Gavin Casas explains how he regained confidence entering NCAA Tournament

Gavin Casas, a transfer to South Carolina from Vanderbilt, is one of the biggest names on the Gamecocks’ baseball team. That’s, in part, because his brother Triston Casas is the rookie first baseman for the Boston Red Sox. It’s also partially due to the massive power numbers that he’s put up this season for South Carolina.

Despite this, Gavin Casas struggled in the SEC Tournament and had to regain his confidence ahead of the NCAA Tournament. He was, to this point, clearly able to do that.

Following South Carolina’s win over NC State, Casas was asked how he regained his confidence and snapped out of his slump ahead of the tournament.

“Got away from baseball a little bit,” Gavin Casas said. “No, but just looked at video, looked at guys’ swings, spoke to my brother a little bit. Monte [Lee] and I had some conversations just about some approach, styles, things, but that’s pretty much all that went into it and a lot of hitting.”

Gavin Casas was 3 for 3 in South Carolina’s 19-1 win over Central Connecticut State. He followed that up with a 2 for 5 game against NC State.

Casas was then asked how much confidence he can get from the first two tournament games.

“I mean, it gives you all the confidence in the world. I feel like I’ve stepped up to the plate with a lot of confidence as it is, but having some success definitely helps a little bit.”

South Carolina won its final Regional game against Campbell over the weekend. It was a dominant 16-7 win, which saw Casas go 1 for 5, scoring three runs in the game. Now, the Gamecocks are moving on to the Super Regionals.

Mark Kingston on the pitching plan

Ahead of the NCAA Tournament, head coach Mark Kingston broke down South Carolina’s pitching plan in the tournament, giving an explanation that showed how difficult managing the postseason can be.

“Somebody that’s on our roster. As soon as we know who our opponent is throwing, you’ll know who we’re throwing,” Kingston joked.

“There are all types of ways to set yourself up. It’s like CarPlay. You’ve got to try to win your hand and make moves that affect the entire weekend. So there are times you have the first pick in the draft and you’re just gonna roll with him on Friday because you’re a two seed, sometimes you’re a one seed, and you think it’s worth the risk to save that guy for game two.”