Christian Walker hits 3-run homer in 8th to send South Carolina to College World Series

Walker’s blast lifts South Carolina into CWS

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Christian Walker hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning Sunday to lead South Carolina to a 10-9 victory over Coastal Carolina and into the College World Series.

The Gamecocks (48-15) trailed 9-7 when Jackie Bradley Jr. drew a two-out walk and Adrian Morales followed with a double off the wall in left. Walker, a freshman, followed with a shot into the stands in left for his seventh homer.

Closer Matt Price worked a perfect ninth for his 10th save.

Coastal Carolina (55-10) came into the NCAA super regional series with the nation’s most victories, the No. 4 overall seed and a dynamic offense poised for its first berth in Omaha.

But the Chanticleers were outplayed in both games, including a 4-3 loss Saturday.

South Carolina will make its first CWS appearance since 2004.