THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,497 MLB PLAYERS | 15,833 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,497 MLB PLAYERS | 15,833 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
College  | Story | 6/28/2016

Morrison closes from the start

Nick Herfordt
Photo: Coastal Carolina University




2016 College World Series Recaps: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8
2016 College World Series Finals Recaps: Game 1

2016 Perfect Game/Rawlings College Baseball All-Americans
2016 Perfect Game Rawlings College Baseball Freshmen All-Americans


OMAHA, Neb. – In a game that ultimately saw Coastal Carolina tie the best-of-three 2016 College World Series Finals with a 5-4 victory over Arizona, the initial outlook looked bleak early for the Chanticleers. Real bleak.

The Chants were in a position where Coach Gary Gilmore had to go off script and start a pitcher in a do-or-die game who hadn’t started a single contest all season. Sure that player was Mike Morrison, an All-American who had put together some magnificent numbers all year, but those numbers were generated out of the Chants’ bullpen, a role where the preparation and mindset are completely different than those of a starting pitcher. Morrison was not only going to be asked to pitch in a different role than he was used to, but he’d have to pitch as many innings as possible to give CCU a chance to play another day.

After the first few batters took to the box, it seemed like Gilmore’s experiment was going to be a failure.

As they’ve done all series, Cody Ramer and Zach Gibbons started things off by reaching base to give Arizona an early pair of runners without a single out. The ‘Cats No. 3 hitter, J.J. Matijevic was called upon to lay down a bunt and advance the runners; it was a bold move which didn’t play out as anticipated by the Arizona coaches. Matijevic failed to put the ball in play and was instead sent back to the bench after he was called out on a bunted third-strike foul.

Nevertheless, Arizona was still in good position to bust out early. A walk loaded the bases to bring Arizona’s most dangerous hitter Bobby Dalbec to the plate. Despite the 6-foot-4 slugger’s potential power the strategy was to play small ball once more. Yet again the Wildcat strategy failed. Dalbec failed to make contact and Ramer, the runner from third, was thrown out after his attempt to scuttle back to safety couldn’t outrace the ball to third. Dalbec would ultimately blast a liner to left which scored a run, but it could have produced a pair had the base running not gone awry.

After being shutout the night before Coastal Carolina would finally score their first runs of the finals in the top of the third. Again, a breakdown in the basics doomed Arizona. Speedy center fielder Billy Cooke rapped a single to left to put a man on. An extremely wild pitch, worthy of a Harry Doyle, “Just a bit outside” quip, allowed him to advance to second. The Chants, whose proficiency with the bunt rivals their ability to hit the long ball, sacrificed Cooke to third.

David Parrett, who had been having success in Omaha but was only batting .159 for the season, skied a ball to the cusp of the left side of the infield, which 999 times out of a thousand would be caught; however this occasion was the one. What would have been the second out of the inning was instead a two-base error. With the two runners in scoring position, Anthony Marks, the Chanticleers’ emotional spark plug, singled up the middle to drive in the runs and gave CCU their first lead.

The bottom of the fourth left few fans with fingernails intact on either side. Arizona once again put their first two batters on base via a single and HBP. A successful sacrifice bunt put both of the runners in scoring position with only one out. Yet Morrison came up big, real big. He dug in and heaved an arsenal of fastballs past the next two batters to earn a pair of strikeouts and culled the attack.

To start Arizona’s half of the fifth, Ramer coaxed a walk out of Morrison to give Arizona a lead off runner as he seemingly has done in every at bat in Omaha. Zach Gibbons followed with his 12th (yes, 12th, not a typo) hit of the series, a single to right, which put runners on the corners with no outs. Morrison banked a strikeout to breathe a little easier, but in the next at-bat, a fielder’s choice tied the game, 2-2. Despite the scoring threat once again, Morrison was able to earn another strikeout, his eighth through five innings to limit the damage once again.

Morrison was able to continue to tame the Wildcats deep into the seventh inning. When he was relieved after 6 2/3 he was welcome to the dugout by a standing ovation from both Coastal Carolina and Arizona fans – although the UA supporters may have been celebrating his departure more than cheering his performance.

