:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46315752/IMG_8631.0.0.jpg)
The Gamecocks shocked pretty much everyone by taking the series from the then 3rd-ranked Aggies over the weekend to improve to 30-22 (12-15). After renewing hope for salvaging the season by going 3-1 last week, Carolina has made the last four regular season games even more important. The Gamecocks have played themselves back into a slim but legitimate chance that they'll make the NCAA tournament, but keeping that chance alive means avoiding any more missteps. The Gamecocks have won all 8 of their previous meetings with the Spartans and need to keep that streak going tonight. South Carolina has an RPI of 57 while USC Upstate is at 252.
USC Upstate is 15-34 (4-14 Atlantic Sun Conference). The Spartans have wins over Winthrop, Charleston Southern and Wofford but they also have losses to both Winthrop and Charleston Southern and have been blown out by multiple SC schools. The Spartans had a five-game winning streak going early in the season but have struggled since then and have only won two games in a row one other time. They enter tonight's game on a losing streak after getting swept by North Florida over the weekend.
| South Carolina | USC Upstate | |
| Batting Average | .257 | .279 |
| On-Base % | .351 | .358 |
| Slugging % | .377 | .376 |
| ERA | 4.08 | 6.74 |
| Strikeout-to-Walk Ratio | 2.23 | 1.57 |
| Fielding % | .971 | .964 |
Freshman right-hander Canaan Cropper will get his first career start tonight against the Spartans. He has pitched 8 total innings in his 8 appearances this season. His ERA is 2.25 and he has 4 strikeouts and 5 walks.
The Spartans will start sophomore right-hander Eric Birklund, who has a 5.91 ERA with 30 strikeouts and 18 walks.
Start Time: 7 pm
Location: Carolina Stadium
How to Watch: SEC Network Plus
How to Listen: 107.5 The Game and Gamecock Radio Network affiliates.