We’re not used to losing streaks in baseball at Carolina,
nor should we ever get that way. But
just because we’ve lost a few recently after a very hot start, I don’t think we
should overreact.
First off it should be noted that our pitching staff has
been lights out, even through our recent “struggles.” And with Gumby returning to form of late
after some early hiccups, that will only get better. I will take our starting rotation over
anyone’s. This is important because when
it counts for Omaha, give me deep pitching over deep hitting anyday.
But yes, we have definitely struggled at the plate since the
conference schedule started. Granted the
schedule has been brutal and we don’t get to play Clemson anymore. So some of that was to be expected. But I will admit we are weaker in the lineup
than I thought we’d be. Yes, we need some
noticeable improvement if we’re going to think about Omaha.
I still think we’ll get there. Despite how “horrible” things have gone in
our minds, we are 2 games out of the best record in the SEC. (This is being written the day we open the
series at Auburn so that could change either way starting tonight) We have half of the conference schedule left
too. Not a bad place to “bottom out” IF
we have bottomed out.
Auburn is last in the West and is tied for the worst record
overall so we should certainly win at least 2 this weekend. I think we will. Then we get Alabama at home next week so it’s
hard for me to take seriously the notion that it’s “over” as some
chicken-littles have. We just need to
suck it up, get over the close losses to Florida and start playing ball like
we’re capable of doing. And for those
who are starting to whisper about Coach Holbrook, go soak your heads. You question him, you question Ray Tanner
too. Coach Tanner hand-picked him as his
successor and he will be fine.
Stop looking for land mines and start seeking out
opportunities. If any program at USC
deserves that it’s baseball. Why is it
that Carolina fans are always 1 game away from their next losing streak while
other teams view it as 1 game away from their next winning streak? Here’s hoping for a good weekend on the
Plains and a series win. We need it and
it would set up a VERY big weekend at “The Ray” when the Tide rolls in.
Stay calm and keep focused folks. As we know in Columbia, Championships happen
in June on the diamond, not April.
It's a great time to be a GAMECOCK!