It was a momentous outing for Morrison who pitched in what will be his final college appearance on the mound. He did so in style with 103 total pitches and 10 strikeouts, both of which were career highs.

Ultimately there shouldn’t have been second guessing Coach Gilmore’s choice for a starting pitcher. Morrison was seemingly molded for pressure performances. Four times during the season he took to the mound in a bases loaded situation. In each of those four outings he didn’t allow a single runner to cross the plate. Up into this year’s postseason Morrison had inherited 79 runners during his pitching career in Conway and he only allowed 19 of them to score.

After the game Coach Gilmore poured the praise on Morrison.

“You know, to see where that young man came from to where he is today and as good as a pitcher as he has been, in all honesty, his makeup and what he's meant inside that locker room, out in the bullpen… he’s unbelievable.” Gilmore stated.

The 2-2 game continued into the eighth inning when Coastal magnificently manufactured a rally. Marks rudely greeted reliever Cameron Ming into the game with a single up the middle. He was sacrificed over to second with the next at-bat which brought up the Big South Player of the Year to the plate, Connor Owings. Owings’ bat had fallen relatively silent during the CWS, but he managed to hit a lazy lofted ball down the left field line which dodged Arizona’s defensive mitts and allowed Marks to dash home to take the lead, 3-2, and the Chants weren’t done yet.

Remillard doubled down the left field line, which advanced Owings to third. CCU now had two runners in scoring position with only one out. G.K. Young blasted a liner to right field which scored both runners easily. Young got a bit overzealous and tried to stretch his single into a double and was thrown out. The tag quelled the rally but the damage was done. Coastal Carolina had a 5-2 lead.

For all intents and purposes it seemed like the game was over. The Chants had a three-run lead and Arizona only had six outs to make up the difference – an unenviable task, especially in TD Ameritrade Park, which is notoriously unfriendly to offense, but someone forgot to tell Arizona.

Ryan Aguilar singled and a pair of walks loaded the bases with zero outs. Bobby Holmes, the Chants’ pitcher who had relieved Morrison, was instantly in dubious danger. Holmes got the next batter to pop up harmlessly to left and caught another break when he got an out via a run scoring fielder’s choice. The Chants had a two run lead and two outs. The next at bat was to be the final out of the inning. Emphasis on the “was to be…”

A routine grounder was hit to the fundamentally sound shortstop Michael Paez who had been playing model defense throughout the series and the game. As the ball was bounding to his glove he took a quick peak at second base and fumbled the play. The error allowed an unearned run to cross the plate and cut the Coastal lead to one. After a pop-up the inning was over.

Coastal’s top half of the ninth be uneventful. Instead they’d have to protect their one-run lead against the heart of the Arizona offense to close out the game.

Despite his shaky eighth inning, Holmes came back out for the ninth to face the determined Arizona squad. Gibbons, the ‘Cats leading hitter who had been brilliant in Omaha, popped up to first base. Matijevic popped weakly to shortstop. Aguilar, the ‘Cats’ cleanup hitter, lined the ball to first base and it was snagged by Kevin Woodward for out number three. The heart of the order went down in order.

With Carolina’s win the final decisive game of the 2016 College World Series will be played Wednesday night. Arizona will be looking to earn their fifth school title, Coastal Carolina their first.
Give us your feedback
College | Story | 7/10/2026

Cape Cod Notebook No. 1
Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Cape Cod League Scouting Notebook  Maverick Rizy | Ole Miss | RHP | Brewster Whitecaps  The towering 6-foot-9, 250-pound right-hander continues to stand out with one of the more unique looks on the Cape, pairing a massive frame with a low three-quarter slot that creates difficult angles for hitters. While his fastball velocity was down from its typical mid-90s range during this look, working mostly 90-92 mph, it still generated plenty of swing-and-miss. He paired the heater with an 81-83 mph gyro slider featuring tight bullet-spin action and mixed in an 85-mph changeup with quality separation. Rizy battled his command early in the outing I saw, before settling in to strike out five over three innings, showing the ability to adjust as the game progressed. Through 12.2 Cape League innings, he has recorded 18 strikeouts, and his combination of size, deception, and projectability...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/13/2026

