USC built a 7-0 lead over The Citadel thru the first four innings and went on to an 8-3 win over the Bulldogs, their second win of the season against their rivals from Charleston. The win also is the second straight for USC after a six game losing streak.
Wes Clarke got the Gamecocks rolling with a two-run homer in the first, his 11th of the season. USC added a single run in the second and broke the game open with a bases-loaded, three run double by Jeff Heinrich in the third for a 6-0 lead. The Gamecocks added single runs in the 4th and 5th to close out their scoring.
The Citadel got solo home runs from Ryan McCarthy and John Lanier for two of their three runs.
Will Sanders started for USC and earned his third win in four decisions. He pitched 5.1 innings allowing 1 hit and 1 run while striking out 10. 51 of his 67 pitches went for strikes. Daniel Lloyd, Wesley Sweatt and Andrew Peters worked the final four innings.
The Gamecocks are now 13-6 and will host Florida this weekend. The Citadel drops to 8-10.
