No. 19 Gamecocks Score 33 Runs in Doubleheader Sweep

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The 19th ranked South Carolina softball team (15-6) earned a doubleheader sweep of Queens University Charlotte (3-9) Sunday afternoon (Mar. 1) on the final day of the Garnet & Black Invitational. The Gamecocks took game one 25-4 in a five-inning run rule and won 8-2 in game two.

The Gamecocks scored 33 combined runs on the day to go along with 30 hits. The 25 runs scored in game one was the most since scoring 29 runs against Alabama State on Mar. 2, 2013. The seven RBIs by Arianna Rodi were the most by a Carolina player since Cayla Drotar had eight against Campbell on Feb. 16, 2019.

GAME 1

The Royals jumped out to a quick lead with two runs in the first and another in the second.

South Carolina got a run back in the bottom of the first on an RBI single from Rodi. The Gamecocks broke the game open in the second, plating seven runs. With the bases loaded, Karley Shelton singled to bring a run home. Rodi and Tori Ensley each brought home a run on a bases loaded walk. One pitch later, Tate Davis connected on her first career grand slam to straight away center.

The Gamecocks outdid themselves in the third inning, scoring 10 more runs. Ensley got it started with an RBI single. Davis followed with a two-run double and two batters later Natalie Heath brought home two more on a single. One batter later Quincee Lilio drove home two runs on a single up the middle. Rodi capped it all off with her 50th career home run, a three-run shot to center field.

The runs kept coming for South Carolina as they batted around for a third straight inning and scored seven more runs in the fourth. Heath and Kai Byars had back-to-back RBI singles. After a walk to Lilio, Shelton and Rodi went back-to-back with two-run singles. The scoring wrapped up with an RBI single from Jamie Mackay.

Nealy Lamb (2-2) earned the win in relief, tossing three innings and allowing one run on three hits while striking out four.

GAME 2

Queens jumped out to an early lead with a two-run home run in the top of the first. The Gamecocks were quick to answer again with three runs in the bottom of the inning.

Lilio and Shelton led off with back-to-back doubles. One out later, Ensley singled to bring home Shelton. Ensley then stole second and scored on a double by Lexi Winters.

In the second, Lilio brought home pinch runner Lexie Shaver on a groundout. Shelton also brough home a run on a groundout to second.

Tate Davis connected on her second home run of the day and third of the season, a solo shot to left center.

Davis put a cap on the day with a two-run home run for her third round-tripper of the season.

Jori Heard (3-1) pitched 4 2-3 innings of relief to earn the victory. She scattered three hits while striking out a season-high eight batters.

South Carolina opens SEC play hosting defending National Champion Texas for a three-game series beginning Friday 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.