So. Carolina-Kent State clash reset, tripleheader Thursday underway

Omaha, NE, United States (AHN Sports) – The two-time defending national champion South Carolina received extra hours to prepare anew as they face the upstart Kent State Thursday after rain postponed their anticipated College World Series elimination game Wednesday night.

It will decide if the Gamecocks get to continue their campaign or end the Cinderella story of the Golden Flashes.

Both South Carolina and Kent State have already lost one game at the tournament. A setback Thursday will send the loser home, while the winner advances to play Arkansas Thursday night at 9 p.m. (et).

The rainout affords the Gamecocks the option of starting ace Michael Roth (8-1) or stick with No. 3 pitcher Jordan Montgomery (5-1), who was the scheduled starter Wednesday.

Freshman left-hander Montgomery, who is noted for his exceptional control on his pitches, has a 4.05 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 66.2 innings. Montgomery, named to the 2012 Freshman All-American team, has also walked just nine batters this year.

It also starts with the man on the mound for Kent State, which will stick with its pitching plans. Tyler Skulina (11-2) will be making his CWS debut after an impressive season.

The right-hander Skulina went 11-2 with a 3.63 ERA and 97 strikeouts in 101.2 innings pitched.

In the event the winner of the South Carolina-Kent State clash beats Arkansas Thursday, the teams would meet again Friday for a spot in the finals that start Sunday.

Arkansas ended the Gamecocks’ 22-game win streak at the College World Series with a 2-1 victory.

South Carolina will face Kent State Thursday at noon (ET).

Meanwhile, Florida State is set to collide with Arizona four hours prior to the nightcap. The Seminoles, who are coming off a huge win against UCLA in which they ousted the top-seeded Bruins with a 4-1 score, need to win to stay alive in the tournament.

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