OMAHA, Neb. — The Arizona Wildcats’ first College World Series game since 2004 was a showcase of styles and a battle of wills.
When the UA blew a two-run lead in the sixth inning and the game crawled into midnight, the club’s chances of winning shrunk, then seemingly shriveled.
But then Arizona catcher Riley Moore threw out the potential tying run and Mat Troupe picked off a baserunner. And then Joey Rickard doubled, and then Johnny Field — 0 for 5 at the plate — did the same, and the UA found itself in a familiar position.
The Wildcats scored in the 12th inning and held on to defeat Florida State 4-3 late tonight at TD Ameritrade Park. With the win, the Wildcats (44-17) advance to play UCLA Sunday night at 6 in the winner’s bracket. The Bruins routed Stony Brook 9-1 in Game 1.
Friday’s finish was stunning given the UA’s MO — starting pitching and defense — through the first two weeks of the postseason. Third baseman Seth Mejias-Brean committed a critical throwing error in the bottom of the sixth, leading to two Florida State runs and forging a tie.
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The late FSU rally reuined a stellar performance for UA starter Kurt Heyer, who simply ran out of pitches toward the end of another lengthy outing.
The right-handed ace went 7 2/3 innings, allowing three runs — only one of which was earned — on six hits. He struck out eight and walked three while throwing 128 pitches, 81 for strikes.
Read more in tomorrow's Arizona Daily Star.
