ChompTalk.com

With a series win against the Arkansas Razorbacks behind them, the Florida Gators have the midweek off as it heads up to Columbia for a weekend matchup against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

The win over the Hogs helped Florida stay on the right side of the tournament bubble this week. But anything less than a winning result against the weakest opponent the Gators have left this season will end any hopes of extending their 16-year playoff streak.

Here’s three things to watch as Florida seeks a fourth-straight series win, and ideally a sweep, against the Gamecocks.

Battle through the injury bug (again)

Florida has been dealing with injuries all season. Sunday against Arkansas, the bug bit once again when Colby Shelton missed the series finale with a wrist injury he picked up the game prior. It was revealed this week that Shelton could be out for three weeks.

Shelton is top in the top three for batting average, OPS and home runs among the Gators during conference play and provides a sure infield glove. Florida was able to pick up the win when his absence looked to be a one-off, but an entire weekend and beyond is different.

If there was ever a good replacement, though, it’s usual third baseman Bobby Boser. He’s also near the top of almost every hitting statistic and went 3-for-5 with two RBIs replacing Shelton at shortstop last week.

It’s important to note South Carolina is facing injury setbacks as well, as its best player Ethan Petry will miss the weekend with an AC joint injury.

Clemente the closer

Jake Clemente, after struggling to begin the year as a starter and being moved to the bullpen, has thrived. The sophomore currently holds the second lowest ERA among Gators pitchers with 10 or more innings pitched in SEC play.

It’s also helped coach Kevin O’Sullivan’s approach to bullpen management. Instead of needing to force the issue with starters and keep them in games, he can feel comfortable pulling the ejector seat and heading to Clemente for high-leverage outs.

Coppola on the mend

For the first time since the third week of the season, left-handed Pierce Coppola is off of the injury report for the upcoming weekend series. Reports suggest that if Coppola is to pitch, which isn’t a guarantee by any means, it will be in a limited capacity.

It’d be extremely helpful if Coppola can work his way into pitching meaningful innings again. But if anything, battling through the third major injury of his career and finishing the season healthy would be a victory on its own.

First pitch against the Gamecocks is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN SEC Network+.