Cardinals end Miami's run of regional titles

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Over the years, winning NCAA regionals and appearing in the College World Series has become the norm at Miami.

This year, for the first time in coach Jim Morris' 14 seasons, the heralded program made an early exit.

The Hurricanes' string of 13 consecutive regional titles ended Sunday with an 8-7 loss to Louisville, their second loss to that school in three days. Players appeared at the post-game news conference dabbing their eyes.

"We're all very spoiled at Miami," Morris said. "Hopefully we'll continue to be spoiled in the future."

Morris' teams have won two College World Series and made it to 10. He said the end of the run is a product of scholarship limitations.

Louisville shortstop Chris Cates, right, completed a double play over Missouri's Gary Arndt during their NCAA Regional game Sunday in Columbia, Mo. The Cardinals avoided elimination with a 4-3 victory and will play the Tigers today for the regional title. (L.G. PATTERSON ~ Associated Press)

"It's very disappointing, no question about that," Morris said. "I don't know if people will match that streak in the future with what's going on in today's athletics. It's very tough."

Miami (37-24) was in the top five in all four major polls to start the season, but struggled before going 10-3 before the Columbia Regional. After losing seven players in last year's major league draft, the Hurricanes were one game over .500 in the middle of March.

-- AP