The South Carolina Gamecocks will take on the Furman Paladins tonight in baseball at 7 p.m. at Carolina Stadium.
Furman (4-4) is expected to start sophomore left-hander Nate Smith (0-1, 14.73 ERA) against South Carolina (6-0), who will counter with junior left-hander Steven Neff (0-0, 16.20 ERA).
Last season’s record for FU: 19-37 (11-19 in the Southern Conference)
This season: The Paladins have dropped four straight after opening the 2011 campaign with a four-game sweep of Ohio. Furman lost to Cincinnati, 9-8, on Sunday and to Michigan State, 7-3, on Saturday in the First Pitch Invitational at Fluor Field. Earlier in the week Furman dropped decisions to both Georgia (6-4) and Charleston Southern (5-3).
Series Breakdown: South Carolina defeated Furman twice a year ago, winning 15-0 in Greenville and 11-6 in Columbia. The Gamecocks hold a 104-54-2 lead in the series, which dates to 1896.
Breaking down the match-up: Last year, was a rebuilding year of sorts for FU as the Gamecocks when on to the National Championship. FU lost some pitching, even if that is what hurt them in 2010. However, the team is very young and brings back a lot of talent in their hitters.
The corps of returning regulars include 2010 SoCon Freshman of the Year Will Muzika (.329, 14 HR, 55 RBI), left fielder Will Owens (.351, 8 HR, 38 RBI), first baseman Aaron Thompkins (.342, 3 HR, 30 RBI) and right fielder Will Miller (.313, 5 HR, 34 RBI).
USC will have to be sharp in their pitching and on defense as the FU team can hit the ball well. USC can not overlook them.
Prediction: The pitching staff will be FU’s weakness. Should be a win for the Gamecocks by five runs.
