The 2009 season begins this weekend as South Carolina opens Carolina Stadium with a three-game series vs. Duquesne. First pitch for the opener is 2 p.m. USC will start sophomore RHP Sam Dyson today.
The Gamecocks find themselves in a different position to begin the season as none of the four major collegiate baseball polls have the team ranked to start of the year. It is the first time Carolina has not been preseason ranked since 1997.
USC’s probable lineup
LF DeAngelo Mack: Junior outfielder who earned NCAA All-Tourney honors in 2008
CF Whit Merrifield: Lone regular outfield starter to return, played in Cape Cod league
RF Jackie Bradley Jr.: Freshman who earned all-state honors in Prince George, Va.
1B Jeffery Jones: JUCO transfer who showed strong hitting ability in fall camp
2B Scott Wingo: Starter 43 games as a freshman last fall and had just five errors
SS Bobby Haney: Junior college player from Manatee CC who adds left handed bat
3B Andrew Crisp: Only returning senior in fielding lineup, spent last fall mostly at 2B
C Justin Dalles: JUCO who has battled FSU transfer Brady Thomas and Kyle Enders
DH Parker Bangs: Named a top prospect in Coastal Plain League, can pitch and field
—Other JC transfers expected to contribute include infielder Nick Ebert, infielder Casey Rihn.
STARTING ROTATION
Blake Cooper: One of team’s most experienced arms, was 5-6 with 3.94 ERA in ‘08
Sam Dyson: Moves from mid-week hurler to weekend rotation, ’07 All-American
Adam Westmoreland: Freshman left-hander from Lexington High School
Nolan Belcher: Another freshman lefty excepted to make immediate impact
CLOSER
P Matt Price
COACHES
Head Coach: Ray Tanner (540-243 in 13th season).
Assistants: Chad Holbrook (first season), Mark Calvi (fifth season), Sammy Esposito (second season).
Related News Links —
USC baseball reloads for postseason run
Unranked USC has a lot to prove
2009 looks to be a season of change for Crisp, USC
USC opens new era at Carolina Stadium
Ranking the SEC’s baseball stadiums
Parking headaches at stadium likely
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