NEW YORK — South Carolina is taking a big swing at some college baseball history.

Trying to become only the second school to win three or more consecutive College World Series titles, the Gamecocks know they have plenty of work to do in the NCAA tournament before they have a shot at finishing No. 1 in Omaha.

The Gamecocks (40-17) know all about success at this time of year. The two-time defending champs are trying to join the 1970-74 Southern California squads as the only teams to win three or more consecutive national titles. South Carolina hosts one of 16 four-team, double-elimination regionals that begin Friday, with the Gamecocks opening against Manhattan (33-25), the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament champion.