USC Still No. 1 in Baseball America Top 25

DURHAM, N.C. (Baseball America) — South Carolina pulled out a tight series with Mississippi to remain No. 1 in the Baseball America College Top 25 rankings for the second straight week. The Gamecocks took their first loss of the season in Friday‘s opener against the Rebels, but they rallied for a dramatic walk-off win in the first game of Saturday‘s doubleheader then sealed the series in the nightcap. Florida State stayed put at No. 2 but made a loud statement of its own by sweeping then-No. 5 North Carolina State, which fell to No. 10. Virginia, Oregon State and Louisiana-Lafayette round out the top five, with the Ragin‘ Cajuns attaining the highest rank in their history. Cal Poly also reached the highest ranking in its history, moving into the top 10 for the first time ever at No. 7 following a 6-0 week. Other teams to make notable jumps in the rankings this week include Rice, which moved from No. 15 to No. 11 after sweeping Florida International on the road, and No. 18 Tennessee, which also gained four spots after opening Southeastern Conference play with a series win at Missouri. Houston and San Diego make their 2014 Top 25 debuts this week at Nos. 23 and 24, respectively. The Cougars have opened the season 15-3, including wins against Baylor, Rice and UCLA, while San Diego stands 14-4 with key wins against Cal State Fullerton and Oklahoma State. Indiana and Kentucky fell out of the rankings. The staff of Baseball America determines the Top 25 rankings. Records indicated are through games of March 16 and do not include ties. 1. South Carolina

2. Florida State

3. Virginia

4. Oregon State

5. Louisiana-Lafayette

6. Vanderbilt 7. Cal Poly 8. Louisiana State

9. Cal State Fullerton

10. North Carolina State

11. Rice

15-6

12. Oregon

13. Clemson 14. Louisville 15. Texas

16. Sam Houston State

17. North Carolina

18. Tennessee

19. UC Santa Barbara

20. Mississippi

21. Mississippi State

22. UCLA

23. Houston

24. San Diego

25. Miami