USC-Clemson Game 2: Notes and Quotes

Notes and quotes from Saturday's USC-Clemson baseball game in Greenville. The Tigers won 5-0.

— Following the pattern of his season, Alex Destino followed Friday’s monster game with a less-than-stellar performance on Saturday. Destino was baffled by Clemson pitchers all day, striking out three times, including once with the bases loaded and a chance to tie the game in the sixth inning. Destino also struggled a bit in the field, mishandling two throws at first.

— Destino wasn’t the only player to struggle in the field, as defensive star D.C. Arendas got a rest day. His replacement, the versatile LT Tolbert struggled at second base, botching two tough plays. His throwing error in the second inning led directly to a Clemson run.

*** ALSO SEE: USC-Clemson Game 2 Photo Gallery ***

— South Carolina put a runner in scoring position just twice over the course of the game. In fact, the Gamecocks notched just one hit off of starter Clate Schmidt, the older brother of last night’s winning pitcher, Gamecock righty Clarke Schmidt. Jonah Bride’s double off of Fluor Field’s version of the “Green Monster” was the only Gamecock hit.

— Junior college transfers Dom Thompson-Williams, Jonah Bride and John Jones all extended their on-base streaks Saturday. Thompson-Williams and Bride have successfully reached base in every game this season and have solidified their positions at the first and second hitters in the batting order.

— The Gamecocks managed just one hit and were held scoreless for the first time all season. Their previous game-low came in a 4-2 win against Penn State. The Gamecocks struck out 10 times on Saturday.

— After the 5-0 loss, the Gamecocks will look to regroup. Last year was the first time since 2010 that the Gamecocks dropped a series against the Tigers. They will look to avoid back-to-back series losses in tomorrow’s rubber match.

— Despite walking five batters, Braden Webb only allowed two earned runs in four and a third innings. Junior Taylor Widener will start tomorrow’s series deciding game at Clemson

“That was certainly an impressive performance … I haven’t seen him be that efficient and clean with command of his pitches” — Chad Holbrook on Clemson pitcher Clate Schmidt

“I think that’s me not making the changes I need to in the box. That’s something I’ll go to bed with tonight and be sure that doesn’t happen tomorrow.” — Alex Destino on his disappointing day

“He hung in there. He didn’t have the best command today. They’re very offensive and you can’t give them free bases. Walking five, it’s gonna be tough. But he pitched out of some trouble and gave us a shot … He’s just gotta get a little more consistent, he struck out seven. He’s got great stuff and when he commands his stuff, he’s very, very tough. His command obviously was a little inconsistent today.” — Holbrook on Webb’s performance

“It’s obviously a big game … It’s a big game because it’s South Carolina-Clemson, it’s not a big game because it’s gonna dictate the way the rest of your season goes.” — Holbrook on the importance of Game 3

“I’m interested to see how my team will respond. They’ve been very impressive to me way back since August and tomorrow will be a good barometer of how they go ahead handling this.” — Holbrook on the first loss

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