Who Will South Carolina Pitch?
By Rixon Lane
Everyone knows that the Gamecocks are facing an uphill battle to survive the weekend.
South Carolina must win three games in the next 48 hours to advance to super regional play. The Gamecocks have a rematch with Campbell this afternoon and, assuming they defeat the Camels, will have to turn around and play Maryland tonight. A win over the Terps and South Carolina faces a winner-take-all game Monday night.
Any time a team is facing elimination, pitching becomes highly important. As the Gamecocks prepare for Campbell, here is our South Carolina’s pitching staff stands:
Joel Seddon: Ready when needed
Seddon threw an innning on Friday night against Campbell and can be called on at any point to try and secure a Gamecock win or to keep South Carolina in a game.
Jack Wynkoop: Likely done for the weekend
Even if South Carolina survives until Monday, it’s unlikely Wynkoop will be given the ball again. The sophomore was rocked for six hits and four runs in less than two innings last night.
Taylor Widener: Done for the weekend
If the Gamecocks come back to win the regional, they can thank Widener. He saved countless arms with his 6.1 inning shutdown performance last night.
Vince Fiori: Could start, will almost certainly pitch
Fiori, Montgomery and Wynkoop are the only pitchers are South Carolina’s roster who had previous postseason experience. Fiori threw an inning in last year’s regional and although he hasn’t started a game all year, might be asked to take the mound and give whatever he’s got.
Matthew Vogel: Possible starter
Vogel has started two games this season, but his 6.91 ERA might make the coaches uneasy about putting him on the hill in an elimination game. It’s unlikely he would be called from the bullpen except in an emergency.
John Parke: In-case-of-emergency pitcher
Parke has thrown 3.1 innings all season and his longest outing was an inning of scoreless relief against Furman. With only four appearances on the year, it’s highly unlikely the freshman sees the mound.
Jordan Montgomery: Maybe, maybe Monday (but probably not)
Montgomery nearly threw a complete game on Friday and it would be assumed that he is done for the weekend. However, the junior might try to convince his coaches to use him in a winner-take-all game
Hunter Privette: Likely to be used
One of South Carolina’s few veteran relievers, Privette has a spotless ERA in nine appearances this year. The senior is almost certainly going to be called on at some point.
Wil Crowe: Starter, just not sure when
Crowe is the wild card for the next two days. He’s South Carolina’s best remaining starter and the question is whether he’ll face Campbell or get saved for Maryland.
Reed Scott: Probable starter
Scott has three starts under his belt this year and has shown the ability to eat innings, going 7.0 innings aginst The Citadel. He is one of South Carolina’s best remaining options to start a game.
Cody Mincey: Will be used
Mincey has been the front end of a nasty 1-2 punch bullpen and if a game is tight in the late innings, he will be called to preserve a lead. The question is how long and how often the Gamecocks will use him.
Josh Reagan: Could start, might pitch
Reagan has one start and thirteen appearances this season, so it would appear that he would be used out of the pen. His 0.36 ERA certainly helps his case.