South Carolina hosted Elon over the weekend and swept the series 3 games to none by scores of 8-1, 3-2 and 6-0.
Breaking it Down…On Friday night, Michael Roth dominated the Phoenix the whole game. In seven innings, he didn’t allow a run or hit and struck out 7. Nolan Belcher continued the no-hitter through the 8th. With two outs in the ninth, Elon got its first hit, a home run off of Patrick Sullivan. The run mattered little since the Gamecocks had already plated 8 runs. Christian Walker highlighted the attack with 5 RBIs and a home run.
On Saturday, the offensive attack wasn’t as potent. Walker and Grayson Greiner each drove in a run in the third, and Adam Matthews scored in the 5th to extend the lead to 3-0. Matt Price allowed a solitary hit and no runs in 5 innings of work. Tyler Webb worked the next 3 and two thirds but ran into some trouble when the defense behind him faltered. An error extended the game, and Elon put two runs on the board and runners on first and second with two outs. Forrest Koumas picked up the last out and the save to win the series.
Sunday was all Gamecocks, all day. Carolina put three runs on the board in the first on a LB Dantzler home run. They added a pair in the second on a Tanner English triple. Meanwhile Colby Holmes scattered 3 hits and 0 runs over 5 and 2/3 innings. Freshman Vince Fiori, Junior Ethan Carter and Freshman Evan Beal covered the last 3 and 1/3 innings without allowing a hit or a run.
Stars of the Series…Tanner English…4-10, 3 R, 3 RBI, 3B…Christian Walker…4-10, 2 R, 6 RBI, HR…Michael Roth…W, 7 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 7 K…Matt Price…W, 5 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 8 K…Colby Holmes…W, 5.2 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 6 K…
What to Take From the Weekend…Another sweep is good. 6-0 is great. How good is Elon? That’s a good question. They’re probably better than VMI, but not as good as the competition the Gamecocks are going to see in conference play, or this week against Clemson. Thus far the pitching staff looks great and the freshmen and new comers are producing. Whether that can continue against better competition will determine the season.
This and that…The Gamecocks are now 3-0 on the season…They have won 16 games in a row. Christian Walker now has a five game hitting streak.
Up next…South Carolina hosts Presbyterian on Tuesday then plays Clemson in Charleston Friday, at home on Saturday and in Pickens on Sunday.
