Here. We. Go.
This weekend is the only series of the year (other than potentially in the postseason) between the Gamecocks and Tigers, which means bragging rights are there for the taking. Clemson, having lost 14 of the last 20 games between the two schools, will obviously be looking for revenge. The fact that Carolina has beaten them a whole bunch en route to back to back national championships might add a little more fuel to their fire, too.
The Yardcocks are undefeated so far this season, while the Tigers are 4-2. USC is ranked No. 2/3, CU is No. 15. The three games will be played in three different places: Charleston on Friday (6 ET), Columbia on Saturday (2 ET), and Clemson on Sunday (2 ET). Gamecocks Online will stream Saturday’s game and Sunday’s matchup will be shown on ESPN3.
Also of note: the Tom Price Award and Bob Bradley Awards will be presented to the series MVPs from South Carolina and Clemson, respectively. Both Bradley and Price were long-time baseball SIDs at their schools and were important in promoting college baseball in South Carolina and across the country.
Michael Roth, Matt Price, and Colby Holmes, in that order, will likely start on the mound for Carolina. Kevin Brady, Dominic Leone, and someone who’s TBA will get the nods for the Tigers. In a game that could come down to who has the better pitching staff, I like our chances.
The Cocks have utilized plenty of freshmen at multiple positions in addition their veteran guys, and that will again be the case this weekend. The new players have been really impressive so far, and there’s no doubt that they’re extra pumped for these three games.
Honestly, depsite the fact that Clemson often chokes (in all sports) at the worst time possible, they do have a legit baseball rogram. There’s no reason to think that these three games will be easy wins for Carolina; victoies will have to be earned.
You might remember the stupid “batgate” controversy that broke out last year (this is why you can’t have nice things, Jack Leggett). Coach Ray Tanner was asked about it at his press conference today, and he had this to say:
“Chippy is a word that we’ve used a lot…Coach Leggett and I have had a great relationship…last year, it went awry a little bit, certainly, but as far as I’m concerned, and I think him as well, we discussed it after it was over, put it aside, and we moved on…I don’t expect anything other than just great, competitive baseball…we don’t own any bat warmers.”
Good. Let’s play ball, gentlemen.
