On more than one occasion, Clemson coach Monte Lee called the rivalry between Clemson and South Carolina the best in college baseball.
The two teams are set to renew one of the sport’s most important rivalries this weekend, and the Tigers coach said he considers himself lucky just to be a part of it.
“It’s an absolute blessing for me to be part of the rivalry,” said Lee. “You know, being here in Clemson, now in my sixth year, and being a part of it every year. I trained in South Carolina as an assistant coach, I grew up in the state of South Carolina, so it’s just a blessing for me to be part of rivalry number one. Being a head coach in the rivalry is a lot of fun because it means a lot to people in the state of South Carolina. “
The Tigers had a strong shooting performance over the weekend at the Cincinnati sweep. However, freshman Caden Grice struggled in his first career start on Sunday and Lee said coaches could make some adjustments when it comes to starting rotation.
“There may be some changes,” said Lee. “I don’t think it will just be a revision or something, but there may be some changes in the rotation. Let’s go through today, meet with the team tomorrow and try to make that decision before tomorrow . “
Clemson leaves for the weekend looking to win the season series against the Gamecocks for the fifth time in the past six seasons, but if they want to, they will have to do so without a key part of the lineup in Kier Meredith.
“Kier is probably the biggest on the list, since he’s probably the closest to coming back,” said Lee. “(Keyshawn) Askew, (Adam) Hackenberg, (Sam) Hall, all of these guys are out for the weekend. I would say that it is now doubtful that he (Meredith) is ready for the weekend. There is a chance that he could be, but I would say that now he is doubtful. planning that he can start this weekend. “
The annual series of rivalries is scheduled to start on Friday with the first game at Clemson, the second game at Fluor Field in Greeneville on Saturday and the third game at Founders Park in Columbia on Sunday.