Seniors Blue, Williams Lead Gamecocks to 3-0 Win at Mississippi State
April 7, 2017
MISSISSIPPI STATE, Miss. – The Williams provided at the plate, and South Carolina senior Nickie Blue shut out Mississippi State (27-13, 2-8 SEC), 3-0, in Friday night’s series opener at Nusz Park.
Blue (9-6) scattered five hits and two walks while striking out one in her fourth shutout of the year. She induced nine ground outs, including two double plays.
The Gamecocks (23-14, 3-9 SEC) used a double steal to take a 1-0 lead in the second. Infield singles by seniors Victoria and Taylor Williams and a Bulldog throwing error put runners at the corners with one down. Taylor stole second, sliding in around the tag, and sophomore pinch runner Lauren Stewart streaked home to put South Carolina on the board.
Victoria Williams struck again an inning later, driving in the second Gamecock run. Singles by freshman Mackenzie Boesel and junior Krystan White two on. Mississippi State’s Holly Ward got two outs before Williams stepped up and served the 1-0 pitch into left, letting Boesel score from second.
Taylor Williams gave the Gamecocks another insurance run in the seventh with an opposite-field blast, her fourth of the season.
Ward (7-6) took the loss, going all seven innings and allowing three runs, two earned, on eight hits and a walk. She fanned five.
Game Changer
The two double-play balls the Gamecocks helped, as did the four- and six-pitch innings Blue posted in the shutout.
Key Stat
Blue retired six of the seven leadoff batters she faced.
Notables
Victoria Williams went 3-for-3, recording her first three-hit day of the season, and drove in a run.
Taylor Williams went 2-for-3 with the home run and stolen base.
White posted a 2-for-3 night as well.
Calyn Adams had two of the Bulldogs’ five hits, while Bevia Robinson had a hit, a walk and two stolen bases.
The Gamecocks turned two ground balls into double plays in the game, the second time this year they did that (at Alabama-2, 3/26)
TWEET OF THE GAME
Love it Gamecocks. Nice game. 😃✌ @GamecockSoftbll
— Lexie deVries (@lexiestrex) April 8, 2017
Quoting head coach Beverly Smith
The team put together a complete seven innings today. Pitching and defense were both excellent, and our offense came out ready to play. I liked the way our team got leadoff runners on base. Taylor Williams had a really nice day. She had a big at-bat, getting a drag bunt down in the second, before getting the home run. Nickie Blue was in control for seven innings. I thought our defense was really crisp tonight. Two double plays in the game helped Nickie Blue get the shutout.
Up Next
Game two of the series is set for 12 noon CDT on Saturday at Nusz Park.
