Palmetto State Baseball team of the week, Feb. 22-28: South Carolina

South Carolina (3-0 for the week)
(beat Winthrop; had two walk-off wins over Clemson)

The Clemson-South Carolina baseball series quite often serves as the first real measuring stick for both teams when it comes to gauging expectations for the season.

This weekend's series indicated that the squads are pretty even, although the Gamecocks took bragging rights with a pair of walk-off wins courtesy of Andrew Eyster.

Carolina coach Mark Kingston certainly didn't enjoy seeing his team strike out a school-record 21 times in Game 1 on Saturday, but a win despite that shortcoming can do wondrous things. Sunday involved too many walks and some shaky defensive plays, but again, the bottom line was another victory.

Wes Clarke hit two more homers Sunday, giving him eight in six games. USC pitchers have struck out 84 in 56 innings.
 
Carolina is picked to finish in the middle of the pack in the SEC East. If the Gamecocks rise to the occasion under pressure in the league like they did against Clemson, it could be an enjoyable season.

Up next for the Gamecocks: at Winthrop Tuesday.

Also considered
Coastal Carolina (4-0)
Coker (3-1)
Columbia International (5-0) - 7 straight wins; 2 games over .500 for first time in program history
Florence-Darlington Tech (5-0)
Francis Marion (3-1)
Lander (2-1) - won two of three over ranked Columbus State
Newberry (4-1)
USC Aiken (2-1)
USC Beaufort (5-2)
USC Lancaster (2-0)
USC Upstate (3-0) - swept series at College of Charleston
Wofford (4-1)

Previous winners
Jan. 29-Feb. 7: Lander
Feb. 8-14: USC Beaufort
Feb. 15-21: North Greenville

Wes Clarke has hit eight of USC's
17 home runs in six games.
(USC photo)