Baseball . February 6, 2024

Petry, Messina Named Preseason All-Americans, Baseball No. 21 in USA TODAY Poll

COLUMBIA, S.C. – University of South Carolina junior catcher Cole Messina and sophomore outfielder Ethan Petry both were named NCBWA Preseason All-Americans, the organization announced this afternoon (Tuesday, Feb. 6). Petry was named to the first team while Messina was a third team selection. Petry also was named a third team Preseason All-American by Baseball America.

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.

The Gamecocks also were ranked 21^st in the USA TODAY Sports Top-25 Preseason Coaches’ poll, out this afternoon. Carolina is ranked in all five preseason polls, the highest coming at No. 12 in Baseball America.

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

USA TODAY SPORTS TOP-25 PRESEASON COACHES POLL