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COLUMBIA (WACH, AP) -- Defending national champion South Carolina is heading back to the College World Series.

Christian Walker's home run in the eighth inning broke a 2-all tie and the Gamecocks turned three straight inning-ending double plays to defeat Connecticut 8-2 and sweep the NCAA Super Regional on Sunday night.

South Carolina put the game away with a five-run ninth, clinching its second consecutive trip to Omaha, Nebraska.

The Gamecocks are making their 10th all-time appearance at the College World Series, and 5th trip since 2002 under coach Ray Tanner.

"I know that when I came here fifteen years ago this was a program about tradition and history and great people," said Tanner. "Bobby Richardson and June Raines and a sport that had been successful at this university. It was my challenge at that point to continue that and we've been very fortunate."

Sunday night's win was the Gamecocks' 11th straight NCAA tournament win, a streak that started last year at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha.

"I mean to get back to Omaha or going back to back I don't know what's harder," said senior Scott Wingo. "It's just unbelievable we got back and we're going to give it a run again."

The Connecticut Huskies (45-20-1) led 2-0 entering the fourth inning and had several chances to extend the lead but could not cash in against South Carolina (50-14), stranding eight runners and closing the fifth, sixth and seventh innings with double plays.

Gamecocks closer Matt Price got the final six outs for his 18th save and third of the NCAA tournament.

The first USC game at the College World Series is set for this Sunday at 7 p.m.  The game will be aired nationally on ESPN2.

The Gamecocks take on the winner of the Florida State vs. Texas A&M game.  Game three of that series takes place Monday night.

It's still unsure when the team will arrive in Nebraska, but the first practice is scheduled for Friday afternoon, according to athletic officials.

Do you think the Gamecocks can pull off a repeat of last year's College World Series win?  Vote in our poll below and leave a comment.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)