South Carolina Sets Weekend Rotation Ahead of Rivalry Showdown with No. 7 Clemson
The undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks (9-0) are set to clash with No. 7 Clemson (7-1) in one of the season’s most anticipated rivalry series. On Wednesday, Gamecocks head coach Paul Mainieri finalized his weekend rotation, naming Matthew Becker, Jake McCoy, and Dylan Eskew as the starters.
South Carolina’s Weekend Rotation
- Friday (at Clemson): Matthew Becker
- Saturday (in Greenville): Jake McCoy
- Sunday (in Columbia): Dylan Eskew
Matthew Becker – Senior Ace Leading the Charge
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound left-hander will open the series Friday in Clemson. Now in his senior season, Becker has posted an impressive 2-0 record with a 1.59 ERA over 11.1 innings.
Last season, he went 5-3 with a 6.50 ERA over 43.2 IP, but his most productive year came in 2023, when he logged 54 innings in 18 appearances (11 starts) with a 4.83 ERA.
Jake McCoy – Young Lefty on the Rise
McCoy, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound sophomore, will take the mound Saturday in Greenville. He’s already made two starts this season, recording a 3.00 ERA over 9 innings with 17 strikeouts and 4 walks.
As a freshman in 2024, McCoy primarily pitched out of the bullpen, throwing 16 innings over 12 appearances, finishing with a 7.88 ERA, 20 strikeouts, and 15 walks.
Dylan Eskew – Experienced Right-Hander Closing the Series
Eskew will start Sunday’s finale in Columbia, bringing experience from a strong 2024 season where he led South Carolina in ERA (4.60) over 62.2 IP. He made 15 starts in 19 appearances last year and has continued his solid form in 2025.
In his first two starts this season, Eskew has a 2.57 ERA over 7 innings, tallying 11 strikeouts to 4 walks.
Rivalry Showdown with No. 7 Clemson
The annual series between South Carolina and Clemson is one of the most anticipated matchups on the Gamecocks’ schedule.
Clemson enters the weekend 7-1, coming off a dominant 20-7 win over Winthrop on Tuesday. With South Carolina’s perfect record on the line, this weekend’s battle promises to be a thrilling test for both programs.
