The Gamecocks even things up

Jack Wynkoop  got passed over for the Friday start against Clemson because, at least in part, Wil Crowe had been more effective in his two Saturday starts.

On Saturday, Wynkoop stated his case for remaining the No. 1 starter for the Gamecocks, pitching six effective innings in a 4-1 victory over the Tigers in front of 7,175 at Fluor Field in Greenville.

It was just what the Gamecocks needed. It assured they won't be swept regardless of how Sunday's noon series finale (SEC Network) in Columbia goes. (There is a chance of rain Sunday).

As in Friday night's 11-4  Clemson victory, both teams had areas they could feel good about and others they would not.

Clemson got another good outing from starter Zach Erwin. He pitched into the seventh inning, struck out five while walking none and didn't allow a hit after the third inning.

Reliever Paul Campbell retired all five batters he faced.

But the Tigers missed opportunities. They left a runner in scoring position in the first and third innings.  They got nothing out of bases-loaded situations in the sixth and seventh innings.

Also, they committed two errors. While only one run was unearned, the fielding lapses continued a troubling trend from a season ago.

Clemson, which had scored in double figures in four of its last five games, scored its lone run in the first inning and struck out 13 times.

For South Carolina, the good included bouncing back after falling behind for the second straight game.

In addition to Wynkoop, USC got solid pitching from relievers Clarke Schmidt and Taylor Widener. Schmidt, a freshman and the younger brother of Tigers pitcher Clate Schmidt, relieved Wynkoop after the first two batters reached in the Clemson seventh. After an infield chopper loaded the bases, Clarke Schmidt got a strikeout and a double play to end the inning.

Widener came in after Tyler Krieger singled to open the Clemson eight. Widener struck out five in getting the two-inning save.

A negative for the Gamecocks was they had no hits and just one base runner - on an error - after the third inning. Even with superb pitching, they can't count on winning many games with such  late-inning performances.

USC listed its Sunday starter as TBA entering the series and I haven't seen an update changing that. It could be pitching coach Jerry Meyers may keep sophomore left-hander Josh Reagan in the Sunday spot,or he could go with someone else.

Brody Koerner is the scheduled starter for the Tigers.

If the game matches the competitiveness of the first two games, it should be another good one.