Few purchases give you a sense of pride and accomplishment like buying a new home. From white picket fences and lush green grass to cookouts with neighbors and holidays with the family, owning a home is magical. Like most great things, though, enduring the home-buying process takes a lot of work. There are many steps to take and difficult decisions to make along the way. One of the most crucial decisions is what type of home loan and mortgage broker to choose. Whether it's your first time buying a home or you're a seasoned owner with multiple properties, you will need a trusted mortgage broker in Park Circle, SC, with your best interests at heart.
If you're like most people, you need a mortgage professional whose top priority is their customers - an expert who can provide accurate advice and guidance so you can make educated decisions. That's where Mija Mortgage comes into the picture.
Whether you want the best interest rates or don't know where to start in the home-buying process, Mija Mortgage can set you up in the right direction. From getting you pre-qualified to buy a home to securing a veteran's loan, Mija Mortgage is the trusted solution you need. As Park Circle natives, we're proud to serve the Lowcountry and all of South Carolina with trusted mortgage brokerage services.
Unlike some mortgage companies in Park Circle, SC, we bring years of high-level experience and insight to the table. Having worked with hundreds of clients during our time in business, we know you're probably going through a range of emotions right now. Buying a new home can be a scary process, especially for first-time buyers. That's why we make every effort to make ourselves accessible and available for clients. Our primary goal is to help you make the right mortgage for your family and your budget.
We know that many home loan officers have horrible reputations. Some brokers only see their clients as transactions, and a means to make quick money. They come off as impatient and pushy, failing to understand that this is a very big decision for you. At Mija Mortgage, we take the opposite approach. We encourage our clients to take as much time as needed to ask us questions and review mortgage documents. We could say that our mission is to exceed your expectations, but we'd rather just show you. From assistance finding FHA, VA, or other loans to refinancing your current mortgage, Mija is the team you can trust.
Here are just a few reasons why home buyers choose Mija Mortgage:
Most people simply don't have access to the hundreds of thousands of dollars needed to purchase a home with cash. Instead, they take out a mortgage loan to buy a home. Unfortunately, many homebuyers are anxious to get the ball rolling and, due to their excitement, fail to shop around for the best mortgage rates. To some degree, avoiding this step makes sense, as it requires a lot of legwork and research to get the job done. For those not wanting to spend hours researching a reasonable mortgage, there's an alternative to consider - working with a mortgage broker.
To understand the benefits of working with a mortgage broker, you must first understand their role in the home-buying process.
Your mortgage broker is a third party that works to connect you with mortgage lenders. Essentially, a mortgage broker works as an intermediary between a person who wants to buy a home and the entities offering loans to buy a home. The mortgage broker works with both the borrower and lender to get the borrower approved. They also verify and collect paperwork from the borrower that the lender needs to finish a home purchase. Typically, mortgage brokers have relationships with several home loan lenders. Mija Mortgage, for example, has access to 50 different lenders, which gives us a wide range of home loans in Park Circle, SC, from which to choose.
In addition to finding a home loan lender, your mortgage broker will help you settle on the best loan options and interest rates for your budget. Ideally, your mortgage broker will take a great deal of stress and legwork off your plate while also potentially saving you money.
If you're ready to buy a home, getting pre-qualified is a great choice that will streamline the entire process. Your mortgage broker makes getting pre-approved easy by obtaining all the documents needed to get you pre-qualified. In taking a look at your application, they will determine if you're ready for the pre-approval process. If your application needs additional items, the mortgage company will help point you in the right direction to ensure your application is as strong as it can be. Your mortgage broker will also walk you through the different types of loans, from Conventional and FHA to VA and USDA.
In order to be pre-approved for a home in South Carolina, you must have the following:
Most people choose to use a mortgage broker because they have access to different lenders and interest rates. But a great mortgage broker brings more to the table than a choice of lenders.
Save You from Unneeded Stress:One of the biggest advantages of hiring a mortgage broker is that they can find and vet loans while managing the mortgage process on your behalf. The best mortgage companies, like Mija Mortgage, hire brokers who are experts at keeping underwriting on track, coordinating with relevant parties, and handling all paperwork involved. At the end of the day, mortgage brokers save you stress and time and often expedite the closing process.
More Access: We touched on this earlier, but it bears repeating: A mortgage broker provides access to a range of loans, rates, and lenders. In fact, many mortgage brokers can get rates lower than what the average person could get from a lender.
