After a 2023 super-regional loss to fellow SEC team Florida, the South Carolina Gamecocks are gearing up for a strong 2024 season. Finishing third in a competitive SEC East with a 42-21 (16-13) record, they began the year ranked 12th in Baseball America’s preseason rankings and are poised to contend for a national championship. Projected to once again rank near the top, South Carolina anticipates hosting another Regional as they pursue a title run.
Pitching is pose the biggest challenge for the Gamecocks this season. The team lost five pitchers to the draft, including a top starter from 2023. Jack Mahoney started 17 games for SC in 2023, pitching just over 84 innings with a 4.16 ERA. Also drafted were Will Sanders, who started 11 games, and Noah Hall, who started seven. Returning players and new additions will fill these roles. Notable returning pitchers include bullpen arm Eli Jones and starter Matthew Becker, with over 50 innings pitched in 2023.
Photo Cred: The State
Big righty Connor McCreery expects to step up in relief in 2024. Freshmen Eddy Cooper, Parker Marlatt, and Tyler Pitzer should contribute immediately. Transfers Ty Good from Charleston and Tyler Dean from Virginia Tech should make an impact. The 2023 Gamecocks were known for their strong offense, a trend likely to continue in 2024. The team hit over 100 home runs last season, and many sluggers return. The departure of top hitter Braylen Wimmer, who batted .304 in 2023 with 11 doubles and 14 homers, is notable. However, the core of the potent offense remains intact.
Leading the returners is right-handed outfielder Ethan Petry, a preseason All-American and 2023 freshman of the year, boasting a .376 average with 23 home runs and 73 RBIs. Also returning are infielders Gavin Casas, Talmadge LeCroy, and catcher Cole Messina, all starters in over 50 games last season. New additions to the lineup include transfers Kennedy Jones from UNC Greensboro, Tyler Causey from UNC, andfreshmen Ryan Bakes and Lee Ellis.
