Whit Merrifield, who had the game-winning hit against UCLA that delivered a College World Series title for South Carolina, has agreed to terms with the Kansas City Royals.  Merrifield, an outfielder, was drafted by Kansas City in the ninth round last month.  He told the Associated Press on Thursday he'll sign the contract at his Winston-Salem, N.C., home on Monday and then head to the Royals' low-A affiliate in Burlington, Iowa.  Merrifield's 11th-inning single June 29 scored Scott Wingo for a 2-1 victory over UCLA that won this year's national championship.  "It was definitely one of the toughest decisions I've had to make," said Merrifield, who was encouraged by fans to play a final season at South Carolina, told the AP. "But I came to win a championship and we did that. Now, I'm ready to close that chapter and start playing pro ball."  This season, Merrifield tied for the team lead with 13 homers and hit.321 batting average. He also set the school mark with a 26-game hit streak that began last season and stretched into this year.  Merrifield's coach last summer in the Cape Cod summer baseball league, John Schiffner, told the Daily Pitch last month the 6-foot, 165-pound Merrifield is a "a smaller version of Evan Longoria."  Schiffner, who has coached in the Cape Cod League for 26 years, also coached Longoria. Like Longoria, Merrifield has a quick right-handed bat and good speed.  "I can see him being a major league second baseman or outfielder," Schiffner said. "He does everything so well. He's a five-tool player, though he may be a little short on power right now. He's got baseball genes, and his instincts are excellent."  Merrifield's father, Bill, played six seasons of professional baseball. Schiffner also coached Bill Merrifield in Cape Cod.  To report corrections and clarifications, contact Standards Editor  . For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to  . Include name, phone number, city and state for verification. To view our corrections, go to
College World Series hero agrees to terms with Royals - Daily Pitch: MLB News, Standings, Schedules & More - USATODAY.com