Save You Money: There's a chance that your mortgage broker can get your mortgage fees reduced or waived by the lender, which could save you a good deal of money.
Help with Unfavorable Financial Situations: Expert mortgage brokers can often assist in challenging financial situations, like when a buyer has inconsistent income or less-than-perfect credit. Experienced brokers, like those at Mija Mortgage, are often aware of lenders willing to will work with nontraditional borrowers.
Provide Key Insights: Mortgage brokers share important insights, such as your chances for a home loan approval and exactly how much house you can afford. They can also save you from making costly mistakes based on their years of expertise in the mortgage industry.
While settling on the best type of home loan isn't as exciting as searching for the home of your dreams, it's equally important. Yes, your Mija Mortgage loan officer in Park Circle, SC, will be happy to help explain the differences between home loans. But understanding the basics ahead of time will save you stress and time in the long run.
Conventional loans can be used to purchase a new home or refinance your current one. Conventional loans include fixed-rate mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages. Generally, borrowers must put down a 3% down payment for owner-occupants, 10% for a vacation property, and 20% for an investment home. If you are able to pay 20% of the total cost of the home, you can avoid private mortgage insurance, which is otherwise required. Conventional mortgages are often preferred by buyers with good credit or people needing a non-owner-occupied mortgage.
FHA mortgages are issued by the U.S. government and backed by the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). This loan is often preferred by first-time homebuyers because it only requires a 3.5% down payment and offers more flexibility with credit requirements and underwriting standards. FHA loans have several requirements you must meet to qualify. Contact Mija Mortgage today to learn more about FHA loans and whether or not they're best for your financial situation.
Also backed by the government, these loans are insured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and don't require money down. These loans have lower insurance requirements when compared to FHA loans, offer 100% financing if you qualify, and allow for closing costs to be covered by the seller. In order to qualify for a USDA loan, you must live in a rural area, and your household income must meet certain standards. These loans are often preferred by low-income citizens who live in rural parts of South Carolina.
Also known as VA or Veteran's Affairs loans, these mortgages are reserved for the brave men and women who served in the military. VA loans help provide our military members, veterans, and their families with favorable loan terms and an easy home ownership experience. Often, those who qualify are not required to make a down payment on their home. Additionally, these loans often include less expensive closing costs.
If you are a veteran or the family member of a veteran, contact Mija Mortgage today to speak with our Vetted VA Professional, Debbie Haberny. Debbie helps our military members, veterans, and their family members obtain home loans utilizing veteran benefits and would be happy to help as you search for a home.
Do you have questions about the complexities of mortgages and home loans? As your advocate, Mija Mortgage is here to answer any questions you have about mortgages and the home-buying process. We encourage you to call our office to speak directly with one of our mortgage experts or continue reading below for answers to some frequently asked questions.
Q. I was talking to my spouse about mortgage brokers, and they mentioned the phrase home loan originator. What's the difference between a broker and a loan originator?
A. The mortgage industry is full of confusing jobs and titles, making it easy to confuse roles and responsibilities. Such is the case with mortgage brokers and home loan originators. Though their roles share similarities, a home loan originator in Park Circle, SC, works for a bank or credit union, while a mortgage broker works for a brokerage company. Home loan originators and mortgage brokers are both licensed by the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
Q. I've heard from everyone that you must have mortgage insurance to buy a home. What is mortgage insurance?
A. Essentially, mortgage insurance helps protect lenders if a borrower forecloses on the home they bought. One advantage of mortgage insurance is that when borrowers pay it, lenders can often grant loans to buyers when they might not have otherwise. Though not always required to buy a home, mortgage insurance is often needed for down payments of less than 20%.
Q. I have just been pre-approved to buy a beautiful home in South Carolina. Is there anything I shouldn't do now that I'm pre-qualified?
A. Mortgage companies like Mija Mortgage, make getting pre-qualified for a home easy. However, as your loan process continues, your lender is required to run a new credit report before closing on a home. For that reason, it's to avoid any activity that might affect your credit score, such as:
Q. My brother-in-law recently refinanced his home in South Carolina. What is refinancing, and should I consider refinancing my home too?
A. Refinancing your home basically means you're swapping your current mortgage for a new one, most often with a lower interest rate. If you would like to reduce the term of your loan, lower your monthly mortgage payments, or consolidate debt, refinancing may be a smart option. Many homeowners also choose to refinance if they want to switch from adjustable-rate mortgages to fixed-rate mortgages or to get cash back for home renovations. To learn whether refinancing is a viable option for your situation, contact Mija Mortgage ASAP, as loan rates change frequently.