17u Elite Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
High speed look at the FF-SL-CH from '27 RHP Liam McGeady (OH)... #NatElite @PG_OhioValley @Cincy_Legends https://t.co/hhoDL7DBbi pic.twitter.com/Ts79GLPGoU — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 12, 2026 Liam McGeady (2027, Liberty Township, Ohio) had the stuff working on Saturday morning, getting the start for Legends Scout 2027. The uncommitted right-hander ran it up to 91 and sat 88-90 with a full starter’s mix. All three of the secondaries played well and project moving forward. The curveball worked in the mid-70s with good depth and healthy shape. The slider operated in the 79-82 range with gyro spin and short break. McGeady rounded out the repertoire with a changeup that showed big fade and depth, proving effective versus lefties. He ended the outing going five ⅔ innings, allowing no earned runs on four hits, striking out six total. The tall and long 6-foot-5,...
Read More
Draft | Mock Draft | 7/13/2026

2027 Mock Draft: Way Too Early Ediition

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
With the 2026 MLB Draft officially complete, let's quickly turn our eyes to the 2027 group and do a way too early mock draft. Leading the way is shortstop Brendan Lawson out of the University of Florida, setting the trend as three of the top four names all call shortstop home with Dylan Seward and Carter Hadnot. If shortstops aren't your thing for any which reason, maybe hard throwing left-handers tickle your fancy whether it be prep Connor Salerno, Tomas Valincius from Mississippi State or Dylan Volantis, a dominant arm from the University of Texas.  Pick Team Name Pos. School 1 Los Angeles Angels Brendan Lawson SS Florida 2 Kansas City Royals Dylan Seward SS Norco (Calif.) 3 Colorado Rockies Landon Hairston OF Arizona State 4 New York Mets Carter Hadnot SS Aquinas (Calif.) 5 Athletics Connor Salerno LHP Sun Valley (N.C.) 6 Cincinnati Reds Tomas Valincius LHP Mississippi State 7...
Read More
Draft | Story | 7/12/2026

2027 MLB Draft: Initial Follow List

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
With the 2026 MLB Draft in the books, our focus now shifts to a new group of players ready to take center stage as the 2027 draft cycle begins. Our initial 2027 Follow List serves as an early snapshot of the players who should draw plenty of attention over the next year. This new crop of talent features collegiate players coming off loud spring seasons, alongside prep prospects who have already flashed big upside as underclassman.  As always, this list will evolve throughout the year. Some players will continue to elevate their stock, while others will jump onto the radar and force their way into the conversation. So, without further ado, let the fun begin.  The road to the 2027 MLB Draft starts now. Name Level Pos. B-T School Hometown State Commitment Adrian Rodriguez C 3B/OF S-R Texas Flower Mound TX Aidan King C RHP L-R Florida Bryceville FL Bino Watters C OF L-L LSU...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/12/2026

14u BCS Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Austin Way (2030, Yulee, FL) was 2-3 in game four, driving in a run and scoring once himself. Picked it well defensively at shortstop but really showed out in the box today. Works the barrel path to the middle of the field and whips the barrel through the zone. The RHH creates lift in the turn, and the ball jumps off the bat hot.  Sutton Walling (2029, Ponte Vedra, FL) is an athletic 5’11/160lb infielder who gets it done on both sides of the ball. Dominated at the plate right behind his teammate Way in the batting order going 3-3 with two doubles. He does a really good job with the barrel accuracy and works through contact with heavy hands. Lots of project-ability in the profile and is having a sneaky great week at the plate. Banks Kennedy (2030, Arcadia, FL) received it well behind the dish and was the leading force in this one driving in three rbis. He ended up going 2-3...
Read More
Draft | Story | 7/12/2026

