Coastal Carolina Triumphs Over Arizona in College World Series Opener
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Coastal Carolina achieved a thrilling 7-4 victory against Arizona in their opening game of the College World Series on Friday. This win marks the Chanticleers’ return to Omaha for the first time since their 2016 championship victory over the Wildcats, extending their current winning streak to an impressive 24 games.
After both teams were tied 4-4, Coastal Carolina broke the deadlock in the eighth inning. Reliever Garrett Hicks had initially retired the first two batters, but things took a turn when Wells Sykes hit a double just inside the right-field line. Caden Bodine was intentionally walked, setting the stage for Sebastian Alexander to knock in the go-ahead run. Arizona’s closer, Tony Pluta, followed by allowing Blake Barthol to drive in two more runs with a double, solidifying Coastal’s lead.
In the ninth inning, Arizona posed a significant threat with runners on the corners and no outs. However, Chanticleers’ pitcher Dominick Carbone showed incredible composure, striking out a pinch-hitter and inducing a game-ending double play to secure the win.
Coastal Carolina, hailing from the Sun Belt Conference and arriving with both the most wins and longest winning streak in College World Series history, dominated with a total of 14 hits against four Wildcat pitchers. Notably, Blagen Pado, who had struggled earlier this season, shone with a 2-for-4 performance, enhancing his postseason stats to an impressive .476 batting average over six tournament games.
Arizona’s Mason White contributed to the game with his 20th home run of the season, while the Wildcats must regroup quickly as they prepare to face the loser of the Louisville-Oregon State matchup on Sunday. Coastal Carolina will face the winner of that game next.
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