May 3, 2004

Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina freshman LHP Arik Hempy has been named SEC Pitcher of the Week after earning a win and a save this weekend in a three-game series vs. Ole Miss.

Hempy pitched his first career complete game shutout in a 3-0 win vs. ninth ranked Ole Miss to take the series and earned his first career save with three scoreless innings of relief in 7-3 win vs. the Rebels in opening game of the series. The freshman from Raleigh, N.C. did now allow a run in 12 innings pitched this week and just two walks and four hits while striking out 13 batters. Hempy also did not allow and Ole Miss player to reach third base and finished with a career-high 11 striekouts. It was the first time this season that an opponent has recorded a shutout against Ole Miss.

In his last 24 2/3 innings pitched, Hempy has allowed just three runs. On the season he owns a 3-1 record with a 3.32 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings pitched with just 12 walks and 19 hits allowed.

South Carolina (32-12, 11-10 SEC) is ranked No. 6 by the Sports Weekly/ESPN College Coaches poll, No. 7 by Baseball America and No. 20 in Collegiate Baseball this week. The Gamecocks head to Auburn this weekend for a three-game set vs. the Tigers.