Baseball Hosts Charlotte On Tuesday

Feb. 20, 2017

Dates: Tues. Feb. 21

First Pitch: 4 p.m.

Location: Columbia, S.C.

Stadium: Founders Park

Television/Video: SEC Network Plus (Burch Antley & Trey Dyson) Live SEC Network Plus Video

Radio: 107.5 The Game & The Gamecock Radio Network (Tommy Moody and Drew Meyer); GamecocksOnline.com

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina returns to action on Tuesday afternoon hosting Charlotte. First pitch is at 4 p.m. at Founders Park. The game will be available on SEC Network Plus and the Gamecock IMG Network including flagship station, 107.5 FM, “The Game.”

Tuesday’s game is the first of five gams this week for the Gamecocks. South Carolina will also host Kansas State on Thursday and then host Wright State for a three-game series beginning on Friday.

CLEAR BAG POLICY

Fans are encouraged not to bring any type of bags inside Founders Park during games; however, the following outlines bags that are permitted:

• One bag that is clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and does not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ –OR–
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
–AND–
• Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″ (approximately the size of a hand)
• An exception may be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection (Gates 1 & 3).

PARKING INFORMATION

Parking shuttle changes have been made this year for the 2017 baseball season. The baseball shuttle to Founders Park will now be operational at the Key Road Gravel Lot (1105 Key Road) and in Lot B of the Colonial Life Arena parking lot. Shuttles will being running two hours prior to game time.

We strongly recommend that fans use the baseball shuttle from Key Road to Founders Park over the CLA shuttle for the convenience, spacious parking (650 spaces) and less congestion than at the arena. Please remember that at the arena shuttle, parking will be limited to 50 to 75 spaces because of the student demand for parking in this area. There is a high student demand Monday through Thursday that lasts until 7 p.m. because of classes.

For GPS purposes, the address for the Key Road Gravel Lot is 1105 Key Road, Columbia, SC 29201.

Please note, the shuttle will no longer be run at Capital City Baseball Stadium.

BUSINESS LOTS DURING AFTERNOON GAMES
Business lot parking passes will be honored in Lot 1 ONLY for the Feb. 17, 21, 24 and 28 afternoon baseball games based on availability. The businesses at 405 (Lot 9) and 401 (Lot 10) Huger Street request that you begin parking at 5:30 p.m. on weekdays. Other business lots open at 5 p.m. on weekdays.

GAME DAY PARKING INFORMATION (including public game day lots (PGDL: $10/$5 per game)

Weekday 4 p.m. Games (Feb. 17, 21, 23, 24 & 28)
Game Time: 4 p.m.
Stadium Opens: 2:30 p.m.
Business Lots Open: 5/5:30 p.m.
Lot 1, STDM, HDG PGDL Open: 1 p.m.
Bus Shuttle for Patrons: 2 p.m.

Weekdays
Game Time: 7 p.m.
Stadium Opens: 5:30 p.m.
Business Lots Open: 5/5:30 p.m.
Lot 1, STDM, HDG PGDL Open: 4 p.m.
Bus Shuttle for Patrons: 5 p.m.

Saturday
Game Time: 4 p.m.
Stadium Opens: 2:30 p.m.
Business Lots Open: 1 p.m.
Lot 1, STDM, HDG PGDL Open: 1 p.m.
Bus Shuttle for Patrons: 2 p.m.

Sunday
Game Time: 1:30 p.m.
Stadium Opens: Noon
Business Lots Open: 10:30 a.m.
Lot 1, STDM, HDG PGDL Open: 10:30 a.m.
Bus Shuttle for Patrons: 11:30 a.m.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION NEAR FOUNDERS PARK
For fans attending games at Founders Park this month, there is construction on Bluff Road. The construction on Bluff Road is between the intersections of Rosewood and National Guard Armory Road and is currently down to one lane in each direction with traffic stoppage.

