FOUNDERS PARK: 20th ranked South Carolina built a 6-1 lead on 2nd ranked Arkansas, then withstood a late rally by the Razorbacks, in a 6-3 win Saturday afternoon in game one of their SEC doubleheader. The Razorbacks loaded the bases in the top of the ninth, but reliever Connor McCreery got the final two outs to protect the lead.
Talmadge LeCroy staked USC to a 2-0 lead in the second with a one-out single up the middle scoring runners from second and third. Arkansas got on the board in the fourth with a one-out sac fly.
The Gamecocks then opened up some space with a four run sixth inning. With one out, three straight singles, capped by an RBI hit from Austin Brinling, scored the first run. With the bases loaded, Ethan Petry grounded to short to drive in the second run of the inning. Parker Noland put the finishing touches on the rally with a two-run single for a 6-1 lead.
Gamecock releiver Matthew Becker (5-2) , who came in for starter Eli Jones to start the fifth, set the Hogs down in order in the fifth and sixth innings, but got into trouble in the seventh and was lifted with the bases loaded for Garrett Gainey. Arkansas, however, only managed one run out of the situation. Gainey got a ground ball to first with Gavin Casas going to second to get the second out while a run scored. A fly out to right field ended the threat.
The Razorbacks challenged one more time in the ninth. Peyton Stovall led off with a homer to cut the lead to 6-3. After one out, the Hogs pieced together three straight singles to lead the bases. Gainey was replaced by McCreery. who promptly fielded a comebacker and got the lead runner at home for the second out. He then struck out Jayson Jones to end the game and earn h is first save of the season.
Arkansas left 13 runners on base, one fewer than they did Friday night. The Gamecocks stranded 11. The teams have combined to leave 48 runners on base in the first two games of the series.
The Gamecocks are now 27-12 overall and 9-8 in the SEC. Arkansas is 33-6 and 13-4. Dylan Eskew will start the second game for the Gamecocks.