USC baseball’s Hunter Taylor to transfer

South Carolina catcher Hunter Taylor will not be back with the Gamecocks next year.

Taylor, who was named to the NCAA Columbia Regional All-Tournament team, is set to transfer in an effort to get more playing time, The State confirmed Wednesday afternoon.

The sophomore played in 15 games this season with seven starts and produced one of the biggest hits of the year, a game-winning RBI double in the ninth inning of an elimination game against Duke in the Columbia Regional.

“Playing at Carolina was one of the best experiences of my entire life, great fans, competition and opportunities,” Taylor said. “I’m thankful for the chance all the coaches gave me and wish the best to them. I will miss the most the relationships I have built with all of the players, who I consider brothers, and my two roommates Alex Destino and Brandon Murray.”

Taylor started four of South Carolina’s seven postseason games. For the season he hit .226 with two doubles and four RBIs.

As a freshman Taylor appeared in 32 games with 26 starts, hitting .238 with two doubles, two homers and 15 RBIs.

South Carolina coach Chad Holbrook and several USC players praised Taylor during Carolina’s postseason run for his work ethic and for being a great teammate.

The Gamecocks should be in good shape at catcher next year with Chris Cullen and John Jones set to return.

Taylor joins infielder Jared Williams, a Gilbert High product, in leaving USC’s 2016 squad.

This story was originally published June 15, 2016 at 4:58 PM with the headline "USC baseball’s Hunter Taylor to transfer."