South Carolina shakes up weekend rotation for Clemson series

Newcomer Josh Gunther gets the Friday night start as Gamecocks adjust pitching lineup

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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South Carolina head coach Paul Mainieri has made some changes to the Gamecocks' weekend rotation ahead of their series against rival Clemson. Newcomer Josh Gunther, a transfer from Wake Forest, will get the Friday night start, while Riley Goodman shifts to Sunday's matchup. Mainieri believes Gunther's experience and "fearless" mentality make him the best option to open the series against the No. 15 Tigers.

Why it matters

The Clemson-South Carolina baseball rivalry is one of the most intense in college sports, and the Gamecocks are looking to get off to a strong start in the series by handing the ball to Gunther, who has previous experience against the Tigers. The move also allows Goodman, previously the Friday starter, to get his feet wet before taking the mound on Sunday.

The details

Gunther had been pitching out of the bullpen to start the season, but Mainieri felt the right-hander gave the Gamecocks the best chance to win on Friday night. In three career appearances against Clemson, Gunther has allowed just one run while recording five strikeouts and two walks over 2.2 innings. The coach believes Gunther's "fearless" mentality will serve him well in the high-pressure Friday night start.

  • The series opener against Clemson is scheduled for Friday, February 26 at 7 p.m.
  • Gunther made his first appearance of the season on Opening Day and struggled in his most recent outing against Army last Friday.

The players

Josh Gunther

A right-handed pitcher and transfer from Wake Forest who will make his first start of the season for South Carolina on Friday night against Clemson.

Paul Mainieri

The head coach of the South Carolina baseball team, who made the decision to shift Gunther into the Friday night starter role for the Clemson series.

Riley Goodman

A right-handed pitcher who was previously the Friday night starter for South Carolina but will now shift to the Sunday matchup against Clemson.

Amp Phillips

South Carolina's Saturday starting pitcher, who will remain in his usual spot in the rotation for the Clemson series.

Brandon Stone

A South Carolina pitcher who was moved to the bullpen to make room for Gunther in the starting rotation.

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What they’re saying

“It's awesome. I came here for a reason. … I know how much this series means to all the Carolina fans and Clemson fans, likewise. But I'm just really excited to get the opportunity to pitch against a good team and go out there and compete and try to give the guys the best chance possible to win.”

— Josh Gunther (on3.com)

“I just feel like he's kind of fearless. He's got good stuff, and he's going to go out there and attack the hitters. … I don't think the 'Friday Night Lights,' so to speak, will be too big for him.”

— Paul Mainieri, Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.