As SEC play starts, USC baseball statistically better than last year

South Carolina is 17-2 entering SEC play, compared with 14-3 through the same time last season. The Gamecocks are much-improved statistically from this time a season ago.

Here is a look at how the numbers compare to 2015:

Batting average

2015: .274

2016: .323

Runs per game

2015: 6.9

2016: 8.4

On-base percentage

2015: .377

2016: .415

Slugging percentage

2015: .385

2016: .452

Fielding percentage

2015: .970

2016: .981

ERA

2015: 2.19

2016: 1.97

Strikeouts/Walks

2015: 146/51

2016: 184/58

Opponents’ batting average

2015: .223

2016: .201