Gamecocks outfielder Gene Cone has found a home batting leadoff
South Carolina spent the first four weeks of the season hoping someone would step up and become a steady presence in the leadoff spot.
On a team full of new faces, veteran Gene Cone was given a chance to earn the job just before the start of SEC play and hasn’t looked back.
While there are plenty of newcomers who have helped USC rise to a No. 5 national ranking, Cone is a big reason why Carolina has built a two-game lead in the SEC standings after four weeks of play.
The junior did not get a start the opening weekend of the season but has played well since being inserted into the lineup and rides a 20-game hitting streak into Friday’s series-opening game at Georgia.
Cone said it was hard watching from the bench early this year, but rather than get down on himself, he became determined to prove he could be a major contributor for the Gamecocks in 2016.
“It’s hard, but it was hard on me as a freshman not playing. When you get in there, you’ve just got to make the most of your opportunities and keep having a positive attitude and do what you can for the team,” Cone said. “I just try to provide a spark and get on base so the big boys will get me in.”
He has done a great job of accomplishing that goal thus far, batting .355 from the leadoff spot.
Carolina tried six other hitters in the leadoff role before settling on Cone, and they combined to bat .167.
“He’s a veteran that has been through the battles in the SEC,” Holbrook said. “He has a good approach, can bunt, hit and run, steal a base. He knows how to work the count and will give you a competitive at bat.”
Cone is hitting .370 in SEC play, which ranks him first on the team and seventh in the conference. He is second in the SEC in conference games in runs scored with 15 and on-base percentage at .491.
“Gene has always done a good job of putting the ball in play and has been able to set the table and get us off to a good start,” Holbrook said. “He has been a key part of our success in the SEC season so far.”
The former Spring Valley star is batting .324 on the year with five doubles, a homer and nine RBIs, and he has also played well defensively with three outfield assists, including one that helped turn the game around in a comeback victory against Arkansas.
“I’m very accurate. I guess it’s just natural,” Cone said. “I don’t have that strong of an arm, but I’m accurate.”
On a hot streak
A look at Gene Cone’s 20-game hitting streak:
Date | Opponent | Stats |
03/06 | at Clemson | 1-for-3, RBI |
03/08 | Wofford | 1-for-4 |
03/11 | Charleston Southern | 2-for-3, BB |
03/15 | at USC Upstate | 2-for-6, 2B, 2R |
03/16 | Davidson | 2-for-5, 2B, SB, 4 RBIs |
03/18 | Arkansas | 2-for-4, 2R, BB |
03/19 | Arkansas | 1-for-4, R |
03/20 | Arkansas | 1-for-4, 2R, BB |
03/24 | at Ole Miss | 3-for-4, HR, 2B, 2R, RBI, BB |
03/25 | at Ole Miss | 2-for-5, 2B, R, RBI, BB |
03/26 | at Ole Miss | 1-for-4, 2B, R |
03/29 | Coll. of Charleston | 1-for-5, R, 2 BBs |
03/31 | at Vanderbilt | 1-for-2, 2 BBs |
04/01 | at Vanderbilt | 2-for-5, 2R |
04/02 | at Vanderbilt | 1-for-4, R, BB |
04/05 | Coastal Carolina | 1-for-4 |
04/08 | Tennessee | 1-for-4, 2R, BB |
04/09 | Tennessee | 1-for-3, R, BB, HBP |
04/10 | Tennessee | 1-for-3, BB |
04/13 | North Carolina | 1-for-3 |
This story was originally published April 15, 2016 at 12:07 AM with the headline "Gamecocks outfielder Gene Cone has found a home batting leadoff."