Justin Sarratt When Clemson battled South Carolina Saturday with a berth in the College World Series finals on the line, Gaffney High baseball coach Jeff Osment said he wouldn’t feel disappointed no matter what the outcome.

Osment coached Clemson’s Justin Sarratt and Gamecock Jordan Propst in high school and American Legion baseball.

“Gaffney would be well represented either way,” Osment said. “Gaffney should be very proud of both of them. Both are extremely hard workers. They were motivated in the classroom to be successful and that carried over to the field.”

South Carolina pushed across a run in the seventh inning to beat Clemson 4-3 and cap an improbable journey from the loser’s bracket. The Gamecocks will face UCLA in the championship series, which begins today at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.

Sarratt and Propst both graduated from Gaffney High in 2006. Their legion careers virtually mirrored each other as well. Sarratt starred for Post 109 from 2004-06. Propst’s three-year stint on the American Legion team ended in 2007.

Jordan Propst They took different paths to the college spotlight. Sarratt was a highly coveted

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should player, who signed with Clemson prior to his senior season. Propst, on the other hand, garnered no interest out of high school and chose South Carolina to pursue a degree in pharmacy.

After Propst added bulk and miles to his fastball, Osment said Sarratt encouraged Propst to walk on to the Gamecock baseball team.

They are close friends off the diamond and work out together in the offseason.

“They push each other,” Osment said.

Both were expected to be key contributors to their college teams but injuries shortened their seasons. Sarratt underwent elbow surgery two months ago and recently began throwing off the mound. Propst’s injury didn’t require surgery but did prevent him from making the trip to Omaha with his teammates.

Sarratt, a team captain, did accompany the Tigers to Omaha. Osment said he’s been in regular contact with Sarratt.

“(Sarratt) said that Omaha was real special place,” Osment said. “But once the game begins, it’s just like another game.”

But Osment said Sarratt pointed out that teams don’t get a chance to enjoy the full experience surrounding the College World Series because their schedules are tightly managed.

Osment also has texted Propst several times.

Both players, of course, are disappointed they couldn’t help their teams on the field.

“Justin is chomping at the bit to play next year,” Osment said. “He said he would like to be able to play but that’s the competitor in him. I’m sure Jordan wishes he was out there, too.”

Propst may visit Omaha and Rosenblatt Stadium after all. Propst was selected in June’s Major League Baseball amateur draft by Kansas City, which has its Triple A affiliate in Omaha.