Here at Mija Mortgage, we believe that the best communities begin with the dream of home ownership. Our mission is to make those dreams come true, with personalized service, expert guidance, and good old-fashioned hard work. As one of the most trusted mortgage companies in Park Circle, SC, we have years of experience working with a diverse range of clients, from first-time buyers and investors to self-employed borrowers and non-native English speakers.
Though every mortgage situation is different, one thing never changes: our commitment to clients. Contact our office today to get started on an exceptional home-buying experience.
Football fans are gearing up for Super Bowl Sunday when the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles. Whether you’re a fan excited to see your team on the big screen or you’re just tagging along to watch the commercials and indulge in snacks, there are plenty of places to watch the Super Bowl or order takeout for your house party.The Break778 Folly Road (James Island)facebook....
Football fans are gearing up for Super Bowl Sunday when the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles. Whether you’re a fan excited to see your team on the big screen or you’re just tagging along to watch the commercials and indulge in snacks, there are plenty of places to watch the Super Bowl or order takeout for your house party.
The Break778 Folly Road (James Island)facebook.com/thebreakjamesisland
The bar at The Break is surrounded by TVs, giving you the perfect vantage point from any spot. But if a play makes you mad, a break takes too long or you’re not interested in the halftime show, there are plenty of pinball machines to keep entertain you until the next play.
The Brick24 Ann St. (Downtown)thebrickcharleston.com
The Brick offers plenty of TVs, a huge selection of beers and delicious shareables like pretzel bites, wings, Frito pie and cheeseburger egg rolls.
Charleston Sports PubVarious locationscharlestonsportspub.com
Charleston Sports Pub has several locations around the Charleston area, with plenty of TVs, food and beer to enjoy the big game. Check out the family boxes of burgers and wings, tacos and quesadillas or boneless and bone-in wings starting at $34.99.
The Crab ShackVarious locationscrabshacks.com
Crack open a cold one and dig into some crab legs while watching the Chiefs and Eagles. If you’d rather stay home this year, make your party extra super with a selection of Shacks Party Platters, such as Frogmore Stew, chicken tenders, crispy fried shrimp and crab dip.
DIG in the Park1049 E. Montague Ave. (Park Circle)Dighospitality.com
Enjoy the outdoor patio at this Park Circle establishment while sipping on a cold beer and indulging in delicious eats like a Margherita flatbread, tacos, Cuban sandwiches and more.
Garage 754130, 1175 Folly Road (James Island)Garage75.com
Garage 75 has it all — TVs, beer, food and games. Get there early to play a quick game of pool, then sit down and get the best view from one of the many televisions in the space.
Gene’s Haufbrau817 Savannah Hwy. (West Ashley)
Gene’s knocks pub fare out of the park with classics like chicken wings and burgers, but ask about the daily blue plate specials, ranging from pork chops and pot roast to fried flounder. If you’re looking for a dive bar to watch the game with some friends, Gene’s is the place.
Ireland’s Own/Jagerhaus Pub3025 Ashley Town Center Drive(West Ashley)irelandsownsc.com
Watch the game at Ireland’s Own, and during timeouts, breaks or halftime, play a quick round on the golf simulator or get the high score in Pac-Man. But if you want to watch the game at home, order a wing platter of 50 wings for $75 and choose from buffalo, teriyaki and lemon pepper — or mix and match.
Martin’s BBQ1622 Highland Ave. (James Island)Martinsbbqjoint.com
Hang out with strangers and friends while enjoying Martin’s Tennessee-style barbeque. Or order Martin’s catering options including smoked wings, meats by the pound, sides, desserts and drinks by Feb. 12 to get your fixin’s in time for the big game.
Mex 1 Coastal CantinaVarious locationsmex1coastalcantina.com
While the Tex-Mex restaurant isn’t hosting any Super Bowl day specials, it is offering its popular Triple Dipper Box & Taco Box to feed your hungry guests. The Triple Dipper Box is loaded with tortilla chips, and served with guacamole, queso and salsa, while the Taco Box is filled to the brim with tacos. If you want more guac to go with the chips, Mex 1 offers a recipe you can make at home. Find the recipe on CharlestonCityPaper.com.
Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ1011 King St. (Downtown)Rodneyscottsbbq.com
Though Rodney Scott’s isn’t a place to catch the game, it’s definitely the place to grab some food. But, if you feel like impressing your guests at home, pitmaster and namesake Rodney Scott has offered a few recipes like his Hail Mary Deviled Eggs and Taters Gonna Tate potato salad. Visit CharlestonCityPaper.com for the full recipes.
The Roost Bar N’ GrilleVarious locationsRoostcharleston.com
Scarf down on classic football-watching dishes like nachos or chicken tenders, or indulge in Philly cheesesteaks, tacos or fish and chips while watching the big game.
Smoky Yolk1234 Camp Road (James Island)Smokyyolkcafe.com
Though this breakfast and lunch joint closes before the big game starts, Smoky Yolk is offering a Smoky Yolk Experience Platter for $69.99. The platter comes with pulled pork, brisket, smoked turkey, cheddar-jalapeño sausage, pulled chicken, six smoked wings and your choice of three sides. Head to smokyyolkcafe.com to place your order and pick-up in store any time.
SportsBook of Charleston4950 Centre Pointe Dr.(North Charleston)Lucky17restaurants.com
Dine on snacks like steak bites or The Big Money Maker, a burger made with Kobe beef, bacon jam and gouda cheese while sipping on a cold beer or cocktail at SportsBook.
Southside 17 Bar & Grill3632 Savannah Hwy (West Ashley)Southside17.com
Southside 17 will offer game day food and drink specials during its Super Bowl party, along with a menu of chicken wings, fried appetizers, tacos, sandwiches, burgers and more.
Triangle Char & Bar828 Savannah Hwy. (West Ashley)Trianglecharandbar.com
Triangle Char & Bar is a family friendly neighborhood restaurant with a cozy vibe and delicious food. During the game, enjoy locally sourced burgers, beer and nice weather on the outside patio.
Whiskey Run Sports Bar5060 Dorchester Road(North Charleston)Whiskeyruncharleston.com
You bet your Bulleit Bourbon that Whiskey Run is showing the Super Bowl. A different take on a traditional sports bar, Whiskey Run offers a carefully curated cocktail menu in addition to cold beer paired with food such as wings, sausage dogs or whiskey pulled pork.
Stay cool. Support City Paper.
City Paper has been bringing the best news, food, arts, music and event coverage to the Holy City since 1997. Support our continued efforts to highlight the best of Charleston with a one-time donation or become a member of the City Paper Club.
St. Louis CITY SC’s new home, CITYPARK, will host the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team when they play one of their April friendlies against the Republic of Ireland as both teams continue their journeys to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia. Following a match on Saturday, April 8 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, the teams will complete in the second match of a two-leg set on Tuesday, April 11 at the brand new CITYPARK in St. Louis, Mo. 6:30 p.m. CT / 7:30 p.m. ET on HBO Max.These will be the final internatio...
St. Louis CITY SC’s new home, CITYPARK, will host the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team when they play one of their April friendlies against the Republic of Ireland as both teams continue their journeys to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia. Following a match on Saturday, April 8 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, the teams will complete in the second match of a two-leg set on Tuesday, April 11 at the brand new CITYPARK in St. Louis, Mo. 6:30 p.m. CT / 7:30 p.m. ET on HBO Max.
These will be the final international matches for the USWNT players before head coach Vlatko Andonovski and his staff choose the USA’s 23-player World Cup roster later in the spring.
In 2021, the USWNT played the first-ever match at Q2 Stadium, defeating Nigeria 2-0 in front of a sold-out crowd. This will the USA’s first match at Q2 since that historic night. The match at CITYPARK also carries some history as it will be the first game for the U.S. Women at the home of the newest franchise in Major League Soccer, St. Louis CITY SC, the first female majority-owned team in the league.
St. Louis native and U.S. Women’s National Team captain Becky Sauerbrunn will have another opportunity to play in her hometown. The two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion attended Ladue High School and was recently recognized for her contributions to the sport by having Ladue’s soccer field named in her honor – the Becky Sauerbrunn Field.
“It’s an honor to be part of this historic event at CITYPARK with our friends at the U.S. Women’s National Team,” said St. Louis CITY SC President and CEO, Carolyn Kindle. “The momentum of soccer in our region right now is unparalleled and the passion of our fans will create an incredible atmosphere on matchday. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our beautiful home and again shine a light on the best of St. Louis by having these two teams compete in our stadium.”
