You knew it was only a matter of time before USC first baseman Gavin Casas got into a groove. During Tuesday’s fifth inning against Gardner-Webb, the clock stopped ticking.
Casas hit a three-run home run as part of a seven-run fifth inning to propel #19 South Carolina to a 7-1 win over Gardner-Webb at Founders Park in Columbia on Tuesday. The homer was the first of the season for Casas, who hit 19 a season ago while also driving in 56 runs. USC improved to 8-1 on the young campaign with the victory as the Gamecocks turn their sights towards this weekend’s rivalry series with Clemson.
Gardner-Webb (2-6) held the lead through the first four and a half innings thanks to a solo home run off the bat of catcher Humberto Torres in the second inning. However, Carolina got to the Bulldogs’ pitching in the fifth, sending thirteen men to the plate in the decisive frame. In addition to Casas’ three-run shot, the Gamecocks scored runs on a Talmadge LeCroy hit by pitch, a Tyler Causey sacrifice fly, Parker Noland’s RBI single, and an Ethan Petry bases-loaded walk.
Eddie Copper picked up his first win of the season, striking out five in five innings of work. He allowed three hits and a run with a walk. Offensively, Casas drove in three runs while Dylan Brewer walked three times. Noland reached base three times and had an RBI.
Carolina and Clemson will play their annual three-game series this weekend, with the first game slated for 7 p.m. on Friday night at Founders Park. On Saturday, the two teams will meet at Segra Park in Columbia before wrapping up the series on Sunday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.
Box Score
USC HC Mark Kingston — Gardner-Webb Postgame
USC Players Gavin Casas and Eddie Copper — GW Postgame
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