Black wins in three games

By Catherine Crane

Published Oct. 24, 2006

Even though the Fall College World Series doesn't have the same importance as the current Cardinals-Tigers matchup, coach Tim Jamieson still sees the value in having the Black and Gold baseball teams square off.

"It's an opportunity to practice, learn more about the game and create a depth chart and find out what you have to work on."

The Fall College World Series was this weekend and though it was a cold weekend, the Tigers' bats were hot. The first two games of the series were both high-scoring affairs, with the Gold Team taking the first game, 13-2 and the Black team winning the second game 12-2. The final game of the series was a closer battle, and the Black team won 7-2, taking the series.

The biggest thing Jamieson saw the need to work on wasn't on the field, but in his players on the bench.

"We have so many guys hurt this fall," Jamieson said.

The list of players who are playing below full strength include Jacob Priday, who had shoulder surgery this summer, limiting his time in the series, and Stephen Holst, who had Tommy John surgery and was unable to play.

Other players are also nicked up. Lee Fisher, a shortstop, was having trouble throwing but was still able to play in the series.

Ian Berger made his first appearance in the final game of the series, pitching a scoreless sixth inning. Ryan Gargano, a pitcher, is also hurt and didn't see any time. Jamieson said about 10 players on his roster are injured right now.

With these players injured, it greatly limits their playing time, which makes it hard to tell who will be starting in the spring. Jamieson sees the injuries as one of the team's biggest obstacles at this point and wants to see everyone out on the field. Until then, the roster won't be set.

Several freshmen have impressed Jamieson with their play in the series and at practice, such as Kyle Gibson, Trevor Coleman, Greg Folgia, Aaron Senne, Ryan Allen and Sean Finley.

Coleman, a catcher, garnered plenty of playing time in the series, and was excited to be playing in his first college games.

"It's exciting; I like it," Coleman said. "It's something I want to have a lot of success doing."

The first two games of the series were both dominated by the Tigers' bats, with each team taking one game.

However, the final game proved to be a pitchers' duel, with Gibson making the start for the Gold team and John Thies for the Black team.

Both Gibson and Thies gave up two runs, but the Black Team used its superior bullpen to pull out a win, scoring five runs in the last three innings of play.

Gibson, who started the final game and pitched an inning of relief in game one, was pleased with his performance in his first college games.

"I'm really happy," Gibson said. "I had a little hiccup; Allen hit a good pitch. I was being a little too timid in the first couple of innings, but then I turned it around, and the guys weren't able to get as aggressive swings off of me."

The cold didn't seem to be a problem for Gibson.

"Sitting in the dugout was the hardest part," Gibson said. "A lot of it is mental, going out there and telling yourself to get after hitters and have a quick inning."