RANKINGS

South Carolina is ranked among the top six teams in all six major collegiate rankings. The Gamecocks are ranked No. 4 by Collegiate Baseball, D1Baseball and in the USA Today coaches poll, No. 5 in the nation by Baseball America and Perfect Game and No. 6 by the NCBWA.

TUESDAY ROTATION

Tuesday
South Carolina – Sawyer Bridges (Fr. RHP) 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.0 IP, 0 BB, 0 SO
Charlotte – Matt Horkey (Jr. LHP) 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.0 IP, 0 BB, 0 SO

BRIDGES GETS THE BALL

South Carolina freshman right-hander Sawyer Bridges will get the ball on Tuesday. It will be his first career appearance in a Gamecock uniform. The Summerville, S.C. product helped lead Summerville HS last year to a AAAA state championship.

RECAP

South Carolina won its opening weekend series with a pair of victories vs. UNCG. The Gamecocks defeated the Spartans 7-1 and 5-1 with a 1-0 loss on Sunday.

TO ARMS

South Carolina’s pitching staff was strong the entire weekend vs. UNCG as the Gamecock pitchers combined to allow just three runs, one earned, on 10 hits with 27 strikeouts in 27 innings of work. UNCG, who led the NCAA in hitting in 2016, hit just .115 with a .149 slugging percentage and a .179 on-base percentage. The three runs allowed over the weekend is the lowest total of an opening weekend since the Gamecocks allowed just two in the opening series of 2004 vs. Charleston Southern. Carolina’s 0.33 ERA over the weekend was the best among all 14 SEC schools as was the pitching staff’s .115 opponents batting average.

AT THE PLATE AND ON THE FIELD

South Carolina hit .274 (26-for-95) for the weekend with a .330 on base percentage. Carolina committed just two errors and fielded .983 for the weekend with an error-less game in the season opener. The .983 fielding percentage was third best among SEC schools over the weekend.

SCHMIDT DELIVERS IN OPENER

Junior right-hander Clarke Schmidt won on Opening Day allowing just one run on three hits in 6.2 innings with two walks and three strikeouts.

WELCOME BACK WIL

Junior right-hander Wil Crowe struck out seven in five scoreless innings of work in his first appearance since April 10, 2015 in the Gamecocks’ 5-1 win over UNCG. Crowe allowed just three hits and one walk to earn the victory. Crowe’s seven strikeouts is tied for the sixth highest total in the SEC.

HILL ON THE MOUND

Sophomore right-hander Adam Hill tied a career-high longest outing going seven innings in Sunday’s 1-0 loss vs. UNCG. Hill last went seven innings in his final start of the 2016 season when he went seven innings in a 23-2 win over Rhode Island in the NCAA Regional. Hill allowed just one run, unearned, on one hit with a pair of walks and seven strikeouts. The loss was his first loss of his Gamecock career after going 7-0 as a freshman last season.

Hill was one of three SEC pitchers to go seven innings over the weekend. Hill’s seven strikeouts is tied for the sixth highest total in the SEC.

BLAIR FINDS SUCCESS AT THE PLATE

Sophomore outfielder Danny Blair had his best series at the plate in a Gamecock uniform in his career as he went 6-for-11 (.545) to lead the Gamecocks at the plate over the weekend. Blair also scored a pair of runs, drove in two and stole two bags. He finished with a .545 on-base and slugging percentage as well.

Blair was the only Gamecock to hit safely in all three games and reach base in all three contests over the weekend. Blair was 3-for-4 with a RBI and a run scored on Opening Day and 2-for-3 with a RBI and a run in the 5-1 victory. Blair currently ranks tied for eighth in the SEC in hitting.

DYNAMIC DESTINO

Junior outfielder/designated hitter Alex Destino had a pair of multi-hit games for the Gamecocks. He also drove in two runs in both Friday and Saturday’s victories against UNCG. He was 2-for-4 with a double in the season opener and 2-for-4 in Saturday’s 5-1 win. Destino hit .333 (4-for-12) for the weekend.

