text: Gamecocks blast off | The State
  Gamecocks blast off
  May 31, 2008 12:01 AM
  RALEIGH — The first batter of the game for South Carolina was the best indication — but it was not when Reese Havens lined a shot down the line for a sure double. He does that a lot.
  No, it was when Havens slid head-first into second base — with the relay throw still seconds from arriving.
  Earlier this week, USC baseball coach Ray Tanner groused that he lacked rah-rah leaders, especially among his best players. He told his team he wanted them to "play with attitude."
  For one game, the Gamecocks heeded their coach. Throughout a 15-8 win against Charlotte in the first-round of the NCAA tournament, USC played with an energy that appeared to be missing in the latter part of the season.
  Despite two errors, the defense was outstanding. DeAngelo Mack saved a double in the second inning with a diving catch. On the game's first two plays, Darnell converted outs on two slow grounders.
  "Their defense stepped it up for them," Charlotte's Aaron Bray said of USC.
  The Gamecocks, who came in averaging barely more than half a steal per game, swiped a pair. Tanner also sent two runners in the second inning despite a 6-0 lead. Darnell fouled off the pitch.
  Starting pitcher Sam Dyson held Charlotte scoreless for five innings, before leaving after Charlotte scored seven the next two innings. Mike Cisco closed it out, saving the rest of the bullpen for the remainder of the regional.
  That was all good enough to win one game. The next one figures to be more difficult.
  "The ball's flying out of here," Hibbs said. "I think I'm probably more impressed with N.C. State's pitching numbers than I am anything else right now."