June 16, 2006

College World Series Capsules

College World Series Schedule and Recaps

Tar Heels score twice in 13th for victory over Titans

In Omaha, Neb., Josh Horton singled in the go-ahead run, and Tim Federowicz added an insurance run as North Carolina scored twice in the top of the 13th inning Friday night to knock off Cal State Fullerton 7-5 at the College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium. The game checked in at 4 hours and 53 minutes, making it the second-longest game in CWS history.

The Tar Heels, extremely fortunate to even get to bat in the 12th, didn't miss their chance in the 13th. Mike Cavasinni singled off Fullerton's No. 2 starter, Lauren Gagnier, who came on in relief. Reid Fronk then singled off second baseman Justin Turner on a bunt-slash hit and run to put runners on the corners. Horton followed with a RBI single, and Federowicz added another run later in the inning for UNC (51-13).

The Titans (48-14) missed several opportunities, none bigger than the 11th. Fullerton had men on first and third with one out, but Matt Danford (7-1) picked Cory Vanderhook off third base to seemingly end the threat. Brett Pill reached on a third-strike wild pitch, and Danny Dorn was walked to load the bases. Danford got David Cooper to fly to right, where Seth Williams battled a nasty wind and lunged forward to make the grab.

An expected showdown between Carolina's Andrew Miller and Fullerton's Wes Roemer turned into a high-scoring affair early, as the Titans led 5-4 after three innings. Miller allowed a solo homer to Evan McArthur and a three-run blast to Brandon Tripp after allowing only one homer all season.

Reid Fronk and Benji Johnson homered off Roemer as the Heels took a 4-1 lead.

But both pitchers settled down and worked deep into the game. Miller left with one out in the eighth, while Roemer tossed eight complete.

The win puts North Carolina into a matchup with ACC foe Clemson Sunday in the first game between the teams this season. Fullerton, which had its 12-game winning streak snapped, meets Georgia Tech in an elimination game Sunday.