South Carolina Baseball: Ranking the top-15 pitchers in Gamecock history
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina Baseball’s No. 12 Greatest Pitcher of All-Time:
Matt Campbell
An impressive lefty from the Upstate of South Carolina, Matt Campbell (2002-2004) was a very good reliever in 2002 but had his best moment as a freshman throwing 5 1/3 innings against Clemson in the College World Series. Campbell’s effort (2 hits allowed in 18 batters faced) kept the Tigers from mounting a comeback and sent Carolina’s rival home from Omaha.
Campbell forced his way into the starting rotation in 2003 and had another good season but was somewhat overshadowed by a career year from David Marchbanks. HIs final season in garnet and black, though, saw #3 take control of the starting rotation in the Gamecocks’ third-straight College World Series season.
Leading a rotation that also included Aaron Rawl and Billy Buckner, Campbell notched three complete game wins in SEC play, including a masterful 10-strikeout, 10-inning shutout of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Campbell turned in two good starts at Rosenblatt Stadium in the College World Series in 2004, but the Cal State Fullerton Titans was simply too good. The Titans knocked off the Gamecocks twice in Omaha on their way to the National Championship.