South Carolina baseball: regional host chances soar following road sweep
By Jacob Elsey
South Carolina baseball picked up a much needed sweep over the weekend.
The South Carolina baseball team travelled to Lexington this past weekend to take on Kentucky in its final road series of the regular season. The Gamecocks came into the weekend looking to end a three-series skid, while also attempting to improve their postseason stock and jump right back into regional host contention.
They did both in convincing fashion.
The Gamecocks took all three matchups, with the offense exploding to score at least nine runs in each contest. The starting pitching was fantastic following a few changes to the rotation, and none of the three meetings were ever really in doubt.
Friday got the weekend started on the right foot, as South Carolina notched four runs in the first frame to take an early lead. The Wildcats would strike back with three in the bottom of the third, but it would be all Gamecocks from there. South Carolina would see six runners cross the plate over the next two innings, and they’d cruise to an easy 12-6 victory.
Brannon Jordan picked up the win, throwing five strong innings to improve to 5-4 on the year. Julian Bosnic would enter the game late to earn his third save of the season. On offense, Braylen Wimmer led the way, going 3-for-6 with a double, triple, homer, and three RBIs.
Saturday saw reliever Brett Kerry make his first start of the season, and he wouldn’t disappoint. The senior tossed a complete game shutout, striking out 10 hitters and surrendering just four hits. Kerry was inserted into the starting rotation earlier in the week, and it looks like he could stay there as the Gamecocks navigate through the postseason.
Andrew Eyster tallied five RBIs, and his sixth inning opposite field grand slam broke open what was a 2-0 game. South Carolina would tack on three more runs over the final three frames to take the series with a 9-0 win.
On Sunday, Thomas Farr threw 5.2 innings, and he finally got some run support from the Gamecock offense. South Carolina jumped out to another early lead, knocking Kentucky starter Zack Lee around for six runs in 3.1 innings. The Gamecocks would extend that lead to 10-3 against the Wildcat bullpen, and completed the sweep with an eventual 11-6 win.
The sweep was the team’s first since late March, and it should get the Gamecocks right in the thick of things when it comes to hosting a regional.
Weekend MVPs
Brett Kerry
Kerry was magnificent in his first start, needing just 94 pitches in a complete game shutout. Kentucky had no answer for the righty, who K’d 10 batters while not allowing a walk. His season ERA improved drop to 1.80, and you can bet he’ll be in the rotation for next week’s matchup with Tennessee.
Andrew Eyster
Eyster was 8-for-12 on the weekend, knocking in nine RBIs and swiping a bag. His grand slam in game two broke open a close game, and his four RBIs in game three helped the Gamecocks complete the sweep.
What’s next?
The Gamecocks host Appalachian State in midweek action before taking on Tennessee for the season’s final series. A series victory could help South Carolina earn a regional host.