The Seattle Times

CONWAY, S.C. — Washington is headed to its first NCAA tournament Super Regional after AJ Graffanino doubled in three runs to break a 6-6 tie in the eighth inning and rally past Connecticut 9-6 on Sunday.

The Huskies (33-23), who were seeded third in the four-team regional, will play at Cal State Fullerton (35-23) next weekend for a spot in the College World Series.

“One of the big things you don’t want to happen is you don’t want your guys to be disappointed, because they work so hard. With our guys, we’ve been in absolute overdrive in terms of playoff mode, for the last six weeks,” UW coach Lindsay Meggs said. “I’m really proud of our guys and really happy for them because they really, in my opinion, overachieved.”

Washington was down 6-1 early before tying things with a five-run third inning. The score remained tied into the eighth when two UConn throwing errors and an intentional walk loaded the bases. That’s when Graffanino doubled to right to clear the bases.

UW reliever Alex Hardy gave up a leadoff single in the ninth before closing out UConn (37-22-1).

Designated hitter Joe Wainhouse had three hits, including his 17th homer and three RBI for UW.

“I have been feeling really good lately,” Wainhouse said. “Since the start of the year I have been getting more and more comfortable and I have found a groove lately.”

Note

Gonzaga (33-24) saw its season end with a 10-4 loss to UCLA (38-20) in Minneapolis.