Craddock and LeCroy Spark South Carolina's Offense in a Bouncing Back Win Over Navy
The Gamecocks' Offense Explodes
After a lackluster performance on Friday, South Carolina's offense needed a spark, and it came in the form of Will Craddock. Craddock, hitting in the leadoff spot for the first time on Saturday, smoked Navy right-hander Matt Archibald's second pitch over the left field wall for a solo homer, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
"We talked about it pregame. We wanted to come out hot and set the tone," Craddock said. "So that's what we did. The whole offense did a good job. We hit balls hard, we squared them up, and it just all fell into place today with our approach."
Craddock was only getting started. After back-to-back singles to open the third inning, the freshman first baseman ripped a two-run double down the left field line, driving in South Carolina's first three runs in an 8-0 win over the Midshipmen. With three hits and five times reaching base in his debut on Wednesday, Craddock finished 2-for-4 with four RBI, recording six hits in his first 11 at-bats at the college level.
"He's probably the largest leadoff hitter in captivity," said coach Paul Mainieri. "I always had it in the back of my mind that maybe if the time was ever right. I didn't think it'd be this early in the season. He's a young kid trying to get his feet wet in college baseball, but he's a unique kid. You can see why I've said that so many times. I think he's a very gifted player."
But Craddock wasn't the only one shining. Talmadge LeCroy, a fifth-year catcher, provided just as much thump in the lineup with a pair of RBI doubles, one in the third and another in the fifth. He finished 2-for-3 with two RBI and is currently hitting .462 this year. Mainieri praised LeCroy's focus and leadership, noting that he's been in the weight room and gotten in better shape than ever before.
"I haven't had a lot of fifth-year seniors in my coaching career, but when I have had them, they're like a different animal when they're in their fifth year," Mainieri said. "He's just been so focused and such a leader, just because I think everybody looks up to him, I really do, and he works really hard."
Amp Phillips, a right-hander, also had an impressive outing in his second start of the season, tossing six shutout innings, allowing just one hit while striking out three and walking two. Phillips attributed his success to better execution and a strong offense behind him, saying, "Just better execution, throwing more strikes. I have to give credit to my offense, too. When you've got a lead and guys like Will Craddock making plays behind me, it's really fun to pitch and really easy to pitch with the lead."
With the Clemson series coming up next Friday, Mainieri wasn't ready to commit to Phillips' rotation spot, but he did say that Phillips will definitely be starting at some point next weekend. Cooper Parks and Hudson Lee combined to pitch the final three innings, continuing Phillips' strong outing. Parks threw two shutout innings and struck out one, while Lee struck out the side in the ninth, striking out all five batters he's faced so far this season.
The Gamecocks also got RBI doubles from KJ Scobey and Dawson Harman, while Logan Sutter went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate. He's now 5-for-7 since hitting his first homer of the year back on Wednesday.
Up next, South Carolina will close out Salute the Troops Weekend with Air Force on Sunday afternoon. First pitch will be at 4 p.m. on SEC Network+. Brandon Stone (0-0, 2.25 ERA) will be on the mound. So, will Craddock and LeCroy's performance continue? Stay tuned to find out! And don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments below. What do you think about Craddock's leadoff homer? Or LeCroy's RBI doubles? Agree or disagree? Let us know!
