South Carolina Baseball: Transfer portal lefty pitcher makes commitment to Gamecocks
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina baseball ended their season on Saturday. The up-and-down campaign ended in the super regionals, and, despite the inconsistency, the Gamecocks had their best season overall since 2016. Somehow, Carolina only pitched one lefty this season. Matthew Becker pitched well as a starter and a reliever, but the only other lefty who saw action (Jackson Phipps) pitched 7 innings.
Mercifully, the dearth of lefty arms is shifting. Transfer portal pitcher Garrett Gainey announced a commitment to the South Carolina baseball program. Originally from Hartsville, South Carolina, Gainey pitched at Winthrop and Liberty at earlier points in his career.
Gainey has struggled to pitch consistently in his career but has flashed good stuff, and with the deep need for a left-handed arm or two, head coach Mark Kingston and pitching coach Justin Parker elected to take a flyer on the 6’1″ pitcher. With Matthew Becker likely taking a rotation spot, Gainey will have the opportunity to compete for a high-leverage lefty role in the Carolina bullpen.
Gainey has pitched as both a starter and a reliever in his career. He has struggled significantly with giving up home runs, but he also has struck out a lot of batters in his career.
Gainey’s player profile from Liberty University can be found here.
South Carolina baseball is expected to have a very different-looking roster next season. Notable contributors Will Sanders, Noah Hall, James Hicks, and Jack Mahoney are expected to leave in the draft from the pitching staff, and Will McGillis (out of eligibility) and Braylen Wimmer (draft) will be gone, as well.
Michael Braswell has already announced his intention to transfer, and reliever Brett Thomas is putting his name in the portal as well.
Because of all the roster turnover, Gainey (and outfielder Austin Brinling) will not be the only transfer portal additions to Mark Kingston’s team.