Gamecocks handle Penn State 7-1 to open series

Clarke Schmidt earned the win last weekend but was not at his best in South Carolina’s season opener. He looked like the ace USC needs him to be Friday night against Penn State.

The sophomore allowed only one hit and one walk in seven innings of scoreless work as Carolina pounded the Nittany Lions 7-1 at Founders Park in Game 1 of the three-game series.

Schmidt tied a career high with eight strikeouts and needed 81 pitches to get through a career-high seven innings as the Gamecocks improved to 6-0 on the year.

“Clarke Schmidt was outstanding, very efficient. He was very polished with his command, for the most part. He was in control of the game from the get-go,” USC coach Chad Holbrook said. “When he throws the ball the way he’s capable of he’s tough to handle.”

South Carolina designated hitter John Jones continued his stellar start to his USC career, going 4-for-4 with four RBIs. Jones blasted a solo home run to left field in the first inning, and through six games he is batting .522 with two homers and 13 RBIs.

“He’s getting some good pitches to hit, and when he’s getting them he’s not missing them. I love the presence he has in our lineup,” Holbrook said. “Hopefully a lot of our guys are watching how he goes about his business. He’s been very impressive, obviously.”

Dom Thompson-Williams and Marcus Mooney each added two hits, and Thompson-Williams and Chris Cullen had RBIs.

Penn State did not get on the board until Jim Haley hit a solo homer with two outs and two strikes in the ninth inning off of Colie Bowers. Despite allowing the home run, Bowers struck out six in two innings and allowed only one hit.

THREE POINTS

Star of the game: Clarke Schmidt: The sophomore walked four in his first start of the year but bounced back to have perhaps the best outing of his career. He allowed one hit and two base runners in seven innings.

Play of the game: First baseman Alex Destino has admitted he needs to get better defensively, but he made a great play Friday night. With a runner on first, the sophomore jumped up and fielded a tough bouncer with two outs in the fifth before racing to first to end the inning.

Stat of the game: 13: Designated hitter John Jones went 4-for-4 with four RBIs, upping his RBI season total to 13.

OBSERVATIONS

Holbrook might have found his starting lineup: South Carolina’s coach has used a different lineup every game this season but might have finally found one that will stick. Every starter got a hit Friday as USC pounded out 14 on the afternoon.

Jones is a difference maker: He has 13 RBIs through six games, and the way he is hitting right now it’s a surprise if he doesn’t reach base.

Schmidt looks the part of an ace: Holbrook insisted all offseason that Schmidt is much-improved from his freshman season, and he certainly looked it Friday night. He pitched a career-high seven innings and tied a career high with eight strikeouts.

NEXT

What: South Carolina vs. Penn State, Game 2

When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27

Where: Founders Park

Probable pitchers: USC – Braden Webb (Fr. RHP); Penn State – Sal Biasi (So. RHP)

Watch: SEC Network Plus (Digital)

Radio: 107.5 FM in the Columbia area

This story was originally published February 26, 2016 at 6:44 PM.