This week, the opponent is Mississippi State. Games are 7 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
THREE FOR THE GAMECOCKS
- The rotation. South Carolina has a clear edge when it comes to starting pitching. On Friday, the Gamecocks send out Mike Cisco (3-0, 2.84) to face the Bulldogs' Jesse Carver (1-0, 7.50). On Sunday, it's Blake Cooper (2-2, 3.43) against Ricky Bowen (2-2, 6.38). The Dogs have not yet announced their Saturday starter, who will face Will Atwood (1-0, 4.05).
- Reese Havens. Tire of hearing about him if you want, but he's batting .384 with a .630 slugging percentage, 27 RBIs and 20 runs. He literally gets one base half the time he steps to the plate.
- Run production. The Gamecocks score early and often. At least when they win. In their 12 victories, South Carolina has scored 133 runs, or about 11 per.
TWO FOR THE BULLDOGS
- Runs in bunches. Not Mississippi State's, but South Carolina's. When the Gamecocks win, they score a lot of runs. When they lose? Not so much. South Carolina has put up just 16 runs in the five losses, or a shade more than three a game.
- Jason Nappi. He's hitting .418 with 7 HRs, 27 RBIs and 22 runs. He's doubled six times and walked 13.