SCS.com is on location in Hoover, Alabama for the 2007 SEC Tournament, taking place at Regions Park. Day one was a long one at the ballyard, as two of the favorites picked up victories - one in 12 innings - while two underdogs also picked up opening round victories. Among the day's upsets was top-ranked Vanderbilt falling to in-state rival Tennessee by a score of 6-4. Elsewhere, fifth seeded Mississippi took down rival Mississippi State, South Carolina outlasted Florida in extra innings, and Arkansas shut down Alabama. Go inside to see a full account of the day's activity!
Schmidt Throws 2-Hitter in 6-0 Hogs Win
Arkansas All American Nick Schmidt nearly threw a no hitter in a complete game shutout effort earlier this morning as the Razorbacks won 6-0. The game, which started at 10:00 am CT, was dominated by the Hogs. SEC homerun leader Danny Hamblin hit his 21st homerun of the season on a 3-run shot to left field in the 3rd inning. But the story of the game was Nick Schmidt, who gave up his first hit of the game in the 8th inning to Bama 2nd baseman Brandon May. It was the first 2-hitter in SEC Tournament history.
One has to like the odds for the Hogs, who will send Jess Todd to the mound tomorrow night. Todd has been the best pitcher in the SEC during conference play. Alabama meanwhile will play in an elimination game tomorrow morning against Florida.
Gamecocks Edge Gators 4-3 in Extras
It took 12 innings for South Carolina to finish off a first round win against Florida. Harley Lail’s single up the middle in the bottom of the 12th which scored Justin Smoak was the difference in the game. After a quality start from Harris Honeycutt, the Gamecock bullpen was lights out, allowing only 1 hit and no runs over the final 5.2 innings. Both teams struggled to drive in runs in this game, leaving the bases loaded many times. Both Kyle Mullaney and David Hurst pitched extremely well, but 3 Gator errors cost Florida a shot at advancing to the winner’s bracket.
Florida will face Alabama in an elimination game tomorrow while South Carolina will see Arkansas in the afternoon game.
Vols Upset #1 Vandy 6-4
After barely finding a way to get into the SEC Tournament, Tennessee beat the top ranked Commodores in a game which was dominated by Vols pitcher James Adkins. Like Schmidt, Adkins had a no-no going into the eighth inning, but Pedro Alvarez broke it up with a single to right. The game got interesting in the 9th inning, but the Vols ended up on top. Vandy started Brett Jacobsen over All American David Price, and will now have to battle through the loser’s bracket.
The good thing for the Dores is that David Price will throw tomorrow. Tennessee advances to the winner’s bracket and will face Mississippi in the night cap.
Mississippi Beats Rival Mississippi State 3-1
The Rebels won the annual Egg Bowl, this time in the SEC Tourney. The game ended at 12:40 C.T. after Will Kline struck out his 10th batter. The right handed junior dominated the Bulldog lineup, pitching a complete game 1 run effort. Mississippi State out hit the Rebels 8-7, but couldn’t come up with the big hits when they needed them.
The scenario is not good for the Bulldogs, who will have to face All American David Price of Vanderbilt less than 12 hours after this game. UM will face the #8 seeded Tennessee Vols in the late game.
