South Carolina, LSU Win Openers in Key SEC Series

South Carolina edged Ole Miss 3-2 in the opening game of their pivotal SEC baseball series, giving the Gamecocks an opportunity to secure their first conference series win of the season on Friday, with Jake McCoy starting for Carolina and Riley Maddox for Ole Miss. Ole Miss is led by ace Hunter Elliott, who holds a 5-1 record and is on the Golden Spike Midseason Watch List, and the team aims to rebound after a recent midweek loss. Meanwhile, LSU returns home to face Alabama after its first conference sweep of the season, with the Tigers' bullpen, including standout Zac Cowan, playing a crucial role. Alabama visits after a series loss to Mississippi State, and both teams are vying for improved postseason positioning. Both series are broadcast live, and pitching matchups remain a focal point as SEC play intensifies. The outcomes of these series will have significant implications for conference standings and NCAA Regional prospects.