GamecockCentral.com - USC-The Citadel Diamond Extra: Wynkoop for Arkansas?

March 19, 2013

David Cloninger
GamecockCentral.com Staff Writer

VIDEO: Jack Wynkoop

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VIDEO: Connor Bright

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CHARLESTON - Jack Wynkoop did his job on Tuesday, scattering five hits and two runs over 5 1-3 innings, with one walk and five strikeouts.

Will he get to do another job this weekend?

"Jack only threw 74 pitches," South Carolina coach Chad Holbrook said after the No. 5 Gamecocks' 9-5 win on Wednesday. "We were trying to win tonight. If he had to throw 115, we were going to do that. We don't know. Sunday's TBA, it'll be TBA probably until Friday."

The Gamecocks need a Sunday starter for this weekend's series hosting No. 21 Arkansas, with Colby Holmes not definitely ruled out but anything but probable to resume his spot. Wynkoop was thought to be a heavy candidate for the role, but then started Tuesday's game and stayed in.

He could potentially throw again on Sunday, but Forrest Koumas and Joel Seddon are candidates as well. Curt Britt, another candidate (perhaps in relief more than starting), also pitched on Tuesday but only threw three pitches, recording an out on his only batter.

The Gamecocks, shuffling their rotation since Jordan Montgomery went down, still don't have word on when their ace left-hander may return. Montgomery had an MRI performed on Tuesday, and Holbrook said he didn't have any results as of press time. Whatever it says, Holbrook said last week that Montgomery wouldn't pitch against Arkansas or next week against Texas A&M.

Evan Beal and Nolan Belcher will resume their Friday and Saturday roles. Sunday is still open.

"I'd love to pitch on Sunday," Wynkoop said. "I'd love to pitch on the weekend. Right now, I'm just happy I have a role. I think I'll be ready this weekend."

RED CROSS REPORT: Tanner English, out for 10 games with a shoulder problem, pinch-ran in the eighth inning and scored on a sacrifice fly. Holbrook said that he is "awfully close" to returning full-time. Shon Carson played center field in English's place on Tuesday, and hit leadoff in place of Graham Saiko (wrist).

Saiko is getting better, but is not probable for Friday, although he may play this weekend. Outfielder Ahmad Christian will swing a bat for the first time on Wednesday, after being out with a back injury since opening weekend.

ATTENTION SHOPPERS: Kyle "K-Mart" Martin only had one at-bat, but hit a double that eventually became USC's seventh run. The Citadel had crept within one run at 6-5; that run gave the Gamecocks extra breathing room.

For Martin, who has seen his playing time dwindle after starting the season as the left-handed designated hitter, it was vindication. He's just hoping for more chances.

"You stay in the game, stay loose, you cheer for your team," Martin said. "Any time you're needed, you try to produce for your team. When you play, you try and get the job done."

DON'T GET USED TO IT: Tuesday's game was a beautiful 75 degrees, with not a cloud in the sky. Naturally, the forecast for the Arkansas series in Columbia this weekend was potential rain on all three days.

WORKHORSES: The Citadel reliever Zach Sherrill made his NCAA-leading 17th appearance on Tuesday, throwing 1 1-3 innings. He's only not played in five of the Bulldogs' games this year.

He was replaced by David Rivera, who made his 16th appearance of the season.

FAMILY AFFAIR: The Citadel first baseman Calvin Orth may have had a few family and friends at the game, but he didn't have his complete family there. Younger brother Perry Orth was occupied.

Orth was with his USC football teammates in Columbia as the Gamecocks resumed spring practice. The younger Orth joined USC as a walk-on quarterback for the spring.

SEC RESULTS
South Carolina 9, The Citadel 5
Alabama 15, Samford 7
Auburn 10, Alabama State 2
Florida 9, North Florida 4
Furman 7, Georgia 5
Western Kentucky 6, Kentucky 3
Mississippi State 7, Alcorn State 6
Arkansas State 10, Missouri 3
Missouri 5, Arkansas State 1
Texas A&M 2, Dallas Baptist 0

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