South Carolina baseball: Gamecocks host top ranked Arkansas
By Jacob Elsey
GAMECOCKS TO WATCH
Thomas Farr
Farr is South Carolina’s Friday (or Thursday, in this case) night guy, but he’s struggled over his last few appearances. The right-hander hasn’t picked up a win in his last six starts, and the Gamecocks have lost three straight series opening games. Farr has the stuff, having 64 strikeouts in 49.1 innings of work, but the results haven’t been there of late. The Gamecocks need their ace to get back on track this weekend because it will be tough to overcome an 0-1 deficit if they hope to take the series.
Will Sanders
While it’s key to get off to a hot start, it’s also important to finish. South Carolina’s most consistent pitcher in conference play has been freshman Will Sanders, who’s picked up a win in four of his last five starts. In four SEC appearances, the righty has allowed just five earned runs. The Gamecocks have not lost a Sunday game in league play, and much of that can be accounted to Sanders’ performance.
Brett Kerry
While the starting rotation should get the bulk of the workload, having a strong bullpen is just as important. Brett Kerry has acted as the team’s closer, entering games in high stress situations. In just 25.1 innings of work, he’s struck out 47 batters. He’s picked up three saves on the season, and boasts a 3-0 overall record. Games could be tight this weekend, the team that can close out them out will be successful.
Brady Allen
Allen has been the Gamecocks’ most consistent hitter, leading the team in average (.309) while ranking second in both homers and RBIs. The leadoff man has shown an ability to get on base and has had a knack for coming through with the big hit. Setting the table at the top of the lineup would go a long way in a series win.
RAZORBACKS TO WATCH
Brady Slavens
Slavens is the SEC’s leader in runs batted in (45), and is one of nine Razorbacks to be hitting above .290. He’s also launched 10 home runs and leads the team with 44 hits.
Matt Goodheart
Goodheart has knocked a team-high 11 homers on the season, and is currently hitting .343. The Gamecocks will need to limit the damage as he looks to set the table from the two-spot in the Razorbacks’ lineup.
Kevin Kopps
Like Brett Kerry, Kopps has been used in high pressure situations for Arkansas. The reliever has posted a 1.12 ERA in 16 appearances. He’s notched six wins and four saves while holding opposing hitters to just a .200 batting average.
Patrick Wicklander
Wicklander has been the Razorbacks’ most consistent starter of late, allowing just five runs in four SEC starts. His only loss on the season came in a 2-1 defeat versus Auburn, and he’s helped Arkansas earn wins against Mississippi State, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss.
HOW TO TUNE IN
Tonight’s game will be aired on SEC Network, with first pitch being thrown at 7 PM ET. Due to incoming storms this weekend, the two teams will play a doubleheader on Friday, with the first game set for a 2 PM start, and the second matchup expected to begin at 7 PM.