Getting to Omaha is an accomplishment, but it's not the prize. When the Clemson team gets on its charter flight, the vision of the 5-4 loss to UL Lafayette will be in their collective minds, and all they'll feel is disappointed. After coming off the field victorious 51 times in 2000, the 18th loss is tough to swallow. They took a 4-3 lead into the ninth. But a lead-off walk, a sac bunt, a single and a misplayed bunt later, and the season ended.
Summer begins four days too early.
I thought if we could get by this game, we had a chance to get through the bracket and gain some momentum. Leggett's been here before with high expectations. Kris Benson and All-American Billy Koch on his pitching staff, and catcher Matt LeCroy. This squad had no All-Americans. Not even a first team All-Conference player.