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USC baseball preps for rivalry showdown against in-state foes KATIE KIRKLAND/THE GAMECOCK Sophomore slugger Jon Willard, right, high-fives his teammates after hitting a home run in Saturday’s win against Niagara. Willard has excelled as designated hitter. BY BRIAN DAVIS THE GAMECOCK The No. 5 USC baseball team will combat rival Clemson in a 2-game series March 12 at Clemson and March 13 at Sarge Frye Field. Heading into their first road trip at the Dairy Queen Classic in Minneapolis, Minn., USC stood 10-0, permitting only 20 total runs in these contests. The Tigers, No. 24 in the Collegiate Baseball national poll but absent from the two other major rankings, were 4-Z heading into a 3-game series at SEC competitor Auburn. The Tigers have won 3-of-4, defeating UC-Irvine three times at Doug Kingsmore Stadium and dismantling East Carolina 10-0 in one of their three games in their season-opening trip to Myrtle Beach. In their 3-game series at Auburn, the Tigers will start juniors Josh Cribb, Robert Rohrbaugh and Kris Harvey, each of whom have an ERA of over five runs per game. This may be a hindrance to any hope of defeating USC, as the Gamecocks have scored 111 runs in their first 10 games. The Tigers’ hitting core is centered on Harvey, as well as contributing freshman Taylor Harbin, who is hitting .435 on the season. Freshman Stan Widmann also contributed to the Tigers’ efforts against UC-Irvine, hitting four for nine in the series. Facing USC’s stellar defense, the Tigers will likely face trouble driving in runs during their trip to Columbia. In their two games against unranked opponents, the Tigers have scored 17 runs in just two outincs. Aeainst ranked opponents Coastal Carolina and UC-Irvine however, the Tigers have mustered three victories in four attempts, but have only scored 21 runs in these four outings. The evident challenge with producing against these teams could potentially be more of a threat against the Gamecocks. USC held its first 10 opponents to just 2 runs per contest. While the Tigers are being led by Harbin with a .435 batting average, USC features six players averaging over .447 in batting average, led by sophomore Jon Willard and ♦ Please see BASEBALL, page 8 Your Neighborhood Restaurant and Tavern - Since 1977 • After the Game, Show or Concert • Free P.M. Delivery to USG Housing • Late Night Menu • Fresh Home Cooking • Daily Blue Plate Specials • Located in the Heart of Five Points • Trolley Stop at Front Door • Free Parking in Lot • Designated To-Go Parking • Large Parties Welcome (please can ahead) • Catering for Meetings or Events TWO-FOR-ONE APPETIZERS with USC Baseball ticket stub!* Sunday - Thursday 11:15 a.m.-midnight Friday - Saturday 11:15 a.m. -1:00 a.m. 2030 Devine Street @ five points 799*0196 (To Go) www.yesterdayssc.com 799*0049 (Catering) *ValiBM BSC gam Bays aaly.