**Who:** South Carolina (15-3) vs. #12 Oklahoma (15-1)
**Where:** Founders Park, Columbia, SC
**When:**
– **Friday:** 7:00 PM
– **Saturday:** 4:00 PM
– **Sunday:** 1:30 PM
**TV/Streaming:** All games will stream on SEC Network+.
**Betting Line (Friday Only):**
– **Moneyline:** OU -130, SC +100
– **Run Line:** OU -1.5
– **Total:** 11
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### **Projected Starting Pitchers**
**Friday:**
– **South Carolina:** Brandon Stone (So. RHP) – 1-0, 1.93 ERA, 18.2 IP, 3 BB, 23 Ks, .186 OBA
– **Oklahoma:** Kyson Witherspoon (Jr. RHP) – 4-0, 1.17 ERA, 23.0 IP, 5 BB, 40 Ks, .138 OBA
**Saturday:**
– **South Carolina:** Jake McCoy (So. LHP) – 1-1, 4.74 ERA, 19.0 IP, 8 BB, 38 Ks, .167 OBA
– **Oklahoma:** Malachi Witherspoon (Jr. RHP) – 2-0, 4.00 ERA, 18.0 IP, 11 BB, 17 Ks, .250 OBA
**Sunday:**
– **South Carolina:** Dylan Eskew (Sr. RHP) – 0-1, 1.69 ERA, 16.0 IP, 12 BB, 19 Ks, .132 OBA
– **Oklahoma:** Cam Johnson (So. LHP) – 2-0, 3.93 ERA, 18.1 IP, 12 BB, 20 Ks, .212 OBA
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### **Key Storylines**
– **The Witherspoon Twins:** Kyson Witherspoon is the headliner, a potential first-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and can touch 99 mph, paired with a slider that also reaches the 90s. His control has improved significantly, with just five walks this season.
– **Dylan Crooks:** Oklahoma’s closer has been dominant, allowing zero earned runs in 8.2 innings and recording five saves.
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### **Historical Context**
South Carolina holds a 4-1 all-time record against Oklahoma, with four of those meetings occurring in the postseason. Notable wins include:
– A dramatic Brady Thomas walk-off victory in the 2010 College World Series.
– A sweep in the 2012 Columbia Super Regional (5-0, 5-1) to advance to their third straight CWS.
– The Gamecocks’ record 22 consecutive postseason wins from 2010-2012 included three victories over the Sooners.
**Last Meeting:** In 2012, South Carolina’s pitching staff (Colby Holmes, Tyler Webb, and Matt Price) held Oklahoma to just three hits in a rain-extended game, sending the Gamecocks to their third straight College World Series.
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### **Weather Outlook**
– **Friday:** Ideal conditions, with temperatures in the high 60s.
– **Saturday:** Clear skies, potentially allowing for a doubleheader if Sunday’s forecast worsens.
– **Sunday:** Rain is likely, which could impact the series finale.
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### **The Gauntlet Ahead**
South Carolina’s remaining schedule is brutal, featuring games against nine ranked opponents: #12 Oklahoma, #3 Arkansas, #6 UNC, #2 Tennessee, #19, #13, #7, #25, and #1. This stretch will test the Gamecocks’ postseason credentials.
**RPI Update:** South Carolina currently sits at #23, with their strength of schedule set to improve significantly. Winning 14 SEC games would likely secure a postseason berth, while a winning conference record could ensure hosting a regional in June.
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### **Scouting Oklahoma**
The Sooners enter the series at 15-1, with their only loss coming against a strong Dallas Baptist team. Key stats:
– **Batting:** Team average of .313, led by Kyle Branch (.357) and Easton Carmichael (17 RBI, 5 HR).
– **Base Running:** 46 stolen bases on 53 attempts, posing a challenge for South Carolina’s catchers.
– **Coach:** Skip Johnson is in his eighth season, leading Oklahoma to a College World Series runner-up finish in 2022.
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### **Prediction**
South Carolina finds a way to secure their first signature series win under head coach Paul Mainieri, taking 2 of 3 from the Sooners.
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**Why This Series Matters:**
As Mainieri noted, “People don’t come to South Carolina to play Georgia State and Sacred Heart. They come here because it’s the SEC.” This weekend’s series against Oklahoma is a critical step in proving the Gamecocks belong among the nation’s elite.
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