First baseman Wes Clarke ignited a 13 hit USC attack with a pair of home runs, including a grand slam, to lead the Gamecocks past Northwestern 12-3 tying their series at a game each. After the Gamecocks scored 3 runs in the 1st, Clarke blasted a three-run homer in the 2nd as the lead grew to 8-0. He added his slam in the 6th giving him 4 homers on the season. He had 3 hits on the day.
Brett Kerry started and earned the win for USC. He pitched 6 innings and allowed 7 hits and 3 runs. Three relievers finished up.
The rubber game of the series will be Sunday afternoon at Founders Park.
Mark Kingston postgame press conference
