March 19, 2016
COLUMBIA, S.C. – No. 12/12 Georgia (25-3, 1-0 SEC) took its SEC opener in a 4-1 win at South Carolina (21-6, 0-4 SEC) on Saturday afternoon at Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field.
The Bulldogs scored in the first on Kaylee Puailoa’s infield single, plating Sydni Emanuel after her infield hit to start the contest. South Carolina tied it in the third when, after loading the bases on infield hits by sophomore Kamryn Watts and senior Ansley Ard along with a hit-by-pitch to junior Victoria Williams, freshman Kennedy Clark fought back from an 0-2 count to walk, forcing in the run.
Georgia retook the lead on Lacey Sumerlin’s single to left in the fourth, scoring Alyssa DiCarlo. Two insurance runs scored in the sixth, the first when a Gamecock error let Maeve McGuire score from second on a sacrifice bunt. Cortni Emanuel bunted home Samantha LaZear with two outs to cap the scoring.
Bulldog starter Chelsea Wilkinson (12-1) collected the win with five innings of work, striking out four while giving up one earned run on four hits and one walk. Brittany Gray got the save with two hitless innings of relief, fanning two. Gamecock junior Nickie Blue (8-5) took the loss, allowing four runs, two earned, on 11 hits and two walks in the complete game. She struck out four.
Game Changer:
Georgia’s speed showed from the first batter, as Sydni Emanuel reached on an infield single, The Bulldogs had four infield singles and two stolen bases.
Key Stat:
The Bulldogs’ 11 hits matches the highest allowed by the Gamecocks this season.
Notables:
• Sydni Emanuel and McGuire both had two hits, while every Bulldog starter had a hit in the game.
• Alex Hugo had the only extra-base hit, a double in the third.
• LaZear went 1-for-1 with a hit, a stolen base and two sacrifice hits.
• Seniors Alaynie Page and Ard and sophomores Krystan White and Watts had the four Gamecock singles.
• Williams’ HBP ties her for eight in Gamecock history with two others, including teammate Lauren Masters.
Tweet of the Game:
When we can’t play the SEC can. So when I doubt where better place to spend a day off 🤘🏻â¤️ @GamecockSoftbll pic.twitter.com/peSQ8xHQL6
— allisonbarbee (@barbee_allison) March 19, 2016
Up Next:
The Gamecocks and Bulldogs tangle again on Sunday night at 7 p.m. EDT in front of the crowd at Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field as well as an audience on the SEC Network.
