NCAA Regional Preview: South Carolina vs Central Connecticut State

The South Carolina Gamecocks are hosting a regional in Founders Park for the second time in the past three years. While Mark Kingston's squad seemed to be on shaky ground in terms of getting a host site after enduring multiple bumps in the road over the past month, the NCAA committee felt South Carolina's performance over the first 40 games of the regular season couldn't be overlooked.

The Gamecocks are rejuvenated and healthier and have plenty of options to go with in the field and hitting lineup. No matter who takes the field on Friday night, South Carolina will be facing the Blue Devils' No. 2 starter in Jake Neuman, who in 13 starts has recorded a 4.65 ERA and a 7.03 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Central Connecticut State, however, doesn't possess much depth in their bullpen, as outside of relievers Luke Garofalo, Vincent Spizzoucco, and Anthony Mozzicato, no other Blue Devil reliever has an ERA below 5.21 for the season. For the Gamecocks, they'll likely see some inconsistency in terms of command from Central Connecticut State and must remain disciplined at the plate waiting for their pitch.

Conversely, the Blue Devils are without their best batter, Ramon Jimenez, who'll be serving a one-game suspension. This loss, however, might not significantly affect Central Connecticut State, as they seem to have a team-oriented approach at the plate, looking to string hits together and get baserunners through their plate vision more so than by mashing the baseball. The Blue Devil to watch in the hitting on Friday will be catcher Jeff Nicol, who's slashing .311/.436/.519 in 35 games played this season, hitting five homers and batting in 27 runs.

For South Carolina's starting pitcher on Friday night, James Hicks, he must avoid letting mistake pitches pile up in short spurts, which could otherwise play right into the hands of the Blue Devis. While Central Connecticut State shouldn't be taken lightly, I expect the Gamecocks to head on into the Winner's bracket at the end of tonight.

How To Watch: South Carolina vs Central Connecticut State

Gamedays: Friday, June 2nd, 2023
Game time: 7:00 pm EDT
TV: ESPN+
Stadium: Founders Park (Columbia, SC)
Live stream on fuboTV: Start with a 7-day free trial!

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