March 30, 2004
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The South Carolina softball team surrendered a two-run lead in the fourth inning as the Tennessee Lady Vols defeated the Gamecocks 3-2 in game two of the three-game series Tuesday night. USC fell to 17-10 and 6-8 in the SEC with the loss. Tennessee’s Angela Brewer hit a two-run home run off of starter Aleca Johnson (3-2) in the fourth inning to propel UT ahead of the Gamecocks.
In the third inning, Johnson led off the inning with a single and Chrissy Schoonmaker followed with a walk. Nancy Crane then hit a bunt single to load the bases for the Gamecocks. After a sharp line out by Tia Rogers, Kristin Hall reached base on a fielder’s choice and advanced to second on a throwing error by UT shortstop Schutzler which also allowed Johnson and Schoonmaker to score and take a 2-0 lead. The runs scored in the third inning snapped a 58-scoreless inning streak for the Lady Vols.
Tennessee cut the lead in half in the fourth as pinch runner Ashley Cline scored on a sacrifice fly by Amber Rhinehart. Cline pinch ran for Kristin Durant who led off the inning with a double. After two outs, Angela Brewer then hit a home run to center field to score two more runs and put the Lady Vols in the lead 3-2.
The Gamecocks posted two runs off of four hits while Tennessee had three runs off of six hits. This marks USC’s fifth consecutive loss. The Gamecocks will attempt to snap the losing streak in game three on Wednesday, March 31. Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m. (EST).
