It’s been a season of sweeps. Excluding a season opening series win over Missouri, USC has either swept or been swept. They’ve been swept by Arkansas and Florida, but they’ve swept Texas A&M, Tennessee, a now, Kentucky.
The Wildcats were a Top 20 team before the sweep. Carolina trailed in all three games but responded in all three as well. In the second Saturday game Carolina broke a 64 game UK streak. The Wildcats hadn’t lost a game when leading after 7 innings since 2011. Carolina’s comeback and extra innings win ended that.
Pitching took a step forward. Carolina’s pitching has been plainly disappointing and seemed headed for doom, until this weekend. Belcher continues to act like a senior Ace and has been great. Jordan Montgomery seems to be back and should be as good as he was before. Westmoreland and Webb continue to be exceptional out of the bullpen. To really make some post season noise, USC needs a third starter. On Sunday they had one. Jack Wynkoop made the sweep possible with his performance on Sunday. If he can pitch like that consistently another piece of the puzzle is in place.
Bullpen still needs help. Beyond Westmoreland and Webb there are zero consistent options. There is talent, but they haven’t gotten outs and routinely walk people. Carolina needs people to step up for the next two weekends.
Stability. The line up looks like its stabilizing. Connor Bright has locked down right field, and Brison Celek looks to be making a claim to DH. Choosing our best players and going with them should help our overall batting results.
Postseason. USC is in position for a regional, but not a national seed. That all could change in the next two weeks for better or worse. Carolina travels to LSU then comes home to play Vandy. Win both of those series and a national seed is in play. Lose both and a regional is in jeopardy. A split? That probably keeps Carolina where they are.
Up next. South Carolina plays at Gardner Webb on Tuesday. The away game is rare for midweek, but Shelby, NC is Coach Holbrook’s hometown.
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