Four from South Carolina baseball make top 100 freshman prospects list

South Carolina has three of the top 40 and four of the top 100 freshmen prospects in college baseball, according to D1Baseball.com.

The list, which was released Monday, ranks Brandon McIlwain No. 5, Braden Webb No. 29, LT Tolbert No. 39 and Chris Cullen No. 85. All four players are expected to play a role for the Gamecocks this season.

McIlwain is battling for a spot in the outfield, while Webb is expected to earn a spot in the weekend rotation. Tolbert, a versatile infielder, was one of USC’s best hitters in preseason scrimmages. Cullen is one of three catchers battling for the starting spot and is expected to get plenty of opportunities this year.

The Gamecocks will open the season with a three-game series against Albany beginning Friday at 4 p.m.