March 9, 2003
Columbia, S.C. – Radford had 12 hits to seven for South Carolina Sunday but the Gamecock defense turned three double plays and sixth ranked South Carolina pushed across two runs each in the sixth and eighth innings to win 5-1 and take the series two games to one.
South Carolina improved its record to 13-3 while Radford fell to 3-4. Chris Hernandez, 1-1, pitched 3 2/3 innings of shutout relief to claim the win. Josh Deaver (0-1), the second of five Radford pitchers, took the loss.
South Carolina starter David Marchbanks gave up 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings but allowed only one run. Hernandez gave up two hits during his stint on the mound.
All 12 Radford hits were singles while three of the seven South Carolina hits went for doubles, including a misjudged pop fly by pinch hitter Steven Tolleson that drove in a run in the sixth inning after a solid RBI double by Bryan Triplett had broken a 1-1 tie.
The Gamecocks added two insurance runs in the eighth inning on a walk, a hit batter, an RBI hit by Justin Harris and a wild pitch.
Radford took a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Alan Ashworth singled, Steve Mignogna beat out a bunt and Nat Hodges walked to load the bases with no outs. Ashworth scored on a sacrifice fly by Dean Altavilla but the first of three double plays prevented additional damage. Radford left at least one base runner in every inning but the seventh.
South Carolina tied the score in the third inning. Jon Coutlangus singled, went to third on a double by Harris and scored on a sacrifice fly by Kevin Melillo.
Harris was the only Gamecock with two hits. Matt Mantione had three hits for Radford and Mark Fleisher and Mignogna had two.
RADFORD 010 000 000 – 1-12-0
SOUTH CAROLINA 001 002 02x – 5-7-0
Tubb, Deaver (6), Williamson (6), Bursey (6), Lieberman (7) and Altavilla. Marchbanks, Hernandez (6) and Powell. W-Hernandez (1-1). L-Deaver (0-1). Save-None. 2B-USC, Harris, Triplett, Tolleson