Ireland qualified for the 2023 Women’s World Cup – its first – in dramatic fashion. After finishing second in UEFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Group A behind Sweden, Ireland met rival Scotland in a one-game World Cup playoff at the famed Hampden Park in Glasgow. In front of more than 10,000 fans, a highly emotional goal in 72nd minute from Amber Barrett, who plays in Germany for Turbine Potsdam, sent The Girls in Green to Australia and New Zealand.
“Ireland is a highly motivated, hard-working team that has talented players with big hearts who I know are really excited to be representing their country in a World Cup,” said U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Vlatko Andonovski. “The two games will be a great test at a crucial time in our team’s run to the World Cup. While there will be plenty of league games for us to watch after April, these will be the final matches for our players with the National Team before we have to pick the World Cup roster, so they will carry that importance.”
TICKETS
Presales for both matches will begin on Monday, February 27 with the public sale exclusively through Ticketmaster beginning on Monday, March 6. Dependent on remaining ticket availability, groups of 20 or more can order at ussoccer.com starting Tuesday, March 7.
Coaches Circle and Presidents Circle members supporting the U.S. Soccer Development Fund can receive individual customer support and concierge services for their ticketing needs. Click here or contact circles@ussoccer.org for more information.
EXCLUSIVE PRESALES FOR U.S. SOCCER INSIDERS
For the opportunity to buy tickets before the general public, fans should consider becoming U.S. Soccer Insiders. Membership is free for Standard Insiders. Learn more.
As the official payment technology sponsor of U.S. Soccer, Visa® has made special arrangements for Visa cardholders to participate in an advance sale of tickets. These advance sales will take place from Sunday, March 5 at 10 a.m. CT to Monday, March 6 at 8 a.m. CT through the purchase links at ussoccer.com. As the preferred card of U.S. Soccer, Visa will be the only payment method accepted during the Visa presale. Terms and conditions apply.
Additional Notes:
SOUTH CONGAREE, S.C. (WIS) - Thursday was move-out day for mobile home renters across South Congaree.Renters living in Cactus Court, Genesis Circle, Sana Circle and Ciera Circle had to leave by the end of March 2 as a result of their highly-scrutinized landlord’s business licenses being pulled by the town.https://www.wistv.com/2022/10/18/south-congaree-postpones-bu...
SOUTH CONGAREE, S.C. (WIS) - Thursday was move-out day for mobile home renters across South Congaree.
Renters living in Cactus Court, Genesis Circle, Sana Circle and Ciera Circle had to leave by the end of March 2 as a result of their highly-scrutinized landlord’s business licenses being pulled by the town.
Naomi Halter owns the parks and some of her properties were cited for violating town codes and being a drain on town resources. In August 2022 the town revoked her business licenses and she appealed.
The town council denied the appeal in November but gave the renters an extra three months (until March 2) to vacate the properties.
WIS found moving trucks and packed vans at the parks on Thursday as last-second transitions were underway.
Genesis Circle renter Dakyja Harris said she and her sons were packed up and preparing to move to a new apartment. She said she welcomes a move to better conditions, but regrets the loss of the community.
“We grew a family in this park. I can’t name one trailer out here that we don’t know,” she said.
Her neighbors Chad Mivens and Randy Jackson weren’t as fortunate, telling WIS they were moving to a hotel but did not yet have a permanent plan for relocation.
They both said there wasn’t enough time to move and secure housing.
“People don’t really have that much time to be moving like that,” Jackson said.
Sana Circle renter Tonia Jackson said she is not moving because she still does not have anywhere to go.
Halter’s attorney Will Edwards informed WIS that residents who remain will be subject to eviction cases which could result in Lexington County Sheriff’s Deputies evicting them.
Jackson said she’s prepared to deal with what may come.
“How do you sleep at night knowing that you finna put somebody out in a situation that was not our fault? How do you sleep at night? How do you find it in your conscious to put somebody out and you ain’t make sure they’ve got nowhere to go?” she said.
South Congaree Mayor Cindy Campbell said she would not change how the town handled Halter or her properties. She said tenants need to leverage the state law to their advantage.
