Garrett Gainey thriving in big moments as South Carolina's closer
When Garrett Gainey transferred to South Carolina last June, his role wasn’t exactly clear. He had bounced around as a starter and reliever during his time in college.
But with a fresh start, Gainey was open to trying new things. One of those new things was closing games. It was definitely new for him, considering he only had one save in his college career when he pitched for the Winchester Royals in a summer league back in 2021.
“Starting hasn’t gone too well for me in the past,” said Gainey, who never pitched to an ERA lower than well north of six. “So I figured that if I could come in and try something new and take it under my belt and just listen to what Coach (Matt) Williams has to say, it’ll all work itself out.”
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Then in the fall, something clicked. And from that point on, it was clear what his role would be.
“Coach (Monte) Lee actually said something in a big meeting, he said, ‘Garrett Gainey is going to be our guy to pitch in big moments,'” Gainey recalled. “And it was like right at the end of the fall when it was the fall World Series. It was the first game of the fall series when I closed that game. I think I had struck out the side in the eighth and the ninth. And that’s when he said that. So pretty much going forward, that’s kind of been my thought process is just take it as a closer and then come in and dominate.”
That belief and confidence set the tone for what has been a great season for Gainey so far. He’s been counted on regularly to come and pitch in big spots for South Carolina. And that’s where he’s been able to thrive.
“It’s always a good feeling, man,” he said. “I love going out there in those types of situations, especially with runners on base. Getting out of those jams and getting the fans fired up is what you live for.”
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The left-hander ran into one of those spots on Tuesday night against The Citadel. With a one-run lead, Gainey served up a leadoff double in the ninth, already setting up the makings of a dramatic finish.
Instead of letting the hit get into his head, he just settled down and went back to work. Before he knew it, he was one out away from picking up another big save with a runner on third and two outs.
“Just mixing in my off-speed, keeping my off-speed down and executing pitches. Just breathing through each pitch and being able to execute,” Gainey said. I think that’s the main thing, especially with me being a closer in a big spot. You’ve got to come in and execute.”
Ahead in a 1-2 count, Gainey reared back and unloaded a hard-thrown fastball for a swing and a miss to slam the door.
“I thought he did great,” head coach Mark Kingston said. “Obviously, he gave up a leadoff double, it’s hard to not let that guy score. And so he got the ground ball, then he finished with the strikeout on the elevated fastball. That looked like the old Gainey there. He’s been in a little bit of a funk the last few times out. That looked like the old Gainey tonight.”
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And as usual, it wouldn’t be a Gainey save if there weren’t some small celebration afterwards.
As soon as the final strike hit Dalton Reeves’ glove, Gainey let out a big roar and pumped his fist two times knowing he had done his job. Some may love or hate his antics, but that’s just who he is.
“Honestly, man, I just go out there and let it all out,” Gainey said. “I just love having to having the ball in my hand and playing. So it’s a good feeling when you’re out there and you get to get the results you want.”
