Gamecocks Homer Twice, Shutout Spartans

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina softball team (33-18) took care of business Wednesday night (May 1), as the Gamecocks took down in-state foe USC Upstate (26-12) 5-0.

Three of Carolina’s four hits went for extra bases. Alana Vawter (15-10) threw four innings, allowing two hits and didn’t walk a batter as she retired the first 11 Spartans of the game. Jori Heard earned her first career save, throwing the final three innings, allowing one hit and one walk.

The Gamecocks got the ball rolling in the second inning with a leadoff single by Jen Cummings. Pinch runner Kyye Ricks stole second and then scored on a double to right center by Aniyah Black.

With two outs in the third, Riley Blampied connected on her sixth home run of the season, a solo shot to right center.

South Carolina put the game away in the fifth, scoring three runs. A throwing error to start the inning allowed Marissa Gonzalez to reach third and a walk to Reganne Bennett put runners on the corner. Gonzalez would score on a groundout off the bat of Denver Bryant. One out later and with a 2-1 count, Zoe Laneaux hit an absolute rocket out of the stadium for her fourth home run of the year.

Carolina turned its 29th double play of the year in the sixth inning, which is tied for second most all-time in a season.

The Gamecocks return to action Friday when they kick off their final SEC series of the season against No. 13 Missouri at 6 p.m.

For the latest on South Carolina Softball, visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow the team’s social media accounts on Twitter @GamecockSoftbll, Facebook /GamecockSoftball, and Instagram @GamecockSoftball.