Place an Ad Calendars Classified Forums Sports Weather

sptimes.com Text-only News sections Arts & Entertainment AP The Wire Business Citrus County Columnists Floridian Hernando County Hillsborough Letters Movies Neighborhood Times News Update North Pinellas North of Tampa Obituaries Opinion Pasco County South Pinellas Sports State Tampa Bay TV Times World & Nation  Find your local news section Weekly sections Brandon Times City Times Homes Outdoors Perspective Personal Tech Taste Travel Weekend Xpress Special Sections Arena football Buccaneers College football Devil Rays Lightning Police reports Schools Seniority Subscriber Services Subscribe Renew Help Advertise Place an ad In print Online Market Info Join Us Internships Scholarships Times Jobs Contact us

College sports around the state

Compiled from Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times,
published June 4, 2001

Weather pushes Florida State-Georgia to today

ATHENS, Ga. -- After a barrage of homers by Florida State and Georgia, stormy weather halted Game 2 of the NCAA Super Regional on Sunday.

Rain and lightning forced a suspension in the top of the seventh inning, with Florida State leading 8-6.

The game will resume from that point at 1 p.m. today, with the Seminoles needing a victory to stay alive in the best-of-three series.

"It's just one of those things," Florida State coach Mike Martin said. "The weather is something no one can control. We just look forward to playing (today)."

If a third game is required, it will begin 45 minutes after the completion of Game 2.

"(Today) could be a very long day," Georgia coach Ron Polk said. "It could be 12 innings, or more if we go to extra innings. I'm hoping it will take only three."

Georgia (46-19) won the opening game 8-7 in 10 innings Saturday, moving into position to reach the College World Series for the first time since 1990.

Weather has played havoc with the series, which already was pushed back a day because of thunderstorms Friday.

Georgia hit four homers in Sunday's game, including two by Jeff Keppinger. The Bulldogs slugger hit four homers in last weekend's region, including a dramatic two-run shot with his team down to its final out against Coastal Carolina.

Florida State (46-18) had three homers, including a two-run drive by Chris Hart that sparked a five-run fourth inning.

The Seminoles built a 7-2 lead before Georgia rallied. Jody Pollock and Keppinger hit homers in the fifth, and Tony Burchett added a two-run shot in the sixth to pull the Bulldogs within a run.

Nick Rogers homered for Florida State in the bottom half, pushing the lead to 8-6. John-Ford Griffin hit Florida State's other homer in the third.

With Georgia batting in the seventh, lightning prompted the umpires to halt play after Andy Neufeld struck out.

Shortly afterward, heavy rains washed over Foley Field, leaving large puddles throughout the outfield and in foul territory around the infield.

After waiting 2 hours and 19 minutes in hopes of a break in the storm system, the game was suspended at 6:30 p.m.

"Our field took a lot of rain two days ago and we don't have very good drainage at all," Polk said. "I think it was a good call."

Polk had not decided on his pitching plans for today's completed game. Georgia used three pitchers Sunday, including sidearming right-hander Max Havel.

When play was stopped, Havel had allowed only one run in three innings after starter Rob Moravek and Shaun Helmey were hit hard.

Matt Lynch went 5 2/3 innings for Florida State before Daniel Hodges took over.

The reliever retired two hitters and, according to Martin, should be available to pitch today.

'Canes savoring another CWS trip

Miami beat Clemson 14-6 late Saturday to lock up its seventh trip to Omaha, Neb., in the past eight years, and 19th overall.

But coach Jim Morris said losing to Florida State in a Super Region last year made him more aware of how valuable the experience is.

"You get so spoiled by going to Omaha every year," Morris said. "It's like a knife in your heart when you don't go.

"Last year was really tough sitting at home. I'm not sure this team realizes how much it means to me going back again."

The Hurricanes scored eight runs in the seventh inning Saturday to put the game away. The win was their 13th in a row overall, and 16th consecutive post-season win at home.

Miami (49-12) will meet Tennessee on Friday or Saturday at Rosenblatt Stadium. The NCAA will announce its lineup today.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright