Feb. 6, 2015
GREENVILLE, N.C. – South Carolina started its 2015 season with a 3-1 win over Longwood on Friday at the Pirate Classic hosted by East Carolina.
Two first-inning runs proved to be enough for the Gamecocks (1-0), as sophomore offensive player Victoria Williams drew a bases-loaded walk to force home junior left fielder Alaynie Page. Redshirt sophomore second baseman Lauren Masters followed with a sacrifice fly to drive home junior right fielder Ansley Ard. An inning later, Page hit a 2-1 pitch out to right center to make it a 3-0 game.
Longwood (1-1) picked up its only run in the third when Megan Baltzell hit a solo homer off the batter’s eye.
Redshirt senior Julie Sarratt (1-0) garnered the win with four innings of work, striking out two and walking one with her only hit coming on Baltzell’s homer. Sophomore Nickie Blue, who led NCAA Division I in saves last season, grabbed her first of 2015 with three innings of shutout relief. She struck out three and gave up two hits.
Lancer pitcher Elizabeth McCarthy (0-1) took the loss, allowing three earned runs on four hits and five walks in six innings. She struck out seven.
Game Changer:
The Gamecocks’ patient approach led to two first-run innings, with three of the five walks drawn in that frame.
Key Stat:
South Carolina’s pitchers limited Longwood to three hits, including an infield single in the sixth.
Notables:
- Page scored two of the Gamecocks’ three runs in her 1-for-2 day.
- Ard went 2-for-3 with a first-inning double.
- Baltzell had two of the Longwood’s three hits.
Tweet of the Game:
@GamecockSoftbll so many familiar names, good luck this weekend. Can’t wait for home games next week!!
– Dillon Clancey (@DillonClancey) February 6, 2015
Up Next:
The Gamecocks take on Delaware State and East Carolina in their second day at the Pirate Classic. The day starts against the Hornets at 2 p.m. before SC takes on the host ECU at 4:30 p.m. EST.
