Oct. 12, 2010

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Gamecocks moved closer to the finish of its fall schedule after a split of a doubleheader against USC Aiken on Friday evening at Beckham Field. South Carolina now begins preparation for its final fall exhibition game, which comes on Fri., Oct. 22 against the National Pro Fastpitch All-Stars at 7 p.m.

The Gamecocks won the first game against USC Aiken, 5-0, behind seven innings of shutout ball by senior pitchers Ashley Chastain and April Borchardt. The latter allowed just two runners in her three-inning stint, while both struck out two. Junior Kandyce Redondo had a two-RBI single and a stolen base during her 2-for-3 outing, while junior Evan Childs went 2-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored, reaching base all three times at the plate.

Game two saw the Pacers take advantage of the international tiebreaker rule and the last at bat to claim a 2-1 win in eight innings. Senior Laura Mendes handed the Gamecocks the initial lead with a first-inning RBI triple, but USC Aiken’s pitching allowed just two hitters to reach base the rest of the game. An errant throw ended the contest, allowing the extra runner placed on second to start the inning to score.

Mendes posted both extra-base hits for the Gamecocks in the doubleheader, adding a double in the first contest.

Admission to South Carolina’s fall finale against the NPF All-Stars is $5 for adults and $3 for youth 17 and under. South Carolina students and faculty get in for free. Group tickets are available by calling the ticket office at 800-4SC-FANS. And anyone who purchases a season ticket prior to the Oct. 22 game, which is just $25 for adults and $10 for youth, get a ticket to the exhibition against the NPF All-Stars with their package.