Weekend starter Eli Jones selected in 2024 MLB Draft
A typical weekend starter for the Gamecocks, Eli Jones now finds himself being picked in the 2024 MLB Draft. The Minnesota Twins picked up Jones in the seventh round with the 218th overall pick.
Statistically, 2023 was a highlight year for Jones, pitching to a 3.95 ERA in 22 games with six starts. In 54.2 total innings, Jones finished with 63 strikeouts with just 17 walks and 55 hits given up.
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Following that, Jones earned the Opening Day nod entering 2024. He started in 15 out of the 17 games he pitched in. But it was somewhat of a setback compared to the year before, as he pitched to a 5.24 ERA with 56 strikeouts and 20 walks in 68.2 innings.
Jones played a crucial role in South Carolina this past season with the team advancing to the Raleigh Regional in the NCAA Tournament. As the No. 2 seed in Raleigh, South Carolina went 1-2 with James Madison ultimately ending its season.
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In his lone postseason appearance, Jones started on the mound, throwing 4.1 innings with four hits, four strikeouts and two earned runs. South Carolina finished 37-25 (13-17 SEC) in 2024.
One day after South Carolina’s season ended, head coach Mark Kingston was fired. The Gamecocks’ coaching staff has since seen a full overhaul. Former national championship-winning LSU head coach Paul Mainieri has now taken charge of the program. Monte Lee remains the team’s associate head coach and hitting coach, while Terry Rooney was brought on to serve as pitching coach and recruiting coordinator.
