South Carolina’s defense, bullpen key 4-3 win over Coastal Carolina in super regionals

South Carolina tops Coastal Carolina 4-3 in opener

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Blake Cooper worked seven innings of six-hit ball and South Carolina twice escaped bases-loaded jams down the stretch to move a win away from the College World Series with a 4-3 victory over Coastal Carolina in a super regional on Saturday.

Cooper (12-1) held the powerful Chanticleers (55-9) to their fewest runs since April 27 with a big assist from South Carolina’s defense and bullpen.

South Carolina (47-15) can earn its first trip to Omaha since 2004 by beating Coastal Carolina on Sunday in game two of the series. The Chanticleers, the tournament’s overall No. 4 seed, must win twice to reach the CWS.

Christian Walker’s two-run single keyed South Carolina’s three-run first inning. A bases-loaded walk to Jackie Bradley Jr. in the second brought in Bobby Haney with what proved to be the winning run.