their first since 1986</a>. Watch postgame interviews by the Arizona Wildcats athletic department <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwyUEBY555w">here.</a></p>
<p>Here is some reaction from Twitter after the Wildcats' victory over the Seminoles on Thursday:</p>
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<p>Your Arizona Wildcats are headed to the <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523CWS">#CWS</a> National Championship series. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523BearDown">#BearDown</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523WinInOmaha">#WinInOmaha</a></p>
— Arizona Athletics (@AZATHLETICS) <a href="https://twitter.com/AZATHLETICS/status/215966688049504256" data-datetime="2012-06-22T00:37:25+00:00">June 22, 2012</a>
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<p>Our shout-out goes to @<a href="https://twitter.com/UofA">UofA</a> baseball. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523ArizonaWildcats">#ArizonaWildcats</a> are heading to the College World Series finals<a title="http://bit.ly/LK7vqi" href="http://t.co/0lqyK6F8">bit.ly/LK7vqi</a></p>
— azcentral (@azcentral) <a data-datetime="2012-06-22T02:39:31+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/azcentral/status/215997414669164544">June 22, 2012</a>
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<p>Congrats to @<a href="https://twitter.com/UofA">UofA</a> baseball heading to the College World Series finals! <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523BearDown">#BearDown</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523ArizonaWildcats">#ArizonaWildcats</a>!</p>
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) <a data-datetime="2012-06-22T01:19:37+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/SenJohnMcCain/status/215977309553958912">June 22, 2012</a>
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<p><b><i>For updates leading up to Sunday's game, keep up with this <a target="_blank" href="http://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/5/28/3048881/arizona-wildcats-college-world-series-tucson-regional">StoryStream</a>. To discuss Arizona Wildcats athletics head over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/">Arizona Desert Swarm</a>.</i></b></p>
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https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/6/22/3109496/cws-2012-schedule-arizona-wildcats-arkansas-south-carolinaKevin Cacabelos