Mark Kingston believes South Carolina ‘lost battles’ during season, can still ‘win war’
It hasn’t always been sunshine and rainbows for the South Carolina Gamecocks this season. Yet, South Carolina head coach Mark Kingston still believes his team can find a happy ending.
The Gamecocks certainly found one on Saturday night. The team defeated a solid NC State squad 6-3 in Game 4 of the Columbia Regional. After the game, Kingston discussed the Gamecocks’ bumpy ride to success.
“For the last month, when we struggled, we needed to weather the storm. We needed to lose maybe some battles, if necessary, to win the war hopefully at the end,” Kingston said.
The storm was a painful one. Injuries plagued South Carolina this season, with players such as starting catcher Cole Messina, starting shortstop Braylen Wimmer and star pitcher Will Sanders missing substantial time.
Their absences took a toll. The Gamecocks went on several losing streaks, reaching a low in early May when they lost to an unranked Kentucky squad in three-straight contests. South Carolina followed up the ugly stretch with an even uglier loss to an inferior North Florida crew.
Kingston is simply happy to have his guys back by his side.
“Wimmer didn’t play shortstop for a long time in hopes that we could get him back for this. Now that he’s back, Michael’s playing really well again at second base, LeCroy is healthy again,” Kingston said. “When we’re close to full strength, we’re pretty darn good.”
South Carolina has looked excellent through two games in the NCAA Tournament. The Gamecocks dominated Central Conn. State 19-1 in Game 2 of the Columbia Regional. They followed up the performance with an impressive 6-3 win against NC State.
The Gamecocks will take on the winner of NC State and Campbell to advance to the Super Regional. Kingston isn’t taking the moment for granted.
“If you’re wondering what that feels like to coaches in the dugout — if you’ve been on a plane with heavy turbulence, you’re saying ‘Please just land the damn plane.’ That’s what it feels like,” Kingston said. “Tonight was a really good night for us.”
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