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Fullerton headed to Omaha

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he Counting Crows’ song “Omaha” blared over the loudspeakers just as it does every time Cal State Fullerton wins at Goodwin Field.

But on Saturday, after the Titans completed a sweep of Louisville in an NCAA Super Regional, Fullerton players finally got to add a desired wrinkle to their postgame celebration.

The entire roster jogged to the outfield wall to touch a sign that reads, “Only 1,544 miles to Omaha,” a tradition saved for when the Titans clinch a spot in the College World Series.

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Fullerton once again is on its way to Omaha’s Rosenblatt Stadium after defeating Louisville, 11-2, to continue a perfect postseason.

“The way we’re going right now is pretty special,” said senior second baseman Joe Scott, who will be making his third trip to the World Series. “It’s going to feel like home.”

The Titans will open play in the eight-team World Series on Saturday against Arkansas, a Super Regional winner over Florida State.

Four-time World Series champion Fullerton will be making its 16th World Series appearance. The Titans last won the title in 2004.

“We’re not just going to Omaha to enjoy the Omaha steaks and the people and the environment,” Fullerton Coach Dave Serrano said after his team improved to 47-14. “We think we have a legitimate chance to win the national championship with the way we’re playing right now.”

Much like the way it blitzed through a regional that included Georgia Southern, Utah and Gonzaga, Fullerton walloped Big East Conference champion Louisville.

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After watching his team get outscored 23-2 and held to a .129 batting average against the Titans, Louisville Coach Dan McDonnell said Fullerton possesses the ingredients to win another national title.

“All the pieces line up for them,” he said.

On Saturday, Fullerton got an extra emotional lift when former Titans catcher Jon Wilhite made his way onto the field to say hello before batting practice.

Wilhite is recovering from injuries suffered in an April car crash that killed Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart, Fullerton student Courtney Stewart and Henry Pearson, a former teammate of Wilhite’s at Manhattan Beach Mira Costa High.

Fullerton then went out and once again imposed its high-pressure offense on Louisville, taking a four-run, first-inning lead that was more than enough for freshman right-hander Noe Ramirez (9-1), who gave up three hits and struck out 10 in eight innings.

The only real moment of drama came in the sixth inning when Ramirez faced Louisville third baseman Chris Dominguez with a runner on and the Titans leading, 6-2.

Dominguez had provided both runs with towering home runs in the second and fourth innings. But Ramirez struck out Dominguez on a called strike, ending the threat.

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First baseman Jared Clark’s solo homer to lead off the seventh started a five-run inning that put the Titans ahead by nine runs.

“There’s not one facet of our game that I think needs some tweaking right now,” Serrano said. “We’re packing our bags for Omaha.”

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gary.klein@latimes.com

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