Top-Seeded Alabama Ousted; Florida Downs Florida State

Clemson pitcher Billy Koch’s Tuesday was already memorable after he was drafted fourth overall by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Then it became even more special when he closed out Alabama in the College World Series.

“This is the kind of game the College World Series is all about, what they make the highlight films with,” said Koch after getting the final two outs in a 14-13 thriller over top-seeded Alabama.

Alabama (50-19) twice rallied from five-run deficits and took a 12-10 lead into the ninth. Brett Taft hit a two-run homer and grand slam for the Crimson Tide.

Clemson used four singles and a double to take a 14-12 lead.

Clemson (51-16), which had 17 hits, advanced to today’s bracket one semifinals against Miami (49-13). A Clemson victory would force a second meeting Friday.

Florida 6, Florida State 3--Tommy Bond pitched 7 2/3 solid innings and Chuck Hazzard hit two home runs to putthe second-seeded Gators (50-17) into Thursday’s bracket two semifinal against No. 6 Louisiana State (50-15).

An LSU victory would send the Tigers to Saturday’s title game.