June 19, 2006

OMAHA, Neb. – The University of Miami baseball team continues its quest for a fifth national championship tonight against Rice at Rosenblatt Stadium in the 2006 College World Series. Fans can watch the 7 p.m. EST first pitch on ESPN2 or listen to the game on WQAM 560 AM, WVUM 90.5 FM, or in Spanish on WHRC 1550 AM.

A pair of bullpen masters who are making the transition to prime time starters will take the mound tonight for both teams. Junior Danny Gil (4-2, 2.80 ERA) will get the starting nod for UM (42-22) and has not allowed an earned run in 11.1 innings on the mound this postseason. Gil is making just his fifth career start.

Rice (56-11) will put the ball in the hands of closer Cole St. Clair (6-2, 1.95 ERA, 11 saves). St. Clair is making just his second start this season and will hope to duplicate his effectiveness as a closer (94 strikeouts in 69.1 innings) into success as a starter.

The winner of tonight’s game advances in the winner’s bracket and will next play on Wednesday. A loss tonight would mean an elimination matchup against the winner of today’s Georgia-Oregon State game.