Sept. 1, 2007

Columbia, S.C. – Former South Carolina infielder Steve Pearce has been called up to the Major Leagues and will join the Pittsburgh Pirates for this weekend’s series at Milwaukee against the Brewers. Saturday’s game is scheduled for 7:05 pm ET. Pearce is now one of six former Gamecocks currently in Major League Baseball along with third baseman Brian Buscher (Minnesota Twins), shortstop Adam Everett (Houston Astros), second baseman Brian Roberts (Baltimore Orioles) and pitchers Billy Buckner (Kansas City Royals) and Jon Coutlangus (Cincinnati Reds).

Pearce broke through the Pirates organization this season moving from High-A Lynchburg to Double-A Altoona and just recently Triple-A Indianapolis while also being a part of the MLB Futures Game in San Francisco, Calif. during All-Star week. His cumulative batting average with those three teams was .335 with 31 HR and 113 RBI. He was drafted in the eighth round by the Pirates in the 2005 MLB Draft.

A two-year letter-winner for the Gamecocks, Pearce was a member of the 2004 College World Series team as well as an All-America selection and the NCBWA District IV Player of the Year on the 2005 NCAA Regional squad. Pearce led the team in home runs both seasons with 21 each year for a total of 42 home runs in two seasons with the Gamecocks. He also led both teams in hitting with a .346 batting average in 2004 and at a .358 clip in 2005. Pearce was a star in the postseason as MVP of the 2004 NCAA Regional in Columbia and a member of the 2004 College World Series All-Tournament team.