15 Things: Kentucky Game 1
Leading off
--South Carolina improves to 36-9, 16-5 SEC. Their win keeps them in the outright lead for first place in the conference.
--Clarke Schmidt earned his ninth win of the season. He’s now tied with nine other players, including teammate Braden Webb who pitches tomorrow, for the most wins in the country.
--LT Tolbert hit his third home run of his career Friday, hammering a ball over the right field wall. It was his 21st RBI of the season and started a big four-run inning for the Gamecocks.
--Alex Destino added to his team-leading 40 RBIs by driving in four more against Kentucky. The output was due in large part to a three-run blast to centerfield. That brings his season totals to 44 RBIs and six home runs. Jonah Bride also finished with
--Josh Reagan came in and gave up one hit in 1.2 innings pitched. It was his first outing since giving up two home runs and blowing the save against Florida. He threw 27 pitches.
On deck
Alex Destino on his home run: “I got a fastball high. He was throwing it in there pretty well and my timing was pretty good. I got my hands extended, put a good swing on the ball and it carried out to center.”
Alex Destino on Josh Reagan: “I have the upmost confidence and respect for Josh. To see him get back in his groove, that’s just another positive thing from today.”
Alex Destino on John Jones’ slump: “I think John’s one of the most confident players I’ve ever played with. Not cocky or arrogant at all, but he knows what he’s capable of. It’s a matter of finding that and seeing it translate on the field. I’m not worried about him.”
Clarke Schmidt on giving up the home run: “It wasn’t a mistake pitch. It was a three-two count and I got behind in the count. They wanted me to throw a breaking ball for a strike, and I threw it for a strike. He just put a good swing on it.”
Chad Holbrook on Josh Reagan: “It was good to see Reagan get back in his groove and get back to the way he was throwing in some big moments.”
Batting cleanup
--John Jones’ struggles continued Friday as he went 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts. He was pinch-run for in the sixth by Danny Blair and TJ Hopkins took over as the designated hitter.
--Gene Cone extended his nation-leading hit streak to 31 games with a single in the sixth inning. He’s now reached base safely in 34 straight games.
--Clarke Schmidt’s ERA went from 1.99 to 2.37 after giving up five earned runs to the Wildcats. He still leads all starters on the team in ERA. Adam Hill is second with a 2.57 ERA.
--Reed Scott pitched a perfect .2 innings in relief. It’s his fifth straight appearance where he hasn’t allowed a run. He only threw seven pitches in game one and should be ready for at least one more appearance this weekend.
--Jonah Bride went 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs in game one. Of the Gamecocks 11 hits, five were for extra-bases (three doubles and two home runs).
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