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McIlwain hit, sloppy defense lead to Garnet win

The Gamecock baseball team was back in action on Saturday afternoon for a chilly intersquad scrimmage. After eight innings, the Garnet won 5-1.

The Garnet took advantage of some sloppy defense from the Black squad and a timely hit from freshman star Brandon McIlwain to jump out to a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.

- Also see: Photo gallery by Chris Gillespie

With the bases loaded and two outs in the frame, McIlwain squeaked a hard-hit grounder inside third base for a two-run double. The Garnet tacked on the other two runs on a pair of errors by first baseman Ross Grosvenor. Sophomore Alex Destino, in the process of transitioning from designated hitter to first base, also dropped a throw on a nice play by shortstop Marcus Mooney in the third inning.

Freshman pitcher Adam Hill again impressed with four scoreless innings. Hill struck out three and allowed just three hits after getting the start for the Garnet team. Junior Reed Scott also pitched well in two innings of relief, allowing two hits and striking out three.

Defensive Holes

Last year, South Carolina was spotty on defense, committing 61 errors over the course of the season.

So far this spring, the middle of the Gamecock infield has been solid and veterans D.C. Arendas and Marcus Mooney both excel in the field.

However, the big question mark will be at first base following the graduation of four-year starter, Kyle Martin. Known for his prowess at the plate, Martin was also a contributor on the defensive side.

Destino looks to be the next man up at first base, but the former pitcher still looks uncomfortable at the position. At the plate, however, Destino continues to impress.

Catcher Competition

Sophomore Hunter Taylor came on strong at the end of last season, and looks to be the frontrunner at catcher this spring. However, junior college transfer John Jones and freshman Chris Cullen have both played well so far.

All three players made some nice stops on balls in the dirt and Taylor made two clean catches on pop-ups. Taylor also hit also hit a solid pop fly that got caught in the wind and landed just short of the left field wall.

Unsung Heroes

Freshman L.T. Tolbert played well again Saturday, continuing his impressive spring. The six-foot-two infielder collected two hits and two productive outs.

The Garnet pitchers gave up just seven hits in eight innings. Adam Hill, Reed Scott and Brandon Murray all pitched extremely well and made some nice defensive plays as well.

Up Next

The teams will be back in action on Sunday at 1:30. The team is just 13 days away from the season opener, a three-game series against Albany to open an eight game homestand.

- Also see: Photo gallery by Chris Gillespie

Black Scoring

Groundout, 1 out, T7, 4-1

Garnet Scoring

Error on Ross Grosvenor, 1 out, B1, 1-0

2 RBI double- Brandon McIlwain, 2 outs, B1, 3-0

RBI groundout, 2 outs, B1 4-0

Solo HR- Alex Destino, 0 outs, B8, 5-1

Marcus Mooney dives for a groundball at Saturday's scrimmage.
Marcus Mooney dives for a groundball at Saturday's scrimmage. (Chris Gillespie, GamecockCentral.com)

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