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%\\z (5amecock . Sean Rayford The Gamecock The Gamecocks went on to win the regional, defeating Wake Forest 6-1 on Saturday and 8-4 on Sunday. USC lost to Louisiana Lafayette in the Super Regional. Ragin' Cajun pitching ends USC run by Jeff Romig The Gamecock Richmond Coppin State. Navy. These names conjure up the same feelings for die-hard Gamecock fans - heartbreak Only this time it was different. It was a different sport, and it was a different situation. To USC fans, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette couldn’t possibly beat the No. 1 Game cocks because they hadn’t heard of them. The truth was, UL-L came into Saige Frye and took the Super Regional from the Gamecocks, not just because they had-a good day, but be cause on this weekend, they had a better pitching staff. “They did a tremendous job the last two days after losing the Friday night game,” USC Coach Ray Tanner said after Sunday's 3-2 loss. “It was a great effort by them. They made some great pitches, they made some great plays, and they get the opportunity to keep playing.” TTie Gamecocks won’t get the chance to make the trip to Omaha, but it wasn’t because of a lack of pitching on Sunday. “We got a courageous effort out of Scott Bar ber,” Tanner said. “He put us in the situation that we could have won the game, but we were not able to cOme up with the big hit today.” The Gamecocks threatened in the top of the ninth when Tripp Kelly led off with a double to left. With no one out and a man on second, the Gamecocks were in a familiar position. “Wfe’ve been there many times this year,” Tan ner said “I felt like we kept getting in that situa tion, and I kept thinking, just like our whole dugout did that we were getting ready to get a big one.” The big hit, however, did not come, despite Tanner making moves to ensure that it did “I thought (the pinch-hitters) were the right situations, and they didn’t come through,” Tanner said. “That’s part of baseball. You try to make moves, but players have to make plays, and it just didn’t happen today.” Brian Jeffcoat was unable to move Kelly over to third on a bunt. Shane Nelson struck out, and Bo Mobley grounded out to first to end USC’s magical season. “We’re very disappointed today,” Tanner said “But I’m extremely proud of these players, the ap proach they’ve had all year and the success that we’ve had.” The pitching of the Ragin’ Cajuns was in no way a fluke comparable to the play of Richmond or Cop pin State in the NCAA basketball tournament. “You’re into the 60-plus game of the year,” Tanner said. “You can’t have those numbers un less you’ve been good. You have to credit their pitching staff.” The key to the series win for UL-L was the performance of freshman left-hander Andy Gros in Saturday’s game. “I think the whole weekend hinged on Andy Gros’ performance,” UL-L Coach Tony Robichaux said. “Our biggest goal was to try to get Andy Gros to pitch us to Scott Dohmann. We felt if we could get to Scott, we’d have a chance on Sunday.” They got to Dohlmann, the Cabins’ No. 1 starter, and he did the job. “Dohlmann did have a good slider today,” Tan ner said “He was outstanding, but I think you have to credit Coach Robichaux and how he uses those guys.” Did the Gamecocks imagine being in Co, lumbia rather than Omaha di,ring the College Wbrld Series? “I really didn’t,” Barber said “Before the game, we were very, very focused I really thought we’d win today.” As a freshman, Drew Meyer had a stellar year, but watching UL-L celebrate on his field was the, low point. “That wasn’t good” Meyer said “We felt like we should have won this game. It’s tough watch ing their team celebrate, especially when you have so much riding on it. We wanted to go to Oma ha.” I:■ ^---I Sean Rayford The Gamecock Peter Bauer talks to pitching coach Jerry Meyers during game two of the super regional against the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. Bauer was drafted in the second round by Toronto in Monday’s draft Sean Rayford The Gamecock Sc 3tt Barber and Tripp Kelly were both selected in the June draft. Toronto picks Bauer with 45th selection by David Cloninger The Gamecock One day after South Carolina was eliminated from contention for the Col lege World Series, seven team members