USC pounded out five home runs among their 16 hits Friday in opening the season with a 20-3 win over UMass-Lowell in front of announced crown of 7215 at Founders Park. Transfer first baseman Will McGillis homered in his first plate appearance the Gamecocks in the bottom of the second, and added a second homer in the fifth, part of a three RBI day for him in his Gamecock debut.
The Gamecocks also got home runs from Carson Hornung, Braylen Wimmer and Cole Messina. They broke a 2-2 with three runs in the third, then added five runs in the fourth for a 10-2 lead. The Gamecocks scored seven runs in the sixth inning when they sent 12 men to the plate.
Along with his homer, Wimmer had four other hits in a 5-5 opening day. Hornung had five RBIs including his three run homer.
Will Sanders started on the mound for USC and allowed three hits and two runs over four inning. James Hicks followed Sanders to the mound and did not allow a baserunner over two innings to pick up the win.
The series will continue Saturday afternoon. Noah Hall will start on the mound for USC.
