SEC West rivals Arkansas and Mississippi were the biggers at the SEC Tournament on day two. Both won their second game in as many days and have now earned a day off in Hoover while four of their fellow conference members - Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt - try to battle their way out of the losers' bracket. Alabama and Mississippi State, meanwhile, became the first two teams to bow out of the event after each lost a one-run decision Wednesday afternoon. Here's a complete recap of the day's activity at Regions Park!
Bama Eliminated by Florida 3-2
Behind a superb pitching performance from junior Bryan Augenstein, the
Gators advanced to the next round and will face South Carolina in an
elimination game. Augenstein ended up with a complete game effort in which
he surrended only 2 runs and struck out 8 Tide batters. Bama couldn't ever
get it going off of Augenstein, but made it interesting in the 9th after
Alex Avila homered to center field to cut the lead to 1.
By going 0-2 in
Hoover, Alabama doesn't have a good chance of making it to the NCAA
Regionals now.
"Price is Right" for Vandy Against Bulldogs
After dropping their first contest of the SEC tourney to the Vols,
Vanderbilt won 3-2 in a key game against Mississippi State to remain in the
tournament. Meanwhile, like Bama, the Bulldogs will leave Hoover without a
win. All American David Price did his usual, striking out 11 and giving up
only 2 runs.
MSU had a chance in the 9th with a runner on 2nd with 1 out,
but Price got out of the jam. Vandy will rematch Tennessee in the night cap
on Friday.
Todd's SEC Tourney Record 17 K's Slows Down Gamecocks 6-0
Arkansas starter Jess Todd dominated in what might be the best start in the
history of the SEC tournament. In 8 innings, Todd struck out 17 Gamecock
batters and what was more impressive was that he struck out batters 1-9 the
first time through the lineup. Logan Forsythe's 3-run homerun was all that
Todd really needed in his start.
The Hogs will have a day off tomorrow,
playing the winner of the South Carolina/Florida matchup on Saturday.
Mississippi Beats Vols 6-3
Lance Lynn's pitching along with scoring 5 runs in the first inning was key
in the Rebels' win over the Vols. After knocking out starter Craig Cobb
after he got only 1 out, the UM batters were held quiet for the rest
of the game by Lance McClain. Rebel starter Lance Lynn struck out 10 Vols
batters and got the big outs when he needed them. Cody Satterwhite picked up
the save for Mississippi after throwing 2 scoreless innings.
The Vols will play
Vandy again while UM will get a day of rest and play the winner of the
TN/Vandy game.