It doesn't take a genius to assume that South Carolina head coach Ray Tanner was unhappy when the Gamecocks returned from Birmingham last week after an 0-2 performance at the SEC Tournament, especially when they only managed to put a single run on the board in 21 innings of play.
"I was about as unhappy as you can be," he said. "I was agitated and aggravated and I might have taken it out on them a bit."
Tanner and the coaching staff challenged the Gamecocks over the last week, working out the team twice a day.
"They rolled up their sleeves and they got to work," he said. "We challenged them offensively more than anything else. We just hope we play some really good baseball this weekend."
"We came back in a positive way, practiced two times a day all week and got some positive things from it," said pitcher Blake Cooper. "I feel like we'll have some momentum going into the regional."
"We practiced and worked on swings, focused on staying aggressive," said outfielder Jackie Bradley, Jr. "Our bats are going to pick up - we've been down a bit the last few games, but that's baseball."
Dyson Gets the Nod
Sam Dyson will start for the Gamecocks on Friday against Bucknell with senior Blake Cooper expected to start on Saturday. Dyson was 5-5 this season with a 3.92 ERA in 14 starts. The junior struck out 86 batters and walked just 17. Opposing hitters are batting .245 against Dyson.
Tanner elected to go with Dyson for the Friday start because of his ability to return quicker from a start.
"[Cooper and Dyson] are two of the most well-conditioned pitchers I've had on the same team at one time, but Sam's probably in a better position to come back in a relief situation if we need him on Monday."
Expect to See Marzilli
In an effort to shake up the lineup and potentially generate some additional offense, expect to see freshman outfielder Evan Marzilli on Friday against Bucknell. The SEC All-Freshman selection has impressed Tanner with his approach at this point in the season.
"I like what he brings right now," said Tanner. "I'm not thinking he's a freshman anymore - he's gained experience and now that he's gone through a season, he's been more comfortable."
Marzilli is 17-for-48 (.354) this season with 2 HR and 6 RBI. He also has five stolen bases.
Good to Be Home
Since 2000, South Carolina has hosted an NCAA Regional five times and won all five with an overall record of 16-2.
"It will help to be playing at home this year - we know that our fans will be behind us," said Cooper. "It's much easier to play at home."
"It's been fun to be hosting again and the opportunity to be at home has been exciting," said Tanner.
"I was about as unhappy as you can be," he said. "I was agitated and aggravated and I might have taken it out on them a bit."
Tanner and the coaching staff challenged the Gamecocks over the last week, working out the team twice a day.
"They rolled up their sleeves and they got to work," he said. "We challenged them offensively more than anything else. We just hope we play some really good baseball this weekend."
"We came back in a positive way, practiced two times a day all week and got some positive things from it," said pitcher Blake Cooper. "I feel like we'll have some momentum going into the regional."
"We practiced and worked on swings, focused on staying aggressive," said outfielder Jackie Bradley, Jr. "Our bats are going to pick up - we've been down a bit the last few games, but that's baseball."
Dyson Gets the Nod
Sam Dyson will start for the Gamecocks on Friday against Bucknell with senior Blake Cooper expected to start on Saturday. Dyson was 5-5 this season with a 3.92 ERA in 14 starts. The junior struck out 86 batters and walked just 17. Opposing hitters are batting .245 against Dyson.
Tanner elected to go with Dyson for the Friday start because of his ability to return quicker from a start.
"[Cooper and Dyson] are two of the most well-conditioned pitchers I've had on the same team at one time, but Sam's probably in a better position to come back in a relief situation if we need him on Monday."
Expect to See Marzilli
In an effort to shake up the lineup and potentially generate some additional offense, expect to see freshman outfielder Evan Marzilli on Friday against Bucknell. The SEC All-Freshman selection has impressed Tanner with his approach at this point in the season.
"I like what he brings right now," said Tanner. "I'm not thinking he's a freshman anymore - he's gained experience and now that he's gone through a season, he's been more comfortable."
Marzilli is 17-for-48 (.354) this season with 2 HR and 6 RBI. He also has five stolen bases.
Good to Be Home
Since 2000, South Carolina has hosted an NCAA Regional five times and won all five with an overall record of 16-2.
"It will help to be playing at home this year - we know that our fans will be behind us," said Cooper. "It's much easier to play at home."
"It's been fun to be hosting again and the opportunity to be at home has been exciting," said Tanner.
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