Gamecocks 12 – Gardner-Webb 2
- South Carolina’s lineup unloaded on Gardner-Webb at Founders Park, Wednesday, pounding out 17 hits in a 12-2 (8 innings) victory.
- Logan Sutter delivered the knockout blow, launching a two-run homer over the left field wall to trigger the ten-run rule.
- First baseman Will Craddock was 3-for-3 with a triple, two walks and four runs scored in his first start of the season.
- USC fell behind for the fourth consecutive game as Gardner-Webb scratched out two runs in the third against starter Bradley Hodges.
- The deficit was short lived, however, as Talmadge LeCroy (3-for-4) responded on behalf of the Gamecocks with a run-scoring single through the left side in the home half of the third.
- The Gamecocks took the lead in the fourth inning on an RBI ground out from Erik Parker and a solo homer from Tyler Bak.
- USC’s rally continued into the fifth with doubles from Luke Yuhasz (2-for-4) and Patrick Evans (2 doubles), resulting in a three-run inning.
- KJ Scobey (2-for-5) stayed hot, capping a three-run seventh with a two-run double to right. The sophomore shortstop laced a 3-2 fastball into right-center that split the gap to plate Bak and Parker.
- In the early going, Scobey is batting .435 and slugging .782. Reese Moore (.428) and LeCroy (.421) are also off to good starts at the dish.
- For the second game in a row, USC capitalized on opponents’ mistakes, scoring five unearned runs, Wednesday, after scoring three unearned runs in the 8-2 win over Wofford, Tuesday.
- Gamecocks’ pitching was again stellar as four relievers combined to hold the Runnin’ Bulldogs scoreless over the final five innings, lowering the staff ERA to 2.86 through five games.
- South Carolina (4-1) will continue its six-game homestand with the upcoming “Salute the Troops Weekend” at Founders Park. USC will play host to the Army, Navy and Air Force Academies Friday-Sunday. First pitch between the Gamecocks and the Black Knights is scheduled for 2 p.m., Friday.