May 18, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – After a complete-game win to start the Gamecocks on their way to a series sweep of Georgia, sophomore Sam Dyson picked up Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Week accolades, the league office announced Monday.

Dyson tossed his second career complete game in Thursday’s opener, allowing just two runs on four hits in the contest. He struck out a career-high 13 batters, tops in a game this season by a Gamecock. The Tampa, Fla., sophomore is now 8-4 on the season and has struck out 81 batters in 88 innings, ranking ninth in the league in punchouts. Opponents hit just .229 against him, the fifth-best mark in the conference.

Dyson joins Jackie Bradley, Jr. as a weekly winner, after Bradley shared Freshman of the Week honors two weeks ago. Mississippi catcher Kyle Henson captured the Player of the Week award, while Zach Osbourne claimed the Freshman of the Week award.

The Gamecocks open SEC Tournament play on Wednesday as the fifth seed, taking on fourth-seeded Alabama in the late game at Regions Park.