8:17 p.m. CT
Jonah Nickerson’s pitch count reached 100 and that was apparently enough for OSU coach Pat Casey to lift his tiring starter from the game.
Nickerson’s line: 6.2 IP, 2 R, 0 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 7 K
Brandon Staton, Sports Editor
6:50 p.m. CT
After three full innings, OSU starting pitcher Jonah Nickerson has yet to allow a Tar Heel to reach base. He has thrown just 34 pitches.
Brandon Staton, Sports Editor
6:41 p.m. CT
A young boy struck by the line foul off the bat of OSU rightfielder John Wallace was immediately aided by the Omaha Fire and Rescue squad and appears to have just been shaken up.
Brandon Staton, Sports Editor
6:31 p.m. CT
In the first inning, Daniel Bard didn’t allow a run. He did give up a base hit as well as hit a batter and the right-hander threw just one pitcher less than 95 mph.
Brandon Staton, Sports Editor
6:18 p.m. CT
Jonah Nickerson has got to be tired. It will be key for the Tar Heels to get him deep into counts to get his pitch count up and get into the depleted OSU bullpen.
Brandon Staton, Sports Editor
5:27 p.m. CT
After a rough day in the field yesterday, usual third baseman Reid Fronk will be the designated hitter. At third for the Tar Heels will be Chad Flack, who usually plays first. That position will be filled by freshman Tim Federowicz, who usually splits the catching duties with today’s catcher, Benji Johnson.
Sound confusing? It is.
So for clarification, here it is in full:
1. CF Mike Cavasinni
2. DH Reid Fronk
3. SS Josh Horton
4. 3B Chad Flack
5. LF Jay Cox
6. 1B Tim Federowicz
7. RF Seth Williams
8. C Benji Johnson
9. 2B Garrett Gore
Starting pitcher: RHP Daniel Bard
Brandon Staton, Sports Editor
5:18 p.m. CT
The official line-ups have been issued and it will indeed be right-hander Jonah Nickerson on the mound for the Beavers.
Brandon Staton, Sports Editor
4:39 p.m. CT
Today either North Carolina or Oregon State will be crowned national champion for the first time in the history of their respective programs. Neither team has lacked confidence at any point in the series, but UNC will be faced with its first elimination game of the 2006 postseason.
The Tar Heels are loosening up down the rightfield line as OSU finishes up its batting practice session. Again, it will be right-hander and first round draft pick Daniel Bard on the hill for UNC.
As for the Beavers, it would be quite a shock if they don’t go with Jonah Nickerson, who was splendid on just two day’s rest to outlast Rice and vault OSU into the championship series.
Check back for confirmation.
Brandon Staton, Sports Editor
9:19 p.m. CT
OSU has won the toss and will be the home team in tomorrow’s game.
Brandon Staton, Sports Editor
9:08 p.m. CT
If OSU holds on to win, there will be a coin flip after the game to determine who will be the home team tomorrow.
Brandon Staton, Sports Editor