USC played its first game on unfriendly turf Wednesday night in Charleston. For seven innings, The Citadel had the better of the 5th ranked Gamecocks leading 6-5. But the Gamecocks erupted for 6 runs in the top of the 8th inning to pull away to an 11-7 win at Joe Riley Park.
The Gamecocks improved to 11-0 on the season and extend their winning streak to 16. The Bulldogs dropped to 4-7.
The Gamecocks sent 10 men to the plate in the 8th. Andrew Eyster had a two run double, Josiah Sightler a two run single, Braylen Wimmer an RBI double and Brady Allen an RBI single to account for the six runs.
Andrew Peters was the last of 6 USC pitchers working the final 2.2 innings to pick up his second win of the season. He gave up one hit, a homer in the 9th, and struck out 5. Josiah Sightler, who was the Gamecocks’ starting pitcher, also hit for himself and became the DH when he was taken out after two innings. He had 2 hits and 4 RBI.
Jeffery Brown led The Citadel offense with a 5 for 5 night including a home run and a triple. The Bulldogs used 10 pitchers, none going more than two innings. Logan Barker took the loss.
The Gamecocks head out to Austin, TX for a weekend series with the 19th ranked Texas Longhorns. The Bulldogs will have a weekend series at home against Davidson.