“People need to be educated in the landlord-tenant act, they need to know the law, what’s legal for them and what laws protect them. They need to know their rights, they should not be taken advantage of, no one should,” she said.
https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t27c040.php
The South Carolina State Bar and the federal government offer resources on how to navigate the law.
https://www.scbar.org/public/get-legal-help/common-legal-topics/rights-and-duties-of-landlords/
https://www.scbar.org/public/get-legal-help/common-legal-topics/rights-and-duties-of-tenants/
https://www.hud.gov/states/south_carolina/renting/tenantrights
Edwards said the mobile homes on the properties will be demolished, sold, or moved out of town.
Notice a spelling or grammar error in this article? Click or tap here to report it. Please include the article's headline.
Stay up to date with WIS News 10. Get the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Storeand Stream us on Roku, YouTube, Amazon Fire, or Apple TV.
Copyright 2023 WIS. All rights reserved.
The South Carolina baseball team continues to roll.Head coach Mark Kingston’s bunch outlasted North Carolina A&T 11-3 on Tuesday afternoon at Founders Park to remain as one of just two teams in the Southeastern Conference that are still undefeated.Here are three things we learned about the Gamecocks (9-0) in the win:Backtrack a year and James Hicks entered the year as South Carolina’s projected Saturday starter. Two starts and one surgery later, he’s been moved into midweek duty, at least for the ti...
The South Carolina baseball team continues to roll.
Head coach Mark Kingston’s bunch outlasted North Carolina A&T 11-3 on Tuesday afternoon at Founders Park to remain as one of just two teams in the Southeastern Conference that are still undefeated.
Here are three things we learned about the Gamecocks (9-0) in the win:
Backtrack a year and James Hicks entered the year as South Carolina’s projected Saturday starter. Two starts and one surgery later, he’s been moved into midweek duty, at least for the time being.
Hicks was largely untouchable against a North Carolina A&T squad that was outmatched on Tuesday. He finished his predetermined two innings of work throwing strikes on 15 of his 25 pitches and allowing just one baserunner — who he threw out on a pickoff attempt during the following at-bat.
“This is where we needed him to be,” Kingston said. “He’s developing very nicely and he’ll be available as we move forward.”
Will Sanders, Noah Hall and Jack Mahoney have all looked more than capable through the first two weekend series’ of the 2023 season, but don’t be surprised if Hicks becomes an important innings eater at some point in time.
Will McGillis wasted little time getting the Gamecocks offense going on Tuesday afternoon — belting a homer into the home bullpen on South Carolina’s first at-bat of the contest.
McGillis is one of the more experienced players on this year’s roster, following four years at Southern Miss. He’s not the hitter Caleb Denny is, but McGillis did hit .265 with 16 home runs, 51 RBI and a .937 OPS his final year in Hattiesburg.
The ex-Golden Eagle has been up and down to start the year, though he’s recorded two hits in five of nine games this year and has six hits over his last four contests.
“I thought well gave us a decent look there at the top of the order and I liked how that looked,” Kingston said of shifting McGillis to the leadoff spot. “...We’ve been experimenting a little bit with that leadoff spot and I kind of liked the look of Will up there tonight.”
Like McGillis, Gavin Casas has come on strong to start his South Carolina career after transferring from Vanderbilt.
Casas recorded his third multi-hit game of the season on Tuesday, clocking two singles for a pair of RBI and earning a walk. He’s now tied for third on the team in RBI and is hitting .364 with runners in scoring position.
South Carolina’s lineup has started the season on a tear. If Casas and McGillis can stay hot through the weekend series vs. Clemson, it’s something to circle heading toward SEC play.
Trey Wheeler name sometimes gets lost in the shuffle in the middle of a deep South Carolina pitching staff, but he was electric on Tuesday.
Wheeler inherited a tricky spot with a runner on second and the Gamecocks leading 4-3 after an erratic effort from California transfer Nick Proctor. He promptly struck out six-hole hitter Michael Logan, walked a runner then forced a pop-up to right field to end the frame.
“I think I’ve always just kind of been really emotional (on the mound),” Wheeler said. “That plays into my competitiveness. I don’t really care what the situation is. I’m just going out there to suffocate the offense on the opposing side. The emotion is just a byproduct of being that competitive.”
South Carolina’s pitching staff, as star-studded as it is, lacks a ton of options from the left side outside of Wheeler, Matthew Becker and Jackson Phipps — who’s been particularly up and down. Wheeler has only pitched 1.1 innings this year, but the gritty effort in a tight spot Tuesday was an encouraging sign.
This story was originally published February 28, 2023, 7:00 PM.