JACKSONVILLE — The Gamecocks begin a three-game series against the Liberty Flames, beginning Friday at 5 p.m. Jax State is looking to build on their 12-0 CUSA record, while Liberty is 9-3 in CUSA and looking to make a move in the standings.
Both clubs are coming off noticeable wins against Power 4 in-state opponents, with Jax State run ruling nationally-ranked No. 15 Auburn 15-4 on the Plains. The Flames took down Virginia Tech 11-4 in Blacksburg.
Jax State tallied a total of 17 hits Tuesday night, scoring 11 off Auburn's highly-touted pitching, with seven players snagging two or more hits for the Gamecocks. On the mound, Ryan Geraghty walked off with the win after opening the game with two scoreless innings and striking out six, a career-high. Relieving Geraghty was Josh Sibley, who recorded 1.0 innings of work, and striking out two of his five batters faced. Jud Files and Chase Horst were next to be called upon, with Files tossing 2.0 innings and Horst 2.0. Both pitchers left striking out three and not allowing any runs.
The Flames are led offensively by junior Tanner Marsh, leading Liberty in batting average (.351), hits (45), and RBI's (30). Marsh is currently on a six-game hit streak, hitting 13-29 in the past six games. Last night against the Hokies of Virginia Tech, Marsh went three-for-four at the plate and driving in three RBI.
On the mound, the Flames average an ERA of 4.36 as a team. Helping that average is junior Ben Blair, that boasts an ERA of 1.46 and sophomore Bradley Zayac, who holds a 1.62 ERA. The pair have a combined 9-1 record so far this season.
Jax State boasts a 3.56 ERA on the rubber, which is ranked 14th in NCAA. The unit is led by Eli Pillsbury, who holds a 5-0 record, 1.99 ERA, was recently selected as a Midseason All-American by D1 Baseball. Steven Cash, who holds a 2.93 ERA, has been consistent for the Gamecocks on the rubber as well. Out of the bullpen, right-hander Skyler Hutto holds an ERA of 1.09 in 24.2 innings of work, holding opposing hitters to an average of only .079 and has only allowed six total hits.
Jax State currently has the seventh most sac-flies in Division 1 (23), eighth most in double plays (31), 21st most strikeouts per nine innings (10.9 K/9), and is ranked 27th in stolen bases (71).
The Gamecocks have continued to rise in the national polls, snagging a spot in three polls this week. Baseball America ranks Jax State at No. 24, the first ever appearance for the Gamecocks in this poll. The team stayed at No. 24 in the NBCWA poll while rising to No. 21 in Prefect Game's poll. Jax State has also received votes in the USA Today Coaches Poll (59 points, 28th-most). Adding to the Gamecocks total, Jax State is also ranked in multiple mid-major polls coming in at No. 5 in 6-4-3 Charts Diamond Sports Rankings Mid-Major poll and No. 5 in 11.7's Mid-Major Power Rankings. PEARatings has Jax State at No.3 in the mid-major net ratings, the highest of the Gamecocks rankings thus far.
Both sides have announced their pitching rotations. The Gamecocks will return the familiar rotation of Pillsbury on Friday, Beau Bryans on Saturday, and Steven Cash on Sunday. Liberty will trot out a trio of righties, with Ben Blair starting things off on Friday, Jaxon Lucas starting on Saturday, and Bradley Zayac on Sunday.
Broadcasts will be available on ESPN+ for all three games, while Mike Parris will have the call on the Gamecock Sports Network via radio. As always, you can follow live stats and Jax State Baseball on X (@JaxStateBB) for updates.
