University of North Carolina Athletics
Omaha Reading List June 17
June 17, 2009 | Baseball
June 17, 2009
By Adam Lucas
Carolina survived elimination day with an 11-4 win over Southern Miss. The victory was the product of offensive production up and down the lineup, but the star was Dustin Ackley. Even the Golden Eagles were impressed. "That was a show he put on for us," said USM's James Ewing. Ackley said simply, "It was one of those days." Yes, but the difference is that mere mortals only have one of those days, whereas Ackley seems to have quite a few. Tom Shatel, an Omaha columnist, says Ackley belongs with the CWS all-time greats. For the Tar Heels, a relaxed bus ride contributed to the victory.
For USM, the loss ended the career of head coach Corky Palmer. Throughout the time in Omaha, though, it was hard not to be impressed by the Eagles both on and off the field, even if they do wear their pants a little funny. Mike Fox added his best wishes for Palmer. Much like the Tar Heels in 2006, the Golden Eagles are hoping this CWS appearance puts them on the national map as a program.
A very interesting story this morning from the Omaha World-Herald, which shows what happens when a media outlet pays attention to the actual games rather than forcing the entire 12 days to somehow relate to major league baseball. Including yesterday's UNC-USM game, there's been a much tighter strike zone in Omaha. Players have even noticed a difference in the same umpire from earlier NCAA tournament rounds to the CWS. That's something to watch, because it favors teams with strike-throwers on the mound.
Next up for Carolina will be Arizona State, which saw a 6-0 lead dissolve against Texas. Don't expect to find out anytime soon, but it will be interesting to see who the Sun Devils start on the mound in that game. Closer Mitchell Lambson, who was very effective on Sunday, also threw 3.1 innings against the Longhorns. ASU's normal third starter is Seth Blair, a sophomore righty, who threw six innings of four-hit baseball in the Sun Devils' 8-3 regional clincher against Oral Roberts. The Phoenix paper has a good look at Arizona State's pitching possibilities, and says Mike Leake and Josh Spence are unavailable and Lambson is "in question." Head coach Pat Murphy doesn't seem worried. "We'll piece it together and win the game Thursday, come back and beat Texas on Friday then play them on Saturday," he said. Matt Harvey, of course, will start for the Tar Heels.
