June 15, 2003
Omaha, Neb. –
* Sunday’s elimination game between South Carolina and LSU reminded some of a heavyweight fight. The Gamecocks jumped out to an early 6-0 lead, only to have LSU come roaring back to tie the game and eventually grab a 10-7 lead. Carolina rallied with a three-spot in the eighth inning and Matt Campbell was nearly flawless in relief as he picked up the victory.
* Campbell had 13 ground ball outs during his stint on the mound. The sophomore lefthander from Simpsonville, S.C., allowed just two hits and one unearned run over 5 1/3 innings. His victory was sweet for his parents, Laura and Jim Campbell. “Matthew won the Sunday game on Mother’s Day at Alabama and he won today’s game against LSU on Father’s Day,” said his mother, Laura. “As the parents of a ball player, what more could you ask for.”
* Ray Tanner said that even though his team scored six runs in their first at bat, he knew the Tigers would come back. “They are an outstanding team,” said Tanner. “They really swung the bats well in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th innings.”
* Every regular in the USC starting lineup had at least one hit, including a pair of hits by freshman right fielder Steven Tolleson. When asked about his first experience in the College World Series, the rookie from Spartanburg was matter of fact. “This is the best,” said Tolleson. “To have the opportunity to play on this stage my freshman year is almost too good to be true.” Tolleson is the son of former major leaguer Wayne Tolleson, who made the trip to Omaha along with his wife, Kim.
* Second baseman Kevin Melillo cracked his 12th home run of the season, an opposite field shot in the seventh inning. Melillo was feeling ill after the game and had some chicken soup brought up to his room by his mother, Joanne.
* Catcher Landon Powell spent a few minutes signing autographs for a group of about a dozen young boys outside Rosenblatt Stadium once he had completed his media interviews. “I can remember being this young and dreaming of playing in the College World Series,” said Powell. “This was an unreal game today.”
* The Gamecocks, who play the loser of tonight’s Stanford-Cal State Fullerton game on Tuesday, will practice at Creighton University Monday at 2:30 p.m. (eastern time).
