(University of South Carolina Athletics Communications)
South Carolina’s hot start continued as the Gamecocks handled Mercer 5-1 at Founders Park, Friday. Thomas Farr turned in another quality start, surrendering just one run over 5 and 1/3 innings. Second baseman Braylon Wimmer supplied the early offense, belting a two-run homer in the fourth. Andrew Eyster, David Mendham and Colin Burgess contributed later, driving in a run, apiece.
Farr (2-0) has been dominant through three starts, striking out 20 batters and carrying a 1.56 ERA. There was a close call in the top of the 6th, however, as Mercer’s Ryan Archibald drove a ball into the seats down the left field line. What would have been a two-run homer, whittling the Gamecocks advantage down to a single run, was overturned and ruled foul. Instead of a 4-3 game, the Gamecocks maintained their three-run lead and cruised from there thanks to a stingy bullpen. Right handers Andrew Peters and Jack Mahoney combined to shut the Bears down the rest of the way. Peters has been remarkably effective this season, holding opponents scoreless through seven innings.
South Carolina (8-0) and Mercer will meet for Game 2 of the series at Founders Park, Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. Gamecocks right hander Brannon Jordan (0-0, 5.62) will make his third start of the season.
