May 2, 2003
Columbia, S.C. – Freshman left fielder Michael Campbell’s leaping catch of a potential extra base hit Friday night ended the game and preserved a 5-4 South Carolina win over Kentucky in the first of a three game Southeastern Conference baseball series.
The second game is scheduled for 4 p.m., Saturday at Sarge Frye Field.
South Carolina led 5-4 with one out in the top of the ninth inning when Mike Breyer singled to left and was replaced by pinch runner J. D. Schmidt. Caleb Stewart struck out but Caleb Brock hit a drive to left centerfield. Schmidt was running on the pitch and would have scored the tying run with Brock likely stopping at second base. Campbell, on the dead run, leaped and crashed into the fence but held onto the ball to end the game.
Chris Hernandez, 3-4, allowed three hits over the final three innings, but no runs, in relief to gain the win. Kentucky starter Scott Wade, 2-6, was charged with the loss. South Carolina improved its record to 30-17 and evened its SEC mark at 11-11. Kentucky dropped to 19-26, 6-15.
South Carolina moved into a percentage first place tie with Florida in the Eastern Division of the conference. The Gators, 10-10-1, were rained out at Auburn and will play a doubleheader Saturday.
South Carolina broke a 4-4 tie with an unearned run in the seventh inning. Kevin Melillo singled and moved to second on a balk. Justin Harris was save on an error, Melillo remained at second. Brian Buscher attempted to sacrifice and beat out a bunt to load the bases. Pinch hitter Steven Tolleson walked on a three and two count to force in the run.
South Carolina scored one run in the first inning and three in the second to lead 4-1, but Kentucky tied it with three in the fourth. Caleb Stewart hit his third home run of the season and Aaron Edwards hit his first homer after a single by Brad Pickrell.
Pickrell had four hits, including a double, as Kentucky had 12 hits to 11 by the Gamecocks. Edwards, who entered the game with a .156 batting average, had two hits and Stewart also had two.
Melillo had three hits, including a double, for South Carolina. Buscher and Bryan Triplett had two. One of Triplett’s hits was a double..
