After losing to South Carolina in the College World Series final last June, Florida has had the two-time defending national champions’ number this season.
The Gators took two out of three in Columbia in late March, and they eliminated the Gamecocks from the Southeastern Conference Tournament with a 7-2 win May 25.
“It doesn’t mean anything,” Greg Larson said of Florida’s success against South Carolina during the 2012 season. “In Omaha, it’s just one game, and you just look forward to that one game. I don’t think us beating them three out of four means anything to them.”
However, when the Gators (47-18) take on the Gamecocks (45-17) Saturday night at 9, one number will stand in Florida’s way: 21.
South Carolina has won 21 consecutive postseason games dating back to the 2010 College World Series. A loss to Oklahoma on opening night two years ago marks the last time the Gamecocks have experienced postseason defeat.
“Streaks or no streaks, we’re all 0-0 in Omaha right now,” Josh Tobias said.
Another South Carolina streak matched by Florida this season is consecutive College World Series appearances. The Gators and Gamecocks are each making their third straight trip to Omaha. While Florida’s upperclassmen have been a part of all three trips, Saturday’s game will mark the first College World Series experience for several Gators.
“It’s not going to hit me until I get there,” Tobias said. “You’re playing the best competition every day, and you’re going to be on the biggest stage in your life, besides the major leagues. That’s one of the reasons why I chose this school.”
For Florida’s returning players, facing South Carolina at TD Ameritrade Park brings up memories from how the 2011 season ended. However, the Gators say last year’s loss is a moot point.
“I don’t think there’s any bitterness,” Larson said. “We’ve kind of moved on from last year. We’re trying to make this year count.”
Brian Johnson added: “Last year doesn’t matter. It is what it is last year. We’re all grateful to be back with this opportunity and a fresh start, and we’re ready to go.”
With nine players likely to leave Florida for professional baseball following the College World Series, a sense of urgency has set in. As the nation’s top-ranked team, the Gators are favored to win their first national championship.
“The first year we went out [to Omaha], my sophomore year, we were kind of happy just to be there,” Larson said. “Last year … we were definitely a little bit more motivated. This year is kind of the same attitude. We’ve been there, we want to get it done.”
Tobias added. “I expect to win it. We got there last year, and I expect to win the whole thing this year.”
Contact Joe Morgan at joemorgan@alligator.org.
Greg Larson pitches against North Carolina State in the first game of the NCAA Super Regional on June 9. The senior pitcher has been to the College World Series three times during his career at Florida.
