by: Lauren Cohen
Posted: March 1, 2010 10:28 AM
The South Carolina Gamecocks were looking for a series win over the East Carolina Pirates this weekend to get revenge for the Pirates bumping them from Super Regional last season.
USC, however, had trouble putting across runs, dropping two of the three games this weekend.
There were gusty conditions through out the series, but most of the problems came from ECU's mound.
South Carolina started the series strong winning the first game 6-2 on Friday. Gamecock pitcher Blake Cooper was a strong presence on the mound, allowing just two runs on four hits.
First baseman Nick Ebert returned to the line-up after sitting out the Gamecocks series opener due to academic ineligibility. Ebert hit a double at his first at bat, and gave the Gamecocks a three run cushion. He started all three games at first base.
Jackie Bradley Jr. also returned after having surgery on his hand two weeks ago. The sophomore outfielder hit a single during the last game of the series.
ECU took the final two games 4-2 and 4-3. ECU pitcher Brad Mincey threw for seven innings in the rubber game Saturday, giving up only three hits and one run.
Head Coach Ray Tanner was impressed with Mincey's solid performance.
"He works in, he works out, he gets his breaking ball over and he gets his change up over, he's just a pitcher, He's not going to throw in the mid-90's, but he did a great job today," Tanner said.
The Gamecocks might loose right fielder Adam Matthews for their next game against Presbyterian. Matthews left field after turning his ankle when running over first base.
The Gamecocks (4-2) will face Presbyterian Tuesday at 7:00 PM, and then get ready for a 3-game weekend series against Clemson kicking off on Friday.
