OMAHA, Neb., Sporting Alert – UC Santa Barbara became the third team to be eliminated from the College World Series on Wednesday after losing to Arizona at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska.
The Gauchos’ (43-20-1) historic run at the NCAA World Series came to a close on Wednesday evening, after a 3-0 loss to the Wildcats (46-22) in an elimination contest in Bracket 1.
Defeat sees UC Santa Barbara, which had previously knocked out No. 3 seed Miami (FL) earlier at the CWS and defeated No. 2 seed Louisville in the Super Regionals, joining No. 1 seed Florida and the Hurricanes as the teams already eliminated from the tournament.
On Wednesday, despite having six hits, UC Santa Barbara failed to score a run, while Arizona had eight hits and scored all three of its runs in the third inning.
The Gauchos finished 1-2 in the series and went 6-2 in this year’s NCAA tournaments, including a 3-0 record in the Nashville Regional and a 2-0 mark in the Louisville Super Regional.
That run left head coach Andrew Checketts emotionally proud.
VERY PROUD COACH
“I promised myself I wouldn’t get emotional,” said UCSB head coach Andrew Checketts. “But for these kids to get us here, to get this opportunity for our program, it’s unique.
“At the end of the game all I could do was thank them for their effort, hard work, commitment, thank them for representing our university the right way, thank them for playing hard.”
For the Wildcats, Jared Oliva delivered a two-run homer and JC Cloney, making his first appearance since June 5 at the Louisiana Regional, and Cameron Ming, impressing on the mound to help setup the victory.
The win on Wednesday win improves the Wildcats to 4-0 in elimination games this postseason, while earning a rematch with Oklahoma State on Friday.
They also improved their all-time record against UC Santa Barbara to 18-8.
“As far as tonight, what an effort,” said Arizona head coach Jay Johnson. “And it starts with these three guys right here.
“JC was outstanding. We’re not in the College World Series without him. We’re not in the NCAA Tournament without him. The quality wins that he has had this year have been special.
“And I don’t think we’ve had a performance that good all year that he gave us tonight.”
Wednesday, June 22
Arizona 3, UC Santa Barbara 0 – Box Score | Press Conference
UC Santa Barbara eliminated from College World Series
Upcoming College World Series Schedule
Friday, June 24
3 p.m. on ESPN2: Oklahoma State vs. Arizona (Game 11)
Teams Eliminated From College World Series
Florida eliminated from College World Series
UC Santa Barbara eliminated from College World Series
Miami eliminated from College World Series
