morgan n' 7
02-02-2008, 03:18 AM
Smoak launches season for USC
Published: Saturday, February 2, 2008 - 2:00 am
By Rick Scoppe
COLUMBIA BUREAU
COLUMBIA -- The University of South Carolina officially kicked off the baseball season with a five-inning scrimmage Friday that included a home run by All-American first baseman Justin Smoak and three "quality innings" by pitcher Mike Cisco.
"It was a good first day," coach Ray Tanner said.
Still, Tanner was subdued as he talked after the scrimmage because of the death of Tom Price, USC's long-time sports information director and the team's official scorer.
"This is an exciting time of the year. It's spring training. We've got the new schedule. Three weekends before you open up. We've had the skill work. We're just trying to knock the rust off and get ready to go," Tanner said.
The Gamecocks are ranked as high as No. 2 nationally in the preseason polls after finishing 46-20 a year ago and making it to the NCAA Super Regionals.
Tanner was asked if Friday was the first step to Omaha, Neb., and the College World Series for USC, which opens the season Feb. 22 against East Carolina at Sarge Frye Field.
"I don't think this year is any different than any other year. You just want to win enough games just to get a chance to go to the postseason and hope you play well in the postseason," Tanner said. "There's no magic formula other than every game is important ... and be consistent. "
http://greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080202/SPORTS0102/802020324/1026
Published: Saturday, February 2, 2008 - 2:00 am
By Rick Scoppe
COLUMBIA BUREAU
COLUMBIA -- The University of South Carolina officially kicked off the baseball season with a five-inning scrimmage Friday that included a home run by All-American first baseman Justin Smoak and three "quality innings" by pitcher Mike Cisco.
"It was a good first day," coach Ray Tanner said.
Still, Tanner was subdued as he talked after the scrimmage because of the death of Tom Price, USC's long-time sports information director and the team's official scorer.
"This is an exciting time of the year. It's spring training. We've got the new schedule. Three weekends before you open up. We've had the skill work. We're just trying to knock the rust off and get ready to go," Tanner said.
The Gamecocks are ranked as high as No. 2 nationally in the preseason polls after finishing 46-20 a year ago and making it to the NCAA Super Regionals.
Tanner was asked if Friday was the first step to Omaha, Neb., and the College World Series for USC, which opens the season Feb. 22 against East Carolina at Sarge Frye Field.
"I don't think this year is any different than any other year. You just want to win enough games just to get a chance to go to the postseason and hope you play well in the postseason," Tanner said. "There's no magic formula other than every game is important ... and be consistent. "
http://greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080202/SPORTS0102/802020324/1026