The South Carolina baseball has their hands full in the final weekend of the regular season against the Alabama Crimson Tide and so much it riding on this outcome. At stake for the Gamecocks could be a SEC crown and a Top 8 national seed. The Gamecocks simply need to win the series to keep the good vibes going into the postseason.
The first game was played last night and did not go so well for USC as they lost 2-1. We normally do a preview of the team the baseball team faces but the General had to drive to Alabama to attend Game 2 and 3. He could not get to the preview and maybe that is why they lost. The Gamecocks had won a very impressive nine straight road SEC series-openers before Thursday. So to turn the tide, here is a preview of Game 2 and 3:
Probable Starting Pitchers
Friday
South Carolina – Forrest Koumas (Fr. RHP) 5-0, 3.17 ERA, 54.0 IP, 22 BB, 48 SO
Alabama – Adam Morgan (Jr. LHP) 5-4, 3.89 ERA, 81.0 IP, 21 BB, 67 SO
Saturday
South Carolina – Colby Holmes (So. RHP) 5-2, 3.70 ERA, 58.1 IP, 14 BB, 55 SO
Alabama – TBA
I would imagine you will see Bama use Jonathan Smart on Saturday but we shall see. The series between these two teams favors Bama by one game – 24-25 – so that is another thing about this weekend series.
For USC to win, they must not allow the leadoff man to get on base as this happened four times last night. With a team that leads the SEC in sac bunts, USC could do itself a favor and get that first out. USC must also limit the “big 3” of Bama – senior catcher Brock Bennett, junior shortstop Jared Reaves, and freshman first baseman/designated hitter Austen Smith. Those three are playing strong baseball leading into this weekend. So to sum this point up – limit the bats of the Tide.
On top of that, USC must play strong defense and produce runs. Christian Walker, Jake Williams Peter Mooney and Scott Wingo are four players that must get hits. They need to battle in the box and get on base. Homers are going to be hard to get in Alabama so producing the runs is going to have to happen.
Lastly, Koumas and Holmes must rise to the occasion and get the job done for South Carolina.
Here are the standings going into the final two games –
SEC STANDINGS
Team SEC Overall
SEC East
Florida 21-7 40-14
South Carolina 20-8 42-12
Vanderbilt 20-8 42-10
Georgia 16-12 27-26
Kentucky 7-21 24-29
Tennessee 6-22 24-28
SEC West
Alabama 14-14 32-22
Arkansas 13-15 34-18
Auburn 13-15 28-26
Mississippi State 13-15 33-20
Ole Miss 13-15 30-23
LSU 12-16 35-19
As you can see, USC and Bama has a lot riding on these final two games. Time for the Fighting Gamecocks to show the FIGHT in them.
