FLORENCE, S.C. – Francis Marion University baseball coach Art Inabinet has announced that sophomore left-handed pitcher Brandon White will transfer from the University of South Carolina and join the Patriot baseball program this spring.

    White, a 5-10 165-pound southpaw, appeared in seven games as a freshman this past spring for the Gamecocks. He posted a 5.40 earned run average while not recording a decision. 

    A native of Ravenel, he is a product of Summerville High School, where he played for coach Burt Bazzle.

    He compiled a career mark of 22-6 while playing for Green Wave and was named the 2003 AAAA Pitcher of the Year as Summerville won the state championship. He was also a two-time All-State and All-Region selection.

    He played for the Florence Red Wolves this past summer, compiling a 1-2 record in eight appearances with a 2.59 ERA.

    “Brandon should be able to come in and contribute immediately,” said Inabinet. “He possesses good velocity with an above-average change-up and breaking ball. He knows how to pitch and will be a great addition to our staff.”

    Francis Marion was 34-16-1 this past spring with a No. 14 national ranking, and earned its second invitation in three years to the NCAA Division II national tournament. The Patriots open their 2006 season, Feb. 4 at Wingate University.