Crownover: Tigers plan to treat Gamecock series as "just the next game" |
CLEMSON – The rivalry series between Clemson and South Carolina is always special and brings along high expectations for both teams. However,
Matthew Crownover
In fact, they are treating it as just another game. Clemson’s mantra coming into the season was to focus on every pitch, every inning and every game and they aren’t changing that thought process just because it’s rivalry week. The Gamecocks have won four straight in the series, seven of eight, 10 of 12, 13 of 16 and 23 of the last 31 contests, but that is the past and Crownover – Clemson’s Friday night starter – told the media Wednesday evening that South Carolina always fields a good squad but he isn’t preparing any differently than he did for his first two starts when opposing teams failed to score an earned run. “They are always a good program and a good team,” Crownover said after Clemson’s win over Wofford Wednesday evening. “We have had a good start to the year so far and hopefully we will play well. I guess this is a big game, but the way I have been looking at all year is just that it's the next game on the schedule. Nothing more, nothing less. Just go out there and execute pitches. So far, it's worked out pretty well for me and I am not going to change the plan just because somebody else is coming to town. “Just go out there and throw strikes, and I have the utmost confidence in our guys that if I go out there and pitch well they are going to hit well. They have had a great run the last five or six years and kudos to them. But this year is this year and hopefully we go out there and play well. We have three games to prove what we are made of. It's a new season for me. We will be ready to go and I feel like our guys have been ready to go. We are going to take it one pitch at a time.” When the Tigers and Gamecocks take the field at 6:30 p.m. Friday night at Doug Kingsmore, head coach
Jack Leggett “We always feel good and they will be ready to play,” Leggett said. “It will be a good challenge and hopefully the weather will clear up and we will have three good ballgames. They are like us a lot - the starting pitching is good and they have three good starting pitchers and some experienced guys in the order. It will be a good challenge for us and it will be a great experience for both teams and the fans. I am looking forward to Friday night. Just play ball Friday. We will play as hard as we can on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It's a great challenge for us and a great challenge for them and it's a great for the fans.” Despite the pressure from orange-clad faithful, redshirt freshman
Reed Rohlman Starting pitchers and schedule Friday: 6:30 p.m. at Doug Kingsmore – Matthew Crownover (1-0, 0.00 ERA) Jack Wynkoop (1-1, 3.46) Saturday: 2:30 p.m. at Fluor Field– Clemson’s
Zack Erwin Sunday: 12:00 p.m. at Carolina Stadium– Clemson’s
Brody Koerner
Matthew Crownover
Jr. LH Pitcher
#44 6-0, 210
Ringgold, GA
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and the Tigers aren’t letting this weekend’s series against the Gamecocks add any undue pressure.
Jack Leggett
Baseball Head Coach
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expects his team to be ready to play, but said that South Carolina brings back a lot of experienced players.
Reed Rohlman
RS Fr. Outfielder
#26 6-0, 210
Moore, SC
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– who is batting .455 (10-for-22), has six RBI and has scored five runs – said that he is excited to finally play in the Reedy River Rivalry.
Zack Erwin
Jr. LH Pitcher
#33 6-5, 195
Duluth, GA
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(1-0, 0.66) vs. USC’s Wil Crowe (1-0, 0.87)
Brody Koerner
Jr. RH Pitcher
#19 6-2, 200
Concord, NC
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(1-1, 2.25) vs. USC’s Josh Reagan (0-0, 4.66)
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