Who will South Carolina pitch on Friday?

South Carolina will open postseason play this Friday against the Campbell Camels. Like most teams in the NCAA tournament, the Gamecocks will need to decide who to start in their opening game of the regional.

However, unlike most team, South Carolina has three pitchers who could conceivably take the hill on Friday night.

Jordan Montgomery – Junior – LHP (7-5, 3.52 ERA, 86 Ks, 29 BBs)

The Case For Montgomery:

Montgomery is the most seasoned starter in South Carolina’s rotation. He has started in Omaha and has plenty of big-game experience. The Friday-night ace for the entire season, Montgomery is seen as the Gamecocks’ top starting pitcher and would likely give South Carolina the best chance to win.

The Case Against Montgomery:

One would assume that South Carolina could beat Campbell without using its ace. If the Gamecocks spend Montgomery against the regional’s fourth-seed, he likely would not be available for the rest of the weekend. Going with someone else on Friday would also allow the Gamecocks to use Montgomery on Saturday if something catastrophic happens against the Camels.

Jack Wynkoop – Sophomore – LHP (7-5, 2.71 ERA, 57 Ks, 10 BBs)

The Case For Wynkoop:

Although he is only a sophomore, Wynkoop started in the Chapel Hill Super Regional last year and will not tense up under the bright lights. Wynkoop is battle-tested this year, having made more appearance this season than any of the Gamecocks’ weekend starters.

The Case Against Wynkoop:

Wynkoop has been solid but not spectacular this season. Opponents are batting .267 against him, the highest batting average that any Gamecock pitcher has allowed this year. The sophomore also is not accustomed to being the first starter of the weekend.

Wil Crowe – Freshman – RHP (7-3, 3.05 ERA, 55 Ks, 19 BBs)

The Case For Crowe:

Crowe has been South Carolina’s most electric starter this year. The freshman has started seven rubber games in the SEC this season, so the thought of starting against Campbell isn’t likely to rattle him. Crowe has also given up fewer extra-base hits than any of the Gamecock starters, which could be crucial against a Camel team looking for an upset.

The Case Against Crowe:

Although he has experience, Crowe has never started a collegiate postseason game. It’s always hard to predict how freshmen will react to their first NCAA tournament game. Crowe also didn’t throw a single pitch in the SEC tournament, meaning he would be making his first start in 13 days.

The Verdict: Crowe

Crowe has big-time stuff and should be able to handle the Camels. This would allow South Carolina to save Montgomery or Maryland or Old Dominion on Saturday. If the Gamecocks are 2-0, Wynkoop would get a chance to finish the regional. If South Carolina is in an elimination situation, Wynkoop has experience pitching in do-or-die games after starting against UNC last year.