Worthy of the Hype
While it wasn't the result that the Gamecock faithful were hoping for, Game 1 of the South Carolina - Clemson series certainly lived up to the hype. The series opener had everything a baseball fan could have hoped for - intense atmosphere, long balls, pressure situations and clutch hitting.
After a first inning to forget, Gamecock starter Blake Cooper settled down and gave South Carolina the opportunity to fight their way back into the game. Cooper's final line of 6.2 innings, seven strikeouts and three earned runs allowed was an effort that gave the Gamecocks the chance they needed to win.
The Gamecocks will certainly be ready to rebound in Greenville on Saturday when they'll be in friendlier confines with a little bit more garnet and black in the stands. If Friday's opener is any indication of what's to come, strap in for an intense ride for the rest of the series.
Captain's Bat Leads the Way
Team captain Kyle Enders gave the Gamecocks a spark with his bat, doubling in Whit Merrifield and Jackie Bradley, Jr in the top of the second inning to tie the score 2-2. Enders doubled again in the sixth inning. He would score later in the inning to give South Carolina a 3-2 lead. It marked the second time this season that Enders has doubled twice in the same game. The captain leads the team in hitting with a .500 batting average.
The Streak Continues
Outfielder Whit Merrifield's infield single in the top of the third inning moved his hitting streak to 22 games. He's just three games shy of the school record set 24 years ago by Greg Keatley.
Late Innings Hurt Gamecocks Again
After allowing three hits in the first inning, South Carolina limited the Tigers to just three more hits over the next six innings. But walks in both the 7th and 8th innings allowed Clemson to put the pressure on the Gamecock pitchers and bring home the tying and winning runs.
South Carolina's bats went quiet in the final four innings as Clemson reliever David Haselden held the Gamecocks hitless after starter Casey Harman left in the 6th inning.
While it wasn't the result that the Gamecock faithful were hoping for, Game 1 of the South Carolina - Clemson series certainly lived up to the hype. The series opener had everything a baseball fan could have hoped for - intense atmosphere, long balls, pressure situations and clutch hitting.
After a first inning to forget, Gamecock starter Blake Cooper settled down and gave South Carolina the opportunity to fight their way back into the game. Cooper's final line of 6.2 innings, seven strikeouts and three earned runs allowed was an effort that gave the Gamecocks the chance they needed to win.
The Gamecocks will certainly be ready to rebound in Greenville on Saturday when they'll be in friendlier confines with a little bit more garnet and black in the stands. If Friday's opener is any indication of what's to come, strap in for an intense ride for the rest of the series.
Captain's Bat Leads the Way
Team captain Kyle Enders gave the Gamecocks a spark with his bat, doubling in Whit Merrifield and Jackie Bradley, Jr in the top of the second inning to tie the score 2-2. Enders doubled again in the sixth inning. He would score later in the inning to give South Carolina a 3-2 lead. It marked the second time this season that Enders has doubled twice in the same game. The captain leads the team in hitting with a .500 batting average.
The Streak Continues
Outfielder Whit Merrifield's infield single in the top of the third inning moved his hitting streak to 22 games. He's just three games shy of the school record set 24 years ago by Greg Keatley.
Late Innings Hurt Gamecocks Again
After allowing three hits in the first inning, South Carolina limited the Tigers to just three more hits over the next six innings. But walks in both the 7th and 8th innings allowed Clemson to put the pressure on the Gamecock pitchers and bring home the tying and winning runs.
South Carolina's bats went quiet in the final four innings as Clemson reliever David Haselden held the Gamecocks hitless after starter Casey Harman left in the 6th inning.
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