2026 MLB Draft: Best Available

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
2026 MLB Draft: Best Available for Day Two  A total of 135 players heard their name called on Saturday. As always, signability, bonus pool strategy, and organizational preferences play a major role in how the board unfolds. With that being said, we saw a majority of the top half off the board get selected, but there are a number of players ranked inside our Top 150 that remain available. From high-upside prep talent to polished college performers, these are the top names still available according to our Final Top 500 Draft Board.  Top Prep Bats Available (with Top-500 Board Rankings) 38. Archer Horn, SS/RHP, St. Ignatius College Prep (CA) 58. Blake Bowen, OF, JSerra Catholic (CA) 64. James Tronstein, SS/OF, Harvard-Westlake (CA) 66. Noah Wilson, OF, McCallie School (TN) 71. Cole Koeninger, SS/RHP, Keller (TX) 77. Sean Dunlap, C, Crown Point (IN) 82. Alex Weingartner, OF//RHP,...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/11/2026

17U National Elite Heads to Hoover

Kinley Kitchens
Article Image
Another week, another big tournament makes its way to Hoover.  This week, 104 of the nation’s top 17U teams will make their way to Hoover for the 2026 Perfect Game 17U National Elite Championship.  Featuring nationally ranked teams, Division I commits, and many of the country’s top 2027 players, the tournament promises another week of elite competition as teams battle for one of the biggest championships of the summer.  With many players already committed to some of the nation’s top college programs, every game in Hoover this week offers a glimpse into the future of college baseball.  Now entering its eighth year, the National Elite Championship continues to bring in the nation’s best. Past champions include Team Elite Scout Team, Canes National, USA Prime National, Scorpions/Giants Scout Team, 5 Star Performance National, Knights Knation Scout...
Read More
Draft | Story | 7/12/2026

2026 MLB Draft: Day One Recap

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
Storylines Heavy College Run Early We came into the day knowing that there were a lot of talented college players at the top of the board, more specifically college bats. That came to light very early in the day, as we saw just two prep players selected within the first ten picks. The college preference lasted throughout most of the entire first round. Nearly 75% of the first 40 selections were college players. It is clear teams want players at the top of the draft that can quickly get through the system and help the big league club as soon as possible. Underslot Strategy Throughout this cycle, we knew that once you get past the first handful of picks the difference in value you were getting for let say pick ten was not that difference compared to pick 30. Because there was a large collection of players that are relatively close in value, teams were looking to get creative. We saw this...
Read More
Draft | Mock Draft | 7/11/2026

Final 2026 MLB Mock Draft

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
It's draft day and that means it's time for our final Mock Draft with the 2026 group. 1. Chicago White Sox | Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA It’s between Roch and Grady Emerson at this pick, though there have been heavy rumors of a very late deal potentially with another top 5 pick. This boils down to negotiations and we think that they will get there.  2. Tampa Bay Rays | Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian (Tex.) If Grady isn’t the first pick then he is almost certain to be the second pick. The Rays like to get creative but Emerson is a well worth prospect in his own right.  3.  Minnesota Twins | Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech This is likely the floor for Roch Cholowsky, though the Twins might prefer Lackey to Roch outright. They are thought to be in on the top college players with Emerson a distant third.  4. San Francisco Giants | Jackson Flora, RHP, UC...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/10/2026

Ohio Valley Regional Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
‘28 INF Christian Ramirez (OH) WALKS IT OFF for @CincyDBulls2028 to win the chip! Has shown impressive tools throughout the weekend and in this AB showed the ability to adjust to the offspeed and win the game. #OVElite pic.twitter.com/J3MXJXFnbM — Perfect Game Ohio Valley (@PG_OhioValley) July 5, 2026 Christian Ramirez (2028, Mason, Ohio) helped his team win the championship batting out of the two-hole. Though he didn’t win tournament MVP, Ramirez was my favorite player to watch take a plate appearance. He has an advanced feel for the zone and sees the ball out of the pitcher’s hand quicker than most. Ramirez led the tournament with eight walks, batting .375 with a .583 on-base percentage. Much more than just the approach, the swing is efficient with little wasted movement, creates quality separation, and puts him in an excellent position at contact. With such an...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2026 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.