April 7, 2004

Columbia, S.C. – USC senior catcher Landon Powell is one of 30 players in the nation to be named by USA Baseball to the Golden Spikes Award Watch List. As part of their continuing efforts to salute amateur baseball excellence, USA Baseball – in partnership with the Major League Baseball Players Association – presents the 2004 Golden Spikes Award, amateur baseball’s most prestigous honor. USA Baseball will announce their five finalists for the 2004 Golden Spikes Award in June.

Co-captain and a preseason All-American candidate, Powell is batting .391 on the year and has started all 28 games this season for the Gamecocks. Powell owns a 1.000 fielding percentage behind the plate and has seven HR and 37 RBI on the year as well as 10 doubles. For the third consecutive year Powell was also named to the Johnny Bench Award Watch List. Powell is one of 18 players in South Carolina history to collect at least 200 career hits. Powell currently is 11th on the USC All-Time Hits list with 221 and is second on the USC All-Time Doubles List with 54 career two base hits.

Sixth ranked South Carolina (23-5) continues action today at 7:15 p.m. as the Gamecocks face Clemson at Doug Kingsmore Stadium, wrapping up an eight-game road trip. Wednesday night’s game will be televised on CSS-TV. The Gamecocks return home on Friday to host a three-game SEC series vs. the Florida Gators.