Gamecock Duo Named D1Baseball Preseason First Team All-Americans

OMAHA, Neb. – University of South Carolina junior catcher Cole Messina and sophomore outfielder Ethan Petry both were named D1Baseball.com Preseason First Team All-Americans, the organization announced this afternoon (Monday, Jan. 29).

Petry hit .376 batting average with 10 doubles, 23 home runs and 75 RBI during his freshman campaign. The Land O’Lakes, Fla., native scored 55 runs and had a .733 slugging percentage. In the Columbia Regional, Petry was 4-for-12 with five runs scored, a home run and three RBI on his way to being named to the All-Columbia Regional team.

Messina hit .307 with 18 doubles, 17 home runs and 65 RBI in 62 games played in 2023. He slugged .615 and had a .428 on-base percentage while stealing eight bases. Messina threw out eight runners trying to steal this season and had 40 walks and 11 hit-by-pitches.

Both Petry and Messina also were named Preseason All-Americans by Perfect Game. Petry was a first team selection while Messina earned third team honors.

The Gamecocks open the 2024 season on Friday, Feb. 16 against Miami (Ohio) at Founders Park. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.