BC One Win Away From 1st Trip To College World Series In Nearly 50 Years
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Boston College is one win away from its first trip to the College World Series in 49 years.
Junior right-hander Mike King was drafted by the Miami Marlins and earned Boston College's first-ever Super Regional win all in the same day as the Eagles defeated the Miami Hurricanes 5-3 on Saturday.
The teams will play the deciding game of the best-of-three series on Sunday. The winner advances to the CWS in Omaha, Nebraska.
"Mike was great today against a lineup that is so good," Boston College coach Mike Gambino said of King. "He made a mistake to (Miami catcher and first-round pick Zack) Collins. And Collins did what he does with mistakes — he put it off the garage (for a solo homer)."
The Eagles, though, overcame the homer for their first win at Mark Light Field since 2010. The Eagles are 2-14 here all-time.
King (8-4), who allowed nine hits, four walks and three runs in six innings, was drafted in the 12th round at the same time he was helping the Eagles (35-21) avoid elimination against No. 3 national seed Miami (49-12).
The Hurricanes, who have won four national titles, most recently in 2001, will be trying to make its second straight CWS appearance.
Saturday's game was postponed after the eighth inning for nearly three hours (2:55) due to lightning.
After the rain delay, Bobby Skogsbergh came in and earned his fourth save, pitching a scoreless ninth that lasted just seven minutes.
Sunday's probable starters are BC freshman right-hander Jacob Stevens (4-3, 2.14) and Miami sophomore right-hander Jesse Lepore (9-0, 2.20).
However, it's possible Lepore, who left last Sunday's start after just three innings due to shoulder tightness, may not be able to pitch.
No matter who pitches, though, Miami right fielder Willie Abreu said his team is confident.
"Our team is loose," he said. "We know we lost a game, and we're upset about that. But you know what? We've got to get over that, and our emotions are good."
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