Feb. 15, 2006
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina softball defeated Winthrop 1-0 in game one of its home opener at Beckham Field Wednesday afternoon. USC broke up the scoreless battle when Ashton Payne scored on a throwing error by Lauren Blaser in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Gamecocks improved to 4-2 while the Eagles fell to 0-1. Christie Hamilton (3-1) recorded the win for USC, while Shahna Ashard (0-1) took the loss.
In the bottom of the seventh, Payne led off the inning with a double up the middle, her only hit of the game. Jessica Josker then doubled to left field and Payne advanced to third but the play continued as Blaser attempted a throw to home but went into the dugout, which allowed Payne to score and win the game for the Gamecocks.
USC struggled on the bases as they left 10 runners on base, seven of which reached due to a walk. The Gamecocks recorded four hits, two of which were by Josker, who went 2-for-4 in the game.
Jessica Barnes started the game and in five innings pitched, she gave up two hits, one walk and struck out four. Barnes got a no decision as Hamilton entered the game in the sixth and pitched two innings and struck out three of the six batters she faced.
Lindsey Merriman and Lisa Kingsmore recorded the two hits for the Eagles.
