"People
ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what
I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." - Rogers Hornsby
Click here for Opening Day Photo Gallery
It may not have had the anticipation and pageantry of 2009 when the stadium opened, but Opening Day 2010 was just as exciting for the Gamecocks. The baseball gods smiled on South Carolina as the weather was perfect for late February - sunny skies and 60 degrees.
The Gamecock baseball team followed suit and provided a enjoyable 10-3 win over Duquesne for the crowd over 6,300 fans. The game featured a three home runs - including a grand slam provided by Jeffery Jones and a debut home run for freshman Christian Walker.
Former Gamecock pitcher Kip Bouknight got the day started by throwing out the first pitch. Bouknight was a key member of the 2000 SEC Champion South Carolina team when he compiled a 17-1 record and earned the Golden Spikes Award.
"Kip was a tremendous athlete and he is a tremendous person," said Tanner. "He's a great influence when he's come back and he's been an integral part of our program."
Jones opened up the 2010 account for South Carolina with a blast to right field to give South Carolina a 1-0 lead over Duquesne in the second inning.
The Dukes scratched back in the top of the third to tie the score, but Jones hit a grand slam in the bottom of third to put the Gamecocks ahead for good.
"It felt good. We've still got work to do but it was great to get a win in the first game," said Jones. "I'm just trying to do what I can to help the team out."
Freshman third baseman Christian Walker performed well in his debut with a solo shot to left center field in the sixth inning.
"[Opening Day at Carolina Stadium] was a great experience, but almost overwhelming," he said "But I was able to get settled down after the first inning started."
Click here for Opening Day Photo GalleryIt may not have had the anticipation and pageantry of 2009 when the stadium opened, but Opening Day 2010 was just as exciting for the Gamecocks. The baseball gods smiled on South Carolina as the weather was perfect for late February - sunny skies and 60 degrees.
The Gamecock baseball team followed suit and provided a enjoyable 10-3 win over Duquesne for the crowd over 6,300 fans. The game featured a three home runs - including a grand slam provided by Jeffery Jones and a debut home run for freshman Christian Walker.
Former Gamecock pitcher Kip Bouknight got the day started by throwing out the first pitch. Bouknight was a key member of the 2000 SEC Champion South Carolina team when he compiled a 17-1 record and earned the Golden Spikes Award.
"Kip was a tremendous athlete and he is a tremendous person," said Tanner. "He's a great influence when he's come back and he's been an integral part of our program."
Jones opened up the 2010 account for South Carolina with a blast to right field to give South Carolina a 1-0 lead over Duquesne in the second inning.
The Dukes scratched back in the top of the third to tie the score, but Jones hit a grand slam in the bottom of third to put the Gamecocks ahead for good.
"It felt good. We've still got work to do but it was great to get a win in the first game," said Jones. "I'm just trying to do what I can to help the team out."
Freshman third baseman Christian Walker performed well in his debut with a solo shot to left center field in the sixth inning.
"[Opening Day at Carolina Stadium] was a great experience, but almost overwhelming," he said "But I was able to get settled down after the first inning started."
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