April 3, 2004
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina’s attempts for a sweep were spoiled as the Kentucky Wildcats took game two 4-1 in the Saturday twin bill. The Gamecocks are now 18-12 overall and 7-10 in the SEC while Kentucky is 19-19-1 and 5-15 in the conference. The deciding game of the series is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday at Beckham Field.
Melanie Henkes (5-6) took the loss for USC as she allowed two runs on three hits in 2.1 innings pitched. Reliever Aleca Johnson pitched 4.2 innings and gave up two runs on three hits. The Gamecocks recorded one run and four hits as Gretchen Prugh (3-5) earned the victory.
Meghan Cornett led the way for the Gamecocks as she went 2-for-2 and scored the lone run to prevent the shutout. For the day, Cornett went 4-for-5 with two runs against the Wildcats. Jessica Nance led Kentucky as she went 2-for-4 and scored two runs.
The Wildcats scored runs in the second, third, fourth and fifth innings to establish the 4-0 lead. Cornett recorded the Gamecocks first hit of the game, a double in the first inning. USC would go hitless until the fourth when Cornett singled up the middle.
USC posted their final two hits of the game in the seventh inning in an attempt to come from behind. Cornett led off with a walk and after advancing on a fielder’s choice and a single by Kristin Hall, the junior first baseman scored on a bases loaded two-out RBI single by Tia Rogers. Unfortunately that would be all the Gamecocks would get across the plate as Chrissy Schoonmaker grounded out to short with the bases still loaded to end the game.
Kentucky was able to capitalize on defensive mistakes by the Gamecocks as only two of the earned runs were earned. The loss to UK is the first for the Gamecocks in eight meetings.