and four Gamecock prospects were cho sen in the 2000 Major League Baseball draft Monday. Heading the list of drafted Game cocks was junior pitcher Peter Bauer, who was taken with the 45 th overall pick by the Toronto Blue Jays. A native of Sil ver Spring, Md., Bauer compiled a 13 2 record while claiming preseason All America and All-SEC team honors. “It’s really exciting to get the chance to play professional baseball,” Bauer said. “It’s an honor.” The Blue Jays are expected to offer Bauer at least a $750,000 signing bonus, based on the signing bonus of the 45th pick in 1999. . The 6-foot-7 pitcher hasn’t decided if he wants to forgo his senior season. “When I sit down with the scout who drafted me, and we start talking business, then I’ll decide,” Bauer said. “I love playing with this team, but I don’t have any regrets about this season. I think this year was a good year for me.” Another piece of USC’s “Killer B’s” rotation was also taken in the draft, as Scott Barber was selected in the sixth round by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Another junior right-hander, Barber joined Bauer on the All-SEC team while setting a USC record with 15 saves. Barber came out of the bullpen to claim a starting position, going 9-2 with three i ' ' ——- r complete games. , *1 worked pretty hard during the sea son, and I was fortunate enough to be draft ed higher,” Baiber said. Barber is expected to become a re lief pitcher if he leaves Carolina but has said he would like to continue to start, wherever he goes. “I like to start because I like to be in control of the game,” Barber said “Hope fully, I’ll start.” Two other Gamecocks were also tak en, as the Texas Rangers picked Johnny Bench Award finalist Brandon Pack in the 12th round. Pack, a junior-college transfer who caught all 66 games for the Gamecocks this season, could not be reached for comment. Also, leftfielder and lead-off hitter Nate Janowicz was drafted by the Cleve land Indians in the 15th round. Janow icz, one of four Gamecock seniors, was brought in by Coach Ray Tanner two years ago from Cuesta Junior College in Cal ifornia and has shone in his two seasons by hitting above .300 during that time. Four USC prospects were also taken in the draff but can still come to USC. One of the highest draff picks, Scott Thor man, was picked 30th overall by the At lanta Braves and is considered one of the best combination players in the draff by Baseball America. The 6-foot-3,210-pound fielder from Cambridge, Ontario, could play several positions if he comes to Carolina, rang ing from third to first base to outfield. However, below-average speed could place him in the Gamecock pitching staff. Thorman throws in the low-90s and could also hit for USC. “[Thorman] is an outstanding prospect and is fortunate to be taken in the first round,” Tanner said “It’s highly unlike ly he’ll come to school, but his mother assured us he would have been here if he hadn’t been picked so high.” Other USC prospects include Josh Shortslef, a pitcher from Hannibal, N.Y., selected by Pittsbuigh in the sixth round Tommy Joyce, an outfielder from Ma con, Ga., selected by Baltimore in the 15th round and Justin Hileman, a shorUT. stop from Palmyra, Pa., selected by St,.. Louis in the 16th round. The 6-foot-4,200-pound Shortslef is;“ rated as one of the top high school picks, ' from New York, with good velocity and a powerful arm. “Shortslef will have a tough decision to make, being drafted in the sixth round”' Tanner said. “We’d love to have him, but you never can tell.” Tanner also commented on the oth er prospects and his team members who were drafted saying, “I’m extremely ex cited but a little sad at the same time: You hate to lose half your team, so it will be real interesting what transpires in the next few weeks.” Collegiate Baseball Player of the Year Kip Bouknight was finally taken in the 21st round The junior right-hander, 17-1 on tire season and the SEC Player of the Year, was taken by Oakland early Tuesday, ending spec ulation about whether a major-league team could pass up a player with Bouknight’s ac colades. Bouknight joined teammate Tripp Kelly as an Oakland pick. Kelly, who led USC with 22 home runs, was taken in the 27th round while Cincinnati select ed relief pitcher Clint Collins in the 22nd round