Gamecocks sweep George Washington series, lose starting pitcher to injury
In a marathon 18-inning day, the South Carolina baseball team used every inch of its roster to finish off a sweep of visiting George Washington.
With rain in the forecast for Sunday, the Gamecocks and Colonials wrapped up their three-game series with a Saturday doubleheader. The Gamecocks (6-1) swept the twinbill, winning the first game 10-6 and finishing off the Colonials with a 5-0 win in the nightcap.
USC opened the series with a 13-4 win on Friday night.
Though the Gamecocks came away victorious, they were dealt a blow in the form of injury in Saturday’s Game 1. Right-hander James Hicks, a junior college transfer making his second start for the Gamecocks, lasted just 2.2 innings before irregularities in his delivery prompted athletic trainer Bryan Wells to visit him on the mound and pull him from the game.
There was no immediate word on the nature of Hicks’ injury or whether he’ll miss time. Head coach Mark Kingston told reporters after the series that Hicks would be evaluated Sunday and was dealing with general “arm soreness.”
“We’re hoping it’s not anything serious,” Kingston said.
His injury could leave the Gamecock pitching staff short-handed next weekend against rival Clemson. Fellow starter Julian Bosnic has yet to pitch this season due to a flexor strain in his left arm, and the team’s opening weekend Sunday starter, Josiah Sightler, is dealing with what Kingston called “slight” oblique and elbow issues.
Hicks’ early departure didn’t hurt USC against the Colonials in the noon game. Veteran outfielder Andrew Eyster continued his scorching start to the season with a home run, and freshman Michael Braswell once again took the spotlight, going 3-for-4 with 2 RBI at the plate.
In the ninth inning, with runners on the corners and one out, Braswell slid from shortstop to the pitcher’s mound for his second career pitching appearance. He struck out both batters he faced and earned his first collegiate save. Braswell has now struck out the first five batters to open his USC career.
Redshirt freshman right-hander Cade Austin started Saturday’s Game 2 but pitched just two innings before the Gamecocks turned to the bullpen, combining with three relievers for a shutout. Junior second baseman Braylen Wimmer doubled twice and drove in a run for the Gamecocks in the win.
▪ Clemson baseball: The Tigers swept Hartford with 13-3 and 28-3 wins Saturday in a doubleheader. Clemson won Friday’s opener 6-1 and is 7-0 on the season. The 28 runs were the team’s most since scoring 28 in a game in 1969, and Clemson’s 25 hits were the most in a Tigers game since 2006.
USC baseball upcoming schedule
- Tuesday: vs. App State at Charlotte, 6 p.m.
- Friday: vs. Clemson, 7 p.m. (SEC Network Plus)
- Saturday: vs Clemson at Segra Park, 4 p.m. (ACC Network Extra)
- Sunday: at Clemson, 3 p.m. (ACC Network)
This story was originally published February 26, 2022 at 6:55 PM.
