May 17, 2004

Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina junior RHP Aaron Rawl has been named SEC Pitcher of the Week after hurling a two-hit complete game shutout in the Gamecocks’ 2-0 win vs. Tennessee to clinch Carolina’s fourth consecutive SEC series. Rawl is the third different USC pitcher in the last four weeks to receive the SEC honor.

The Lexington, S.C. native struck out seven batters and just one walked one on Saturday as Carolina defeated the Vols. Rawl did not allow a hit after the fourth inning and retired 10 consecutive batters to end the game. He is now 10-3 on the year with a 4.47 ERA and 72 strikeouts and just 12 walks in a team-high 90 2/3 innings pitched. Rawl’s 10 victories ties him for the SEC lead in wins with Justin Hoyman of Florida.

South Carolina (39-13, 16-11 SEC) is ranked No. 5 by Baseball America and No. 16 in Collegiate Baseball this week. South Carolina hosts its final home game of the year on Wednesday as the Gamecocks face Wofford at 7 p.m. at Sarge Frye Field. The final SEC series of the year takes place this weekend in Athens, Ga. as Carolina tangles with Georgia. South Carolina is one game behind Georgia, Arkansas and Ole Miss in the SEC.