Newcomers lead Gamecocks to 10-1 Opening Day rout of Albany

South Carolina coach Chad Holbrook was eager to see how his newcomers would perform playing under the bright lights of Founders Park for the first time. They handled the spotlight just fine, leading the Gamecocks to a 10-1 Opening Day victory over Albany.

Holbrook started five players who were making their USC debut, and the group drove in seven of the 10 runs in the blowout win.

Junior college transfer Dom Thompson-Williams led the way, going 3-for-4, including a two-run home run over the bullpen in right-center field.

“I kept telling you guys I think he’s a difference-maker for us, and I think you can see that. He certainly has some ability, and he had a good first game today,” Holbrook said of Thompson-Williams.

“Obviously (the newcomers have) helped change the dynamic of our locker room, and I think our older guys, returning guys, have fed off of that as well.”

Catcher John Jones, who also transferred in from junior college, went 1-for-2 at the plate with a three-run double. He added two walks. Jones’ double in the third inning pushed the Gamecocks’ lead to 4-0, which was plenty of run support for ace Clarke Schmidt.

The righty walked four, but allowed three hits and struck out six in six innings of work to earn the win.

“Getting the win is the best thing out of this. I wanted to keep my team in it,” Schmidt said. “It’s kind of different your first game. You’ve got to compete and go right at the hitters, and I felt from that standpoint the walks I’ve got to cut down on. I wouldn’t say I was nervous, but I was definitely amped up.”

In addition to Thompson-Williams and Jones, sophomores Alex Destino, Clark Scolamiero and Jonah Bride had solid days at the plate. Destino went 2-for-5 with two runs, Bride was 1-for-3 with two runs and an RBI and Scolamiero finished 1-for-3 with two RBIs.

Freshman Brandon McIlwain made his USC debut in the seventh inning as a defensive replacement in left field. He received one at-bat and grounded out to third. Chris Cullen, Matt Williams and Danny Blair also entered the game late as defensive replacements.

THREE POINTS

Star of the game: Dom Thompson-Williams: The Iowa native is expected to be a difference maker for the Gamecocks this season, and so far so good. He showed off his speed with two infield singles, as well as his power with a two-run homer over the bullpen in right-center field.

Play of the game: The Gamecocks led 1-0 in the third inning when switch-hitting catcher John Jones drilled a double to deep center field that cleared the bases. Jones’ three-RBI double came on a 3-2 count.

Stat of the game: South Carolina had nine newcomers see action in the game, including five starters.

OBSERVATIONS

Talent upgrade: It’s only one game, but the South Carolina lineup appears set to be much better from top to bottom than it was last year.

Veterans in the middle: While there are plenty of newcomers to be excited about, don’t forget about shortstop Marcus Mooney and second baseman DC Arendas. The two are exceptional defensively up the middle.

Schmidt can be an ace: The sophomore didn’t have his best command, but gave up three hits and was consistently in the low 90s with his fastball. The walks were likely because of first-game jitters, and if he can cut back on those, Holbrook should feel good about sending him out on the mound every Friday night.

NEXT

What: South Carolina vs. Albany, Game 2

When: 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Founders Park

Probable pitchers: USC – Braden Webb (Fr. RHP); Albany – Marcus Failing (Jr. LHP)

Watch: SEC Network Plus (Digital)

Radio: 107.5 FM

This story was originally published February 19, 2016 at 7:11 PM with the headline "Newcomers lead Gamecocks to 10-1 Opening Day rout of Albany."