Resume Check: Looking ahead to South Carolina baseball's SEC Tournament opponent, the Florida Gators

For the fourth time in Gamecock history, the 2025 South Carolina baseball team has lost 28 games. However, barring a most-improbable undefeated run that would require zero losses through the SEC Tournament, NCAA Tournament Regional, NCAA Tournament Super Regional, and College World Series, they will set a new program record for losses this spring with 29.

Paul Mainieri’s team lost two of three at home last weekend to the No. 1 LSU Tigers to finish the regular dropping nine of their last 10 in conference play. On the season, South Carolina went 6-24 in the SEC, one of the worst marks in conference history. They also went 6-28 against power conference opponents.

The Gamecocks will enter this week’s SEC Tournament as the No. 15 overall seed, only above the lowly Missouri Tigers. With that seed, USC’s first-round matchup will be against the No. 10 seed Florida Gators.

Resume Check: Florida Gators

Record: 37-19 (15-15 in SEC play)
D1Baseball Ranking: No. 23
Last Week: 2-1 series win over Alabama in

Kevin O’Sullivan’s Florida Gators have had a wild season. It looked like the team could be in for one of its worst seasons in recent memory after a disastrous beginning to the SEC slate, but the Gators turned things around in a major way. Now, Florida hasn’t lost a series since the first week of April, as they’ve gone 14-4 in the SEC following the 1-11 start in conference play. During that stretch, the Gators swept South Carolina in Columbia less than three weeks ago.

Much of the team’s success this year has stemmed from a strong offense and a pitching staff that misses bats at a historic level.

Despite dealing with injuries to several key players–most notably shortstop Colby Shelton, second baseman Cade Kurland, and now catcher Luke Heyman–Florida ranks in the upper-middle of the SEC in most statistical categories. Prior to their injuries, Shelton and Heyman were among the top players in the conference. Kurland and Heyman are out for the year, but Shelton could return soon. Infielder Bobby Boser and catcher/DH Brody Donay have been two of the top power bats in the country, combining for 31 home runs and 22 doubles. The Gators are dangerous on the bases, as well, led by Boser’s 18 swipes.

On the mound, starter Aidan King has been really good. Since moving to a primary bullpen role, Jake Clemente has been great, too. The duo have combined with starter Liam Peterson and reliever Luke McNeillie to log 301 strikeouts in 226.1 innings pitched. The walks have been too high for the Gators staff (especially for Peterson and the ‘pen), but when they limit free passes, Florida keeps opponents off the scoreboard. Recently, the staff has gotten a boost in the form of a return from injury for big lefty Pierce Coppola. In limited action this season, he has struck out twice as many batters as he’s logged innings pitched.

South Carolina baseball coach Paul Mainieri announced on Monday morning that Brandon Stone would start against Florida. Over the weekend, the Gamecocks started Ashton Crowther, Jake McCoy, and Dylan Eskew. Stone and Parker Marlatt had multi-inning relief outings, and Matthew Becker threw twice. Jackson Soucie, Jarvis Evans, and Tyler Pitzer are all fresh and have starting experience this season if needed beyond Tuesday.

First pitch between the South Carolina Gamecocks and Florida Gators in Hoover is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Fans can tune in to watch the contest on SEC Network or stream the game on the ESPN app.

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