St. Louis Cardinals: Cardinals in the College World Series

Second, we have newly acquired relief pitcher Andrew Miller. We’re going to have to go way back for this one.

In the first round of the College World Series, the North Carolina Tar Heels had to face the Cal State Fullerton Titans, and ace Andrew Miller was named the starter going into that game. Miller struggled, allowing five runs over 7 1/2 innings pitched, he did manage to strike out nine batters though. The Tar Heels went on to defeat the Titans by a score of 7-5 in a 13-inning thriller and advance to the next round.

In the semi-finals, the Tar Heels and the Titans met again, and even though Miller did not start for the Tar Heels, he was called to get the save in the ninth and bring the Tar Heels to the Finals. This would be Miller’s first time trying to get a save as a collegiate pitcher, and as a starter for his whole career, this was a different spot for Miller. Miller pulled off the save and the Heels were on to the final against the Oregon State Beavers.

Miller was the Game 1 starter for the Tar Heels, and did a solid job, allowing three runs over five innings, while striking out five batters. The Tar Heels would eventually go on to win that game behind Miller’s strong performance, and they were one game away from a National Title. After getting blown out in Game 2 and dropping Game 3, Oregon State would be named the National Champions, and it would be a heartbreaking way to end Miller’s collegiate career with the Heels.