South Carolina vs. Campbell: Position Breakdown
By Rixon Lane
Here is your position-by-position preview of tonight’s game between #1 South Carolina and #4 Campbell:
Disclaimer: Starting lineups have not been announced. Players listed are projected starters.
Pitcher: Jordan Montgomery (USC) vs. Heath Bowers (CU)
Despite his numbers dropping off slightly this season, Montgomery has been a major part of South Carolina’s staff for three years and has been nearly flawless in NCAA tournament play. Bowers, Campbell’s top starter, has superior statistics across the board, but his only start against an SEC team this year was a win over a pitiful Missouri squad.
Advantage: Gamecocks
Catcher: Grayson Greiner (USC) vs. Steven Leonard (CU)
Greiner is South Carolina’s best power hitter and one of the top catchers in college baseball, but his arm will be tested by a Campbell team that stole 80 bases this season. Leonard isn’t a longball threat, but he was named to the Big South’s All-Tournament team and has been a consistent performer behind the plate.
Advantage: Gamecocks
First base: Kyle Martin (USC) vs. Seth Larue (CU)
The only Gamecock to start every game this season, Martin leads the team in hits and was the MOP of last year’s Columbia Regional. Larue has only started 26 games this year, but has performed well when on the field.
Advantage: Gamecocks
Second base: D.C. Arendas (USC) vs. Brooks Borders (CU)
Arendas has been USC”s most versatile player, starting in four different positions this season. Borders has just 11 starts under his belt and the true freshman will be returning to his hometown of Columbia.
Advantage: Gamecocks
Third base: Joey Pankake (USC) vs. Elijah Trail (CU)
Pankake is one of South Carolina’s best all-around hitters and has made a smooth transition from shortstop to third base. Trail’s numbers aren’t as strong at the plate, but he has been walked 20 times and hit 22 times this season and has a fielding percentage 29 points higher than Pankake.
Advantage: Gamecocks
Shortstop: Marcus Mooney (USC) vs. John Reilly (CU)
Mooney may not have a phenomenal batting average, but he is a tough out and often finds his way on base. Reilly has had some struggles in the field, but he is one of Campbell’s top hitters and hasn’t been caught stealing all season.
Advantage: Camels
Left field: Gene Cone (USC) vs. Will Albertson (CU)
Cone has had a knack for timely hitting ever since he was thrust into South Carolina’s starting lineup due to injuries. Albertson isn’t a power hitter, but has the ability to consistently spray the ball all over the field.
Advantage: Camels
Center field: Tanner English (USC) vs. Matt Nadolski (CU)
One of the fastest players in college baseball, English is a huge asset in outfield but still struggles with strikeouts. Nadolski is Campbell’s best hitter, leading the team with 47 RBIs.
Advantage: Camels
Right field: Connor Bright (USC) vs. Clayton Brown (CU)
Although he is returning from injury, Bright has the highest average in the Gamecock lineup and is a solid hitter. Brown has been a steady but not spectacular performer.
Advantage: Gamecocks
Designated hitter: Max Schrock (USC) vs. Matt Parrish (CU)
Schrock has had a flair for the dramatic in his injury-riddled sophomore season and is one of South Carolina’s best hitters. Parrish leads the Camels with a .328 batting average.
Advantage: Tie