Spring Break
Weekend W's catch Panthers top OVC spot
Eastern plays three games against 2nd place Jacksonville State
Michael Gilbert
Issue date: 4/9/04 Section: Sports
Besides a solid starting staff, the Gamecocks have a powerful batting lineup to compliment the pitching. Outfielder Austin Stein and infielders Bobby Hicks and Robby Goodson all are hitting well over .300 and Goodson leads the team with nine home runs and 27 RBI.
The Panthers will counter offensively with centerfielder Marcus Jackson and third baseman Ryan Campbell.
Jackson came off the bench against Western Illinois last Tuesday to smash the game-winning double, while Campbell started the Panthers rally with a leadoff double that culminated with Jackson's heroics.
With the teams very close, both record and statistically, the games very well could come down to the stronger bench.
Schmitz says he like to keep the role players fresh by handing them a start during a mid-week game.
One of the bench players who came up key last weekend was junior right fielder Jason Pinnell, who came up with the game-winning two-run double against Murray State gave the Panthers the sweep in the series.
"I like to play some different people in the mid-week games so that during the weekend you don't go up to the guys on the bench and say 'get a hit for me' and he says "my last at bat was March 4,'" Schmitz said.
"We do switch it around mid-week and this keeps the team fresh."
As the Panthers head into Coaches Stadium for their Friday twin bill, Schmitz is hoping for support from not only the student body but also the local residents.
"I think it's just going to be a great series and I'm looking forward to a lot of people coming out, Schmitz said.
"I know the students, obviously, are going to get that Easter stuff, but community-wise it'd be nice to see some people out here. It should be three good games."
Game one of the double dip will begin at 1 p.m.
The Panthers will counter offensively with centerfielder Marcus Jackson and third baseman Ryan Campbell.
Jackson came off the bench against Western Illinois last Tuesday to smash the game-winning double, while Campbell started the Panthers rally with a leadoff double that culminated with Jackson's heroics.
With the teams very close, both record and statistically, the games very well could come down to the stronger bench.
Schmitz says he like to keep the role players fresh by handing them a start during a mid-week game.
One of the bench players who came up key last weekend was junior right fielder Jason Pinnell, who came up with the game-winning two-run double against Murray State gave the Panthers the sweep in the series.
"I like to play some different people in the mid-week games so that during the weekend you don't go up to the guys on the bench and say 'get a hit for me' and he says "my last at bat was March 4,'" Schmitz said.
"We do switch it around mid-week and this keeps the team fresh."
As the Panthers head into Coaches Stadium for their Friday twin bill, Schmitz is hoping for support from not only the student body but also the local residents.
"I think it's just going to be a great series and I'm looking forward to a lot of people coming out, Schmitz said.
"I know the students, obviously, are going to get that Easter stuff, but community-wise it'd be nice to see some people out here. It should be three good games."
Game one of the double dip will begin at 1 p.m.
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