OLSON PROVIDES A SPARK

Sophomore utility player Jacob Olson went 4-for-9 (.444) at the plate in his first career series in a Gamecock uniform. The junior college transfer doubled, scored two runs and stole a base over the weekend vs. UNCG.

GREAT SCOTT

Senior right-hander Reed Scott picked up his first save of the year going four innings in Saturday’s 5-1 win. Scott allowed one run, unearned, on two hits in four innings with three strikeouts. His four innings was his longest outing since he went four innings at Georgia on April 16, 2016.

BROWERS BRINGS IT

Senior right-hander Colie Bowers struck out four and allowed just one hit in 2.1 innings of relief in Friday’s 7-1 win over UNCG.

REAGAN FROM THE LEFT

Senior left-hander Josh Reagan struck out three and walked just one in two scoreless innings of relief in Sunday’s 1-0 loss to UNCG.

TJ LEADS IT OFF

Sophomore outfielder TJ Hopkins was 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles in the 7-1 season opening victory over UNCG. Hopkins also drove in a pair of runs in the victory.

STOKES STAYING BUSY

Junior infielder Madison Stokes was busy at shortstop in three starts with his 13 assists the most by a player in the SEC over the weekend.

WELCOME TO GAMECOCK NATION

Four Gamecocks made their debut in the weekend series vs. UNCG. Olson, junior infielder Justin Row, freshman infielder/outfielder Carlos Cortes and freshman first baseman Riley Hogan all made appearances.

LOOK AT THE CROWD

South Carolina had pair of sellouts over the weekend and totaled 24,501 in attendance the first weekend for an average of 8,167 per contest at Founders Park.

That is the fifth-highest series total in Founders Park history and the highest series total since the 2014 season.

SOUTH CAROLINA 2017 HONOR ROLL

Danny Blair
Rated No. 105 best outfielder in the nation by D1Baseball
Rated No. 126 best prospect in the nation for 2018 MLB Draft by D1Baseball

Jonah Bride
Rated No. 50 best third baseman in the nation by D1Baseball

Carlos Cortes
Rated No. 1 freshman in the SEC by Baseball America
Rated No. 1 impact freshman in the SEC by D1Baseball
Rated No. 4 best freshman in the nation by D1Baseball
Rated No. 13 best freshman in the nation by Perfect Game
Rated No. 14 best prospect in the SEC for 2018 MLB Draft by D1Baseball
Rated No. 14 best prospect in the SEC for 2018 MLB Draft by Perfect Game
Rated No. 37 best prospect in the nation for 2018 MLB Draft by D1Baseball
Rated No. 53 best outfielder in the nation by D1Baseball

Chris Cullen
Rated No. 7 best prospect in the SEC for 2018 MLB Draft by Baseball America
Rated No. 11 best prospect in the SEC for 2018 MLB Draft by D1Baseball
Rated No. 18 best catcher in the nation by D1Baseball
Rated No. 22 best prospect in the nation for 2018 MLB Draft by D1Baseball
Rated No. 85 best overall sophomore in the nation by Perfect Game

Wil Crowe
Named to USA Baseball’s Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List
Preseason All-America 3rd Team (Baseball America)
Rated No. 6 best prospect in the SEC for 2017 MLB Draft by Baseball America
Rated No. 7 best prospect in the SEC for 2017 MLB Draft by D1Baseball
Rated No. 9 best prospect in the SEC for 2017 MLB Draft by Perfect Game
Rated No. 11 best starting pitcher in the nation by D1Baseball
Rated No. 17 best overall junior in the nation by Perfect Game
Rated No. 36 best overall prospect in the nation for 2017 MLB Draft by MLB.com

