Vanderbilt 5 – Gamecocks 3 Game Summary
- South Carolina’s lineup managed to scratch out just four hits and its pitching staff failed to hold an early three-run lead as the Gamecocks dropped the regular-season finale 5-3 at Vanderbilt, Saturday.
- The early going looked promising as USC jumped out to a 3-0 lead, scoring all three runs in the top of the second. Will Craddock drove in the first run on an infield single and Luke Yuhasz plated two more with a double to left-center.
- South Carolina, somewhat remarkably, failed to register another hit after Yuhasz’s double. The Gamecocks did have further opportunities to score, reaching base on five walks and three hit-by-pitches, but couldn’t push across another run over the final seven innings. In total, Vanderbilt’s pitchers held USC to a .133 average (4 for 30).
- Vanderbilt, like South Carolina, did all of its damage in a single inning. The Commodores scored five in the fourth with the big blow coming on a three-run homer from leadoff hitter Ryker Waite.
- Riley Goodman was pulled with USC holding a 3-2 lead, but Alex Philpott (L, 0-5) couldn’t hold it. Cooper Parks held Vanderbilt without a hit over the final 3.1 innings to keep the Gamecocks in the fight.
- Yuhasz’s double was also the only extra-base hit for USC.
- The Gamecocks close the regular season on a 12-game losing streak and will finish 15th in the SEC.
- South Carolina (22-33, 7-23) will next head to SEC Tournament in Hoover, Ala. The Gamecocks will face either Ole Miss or Tennessee at 5:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. CT), Tuesday.
SEC Tournament Bracket
Monte Lee postgame
Final Stats
Yes, he was safe! Gamecocks lead 1-0. pic.twitter.com/Squ5fs6i8P
— South Carolina Baseball (@GamecockBSB) May 16, 2026
Yuhasz brings in a pair and it's 3-0 Gamecocks!! pic.twitter.com/7mnflcg8R5
— South Carolina Baseball (@GamecockBSB) May 16, 2026
Seven in a row retired by Cooper Parks. pic.twitter.com/kibnXEjglK
— South Carolina Baseball (@GamecockBSB) May 16, 2026