Baseball Coaches Slot Gamecocks In The Middle Of The Pack In SEC East Preseason Poll

South Carolina's baseball team has plenty of talent, but the depth of the SEC seems to be getting held against them in the coaches' preseason poll.

As Opening Day for the 2024 season looms, the South Carolina Gamecocks baseball team is gearing up for what promises to be an exciting season. According to the latest SEC Preseason Poll, the Gamecocks, under the leadership of coach Mark Kingston, are predicted to finish fourth in the highly competitive SEC East.

The anticipation for the upcoming season is bolstered not just by what the team accomplished last Spring, but also by the recognition of two Gamecocks players being named to the coach's first-team preseason All-SEC list: catcher Cole Messina and outfielder Ethan Petry.

Ethan Petry with a double in Game 2 of the NCAA Super Regional in Gainesville against Florida (12th June, 2023) / Cyndi Chambers | Gator Sports

Messina is known for his ability to hit almost anything pull-side and manage the pitching staff, with his presence providing a solid foundation for the Gamecocks' defense. On the other hand, Petry has been an offensive powerhouse, with his power making him a dangerous player in any situation, capable of changing the game's dynamic with a single swing.

The team is determined to start strong as the Gamecocks prepare to open their season on February 16th against Miami, Ohio.

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