The South Carolina Gamecocks continue their early dominance after beating Dayton 12-5 on Saturday. This is the 23rd straight series win for South Carolina on opening weekend.
The key to today’s win was the long ball. Junior Wes Clarke continues to shine after hitting two of the five home runs for South Carolina. He went 3-4 and accumulated five RBI. He is now 6-7 to start the season, already with three home runs and nine RBI to his name. Braylen Wimmer, Colin Burgess, and Brady Allen each had a home run as well.
Despite Clarke’s dominance, Wimmer was the one to put South Carolina up. Wimmer’s drilled one to left field to put the Gamecocks up 3-1. Wimmer also had his first career start in center field today. He had some early struggles, losing a ball in the sun and dropping a fly ball that allowed Dayton to score early. Wimmer would end up going 2-2 at the plate in his first start this season.
Brannon Jordan was today’s starter for the Gamecocks. He went four-plus innings, allowing two hits and three earned runs. His command wasn’t great as he allowed four walks. He did manage to strike out four batters.
Andrew Peters was responsible for today’s win, pitching two hitless innings and striking out three. This was Peter’s first win in a Gamecocks uniform.
John Gilreath and Will Sanders came in after Peters and threw two hitless innings. This was Freshman Will Sanders Carolina debut.
The South Carolina Gamecocks (2-0) will wrap up opening weekend against Dayton (0-2) on Sunday afternoon.