Alex Destino
Preseason All-America 2nd Team (NCBWA)
Preseason All-SEC Team (Perfect Game)
Preseason All-SEC 2nd Team (SEC Coaches Poll)
Rated No. 16 best prospect in the SEC for 2017 MLB Draft by Perfect Game
Rated No. 19 best outfielder in the nation by D1Baseball
Rated No. 21 best prospect in the SEC for 2017 MLB Draft by D1Baseball
Rated No. 45 best overall junior in the nation by Perfect Game

Adam Hill
Rated No. 6 best prospect in the SEC for 2018 MLB Draft by Baseball America
Rated No. 6 best prospect in the SEC for 2018 MLB Draft by D1Baseball
Rated No. 11 best prospect in the nation for 2018 MLB Draft by D1Baseball
Rated No. 15 best prospect in the SEC for 2018 MLB Draft by Perfect Game
Rated No. 49 best overall sophomore in the nation by Perfect Game
Rated No. 57 best starting pitcher in the nation by D1Baseball

TJ Hopkins
Rated No. 31 best prospect in the SEC for 2018 MLB Draft by D1Baseball
Rated No. 36 best outfielder in the nation by D1Baseball
Rated No. 91 best prospect in the nation for 2018 MLB Draft by D1Baseball

Tyler Johnson
Named to NCBWA Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List
Preseason All-America 1st Team (D1Baseball, NCBWA, Perfect Game)
Preseason All-SEC First Team (SEC Coaches Poll)
Preseason All-SEC Team (Perfect Game)
Rated No. 1 reliever in the nation by D1Baseball
Rated No. 12 best prospect in the SEC for 2017 MLB Draft by Perfect Game
Rated No. 13 best prospect in the SEC for 2017 MLB Draft by D1Baseball
Rated No. 14 best prospect in the SEC for 2017 MLB Draft by Baseball America
Rated No. 30 best overall junior in the nation by Perfect Game

Brandon McIlwain
Rated No. 13 best prospect in the SEC for 2018 MLB Draft by Perfect Game
Rated No. 47 best overall sophomore in the nation by Perfect Game

Cody Morris
Rated No. 16 impact freshman in the SEC by D1Baseball
Rated No. 23 best prospect in the SEC for 2018 MLB Draft by D1Baseball
Rated No. 32 best freshman in the nation by D1Baseball
Rated No. 62 best prospect in the nation for 2018 MLB Draft by D1Baseball
Rated No. 159 best starting pitcher in the nation by D1Baseball

Jacob Olson
Rated No. 34 best prospect in the SEC for 2018 MLB Draft by D1Baseball
Rated No. 101 best prospect in the nation for 2018 MLB Draft by D1Baseball

Josh Reagan
Named to NCBWA Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List
Preseason All-America 3rd Team (Collegiate Baseball)
Rated No. 12 best reliever in the nation by D1Baseball

Clarke Schmidt
Named to USA Baseball’s Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List
Preseason All-America 1st Team (NCBWA)
Preseason All-America 2nd Team (Collegiate Baseball, D1Baseball, Perfect Game)
Rated No. 8 best prospect in the SEC for 2017 MLB Draft by Baseball America
Rated No. 9 best prospect in the SEC for 2017 MLB Draft by D1Baseball
Rated No. 10 best prospect in the SEC for 2017 MLB Draft by Perfect Game
Rated No. 11 best starting pitcher in the nation by D1Baseball
Rated No. 22 best overall junior in the nation by Perfect Game
Rated No. 35 best overall prospect in the nation for 2017 MLB Draft by MLB.com
Recognized as having the “Best Control” of all pitchers in the SEC by Baseball America

Madison Stokes
Rated No. 21 best third baseman in the nation by D1Baseball

LT Tolbert
Rated No. 25 best second baseman in the nation by D1Baseball
Rated No. 35 best prospect in the SEC for 2018 MLB Draft by D1Baseball
Rated No. 103 best prospect in the nation for 2018 MLB Draft by D1Baseball