March 18, 2004

Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina baseball (18-0) returns to action this weekend hosting LSU (16-2) at Sarge Frye Field beginning Friday evening at 7 p.m.. This weekend’s series with the Tigers is the first series in SEC play for both teams and represents the first meeting between both schools since last year’s game at the College World Series. The Gamecocks defeated LSU 11-10 in Omaha to advance in the College World Series. South Carolina is ranked as high as No. 3 in the nation (Baseball America) with LSU heading into the weekend with a ranking as high as No. 1 (Collegiate Baseball).

The pitching matchups for the weekend are also set.

FRIDAY
South Carolina RHP Billy Buckner (4-0, 3.21 ERA)
LSU RHP Justin Meier (4-0, 1.83 ERA)

SATURDAY
South Carolina RHP Aaron Rawl (4-0, 2.08 ERA)
LSU LHP Lane Mestepey (3-1, 2.57 ERA)

SUNDAY
South Carolina LHP Matt Campbell (4-0, 0.00 ERA)
LSU RHP Nate Bumstead (2-0, 3.18 ERA)

Live GAMETRACKER stats as well as live audio will be available at USCSPORTS.COM. Saturday’s first pitch will be at 4 p.m. with Sunday’s finale set for 1:30 p.m.