April 16, 2016
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Two third-run innings stood up for Ole Miss (30-14, 6-8 SEC), as the Rebels took game two of the series at South Carolina 2-0 on Saturday afternoon at Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field.
The Rebels loaded the bases with one out on two singles and a walk. Cleanup hitter Courtney Syrett worked another walk to bring home the first run. A fielder’s choice that the Gamecocks retired the runner going home made it two outs but kept the bases loaded, setting up Dakota Matiko’s RBI single that brushed out of the outstretched glove of Gamecock junior pitcher Jessica Elliott, making it a 2-0 Ole Miss lead.
That was all Rebel sophomore Kayla Landwehrmier (3-3) needed in a three-hit shutout. She didn’t walk or strike out a batter; instead, she induced 11 groundouts and got help from a pop-up bunt double play in the first to help her in a 67-pitch win. Elliott (16-3) took the loss for the Gamecocks (31-12, 4-10 SEC), allowing the two earned runs on four hits and three walks in three innings.
Game Changer:
That double play the Rebels turned in the first took the wind out of South Carolina’s sails early.
Key Stat:
South Carolina tied a season low with three hits, the others both coming in losses to No. 17/15 Kentucky.
Notables:
• Rebel Grayce Majam led everyone with her 2-for-3 day, scoring the game-winning run.
• Miranda Strother went 1-for-2 with a double, reaching base three times with two walks.
• Hailey Lunderman, Matiko and Alex Schneider had the other Rebel hits, while both Strother and Matiko had stolen bases.
• South Carolina got singles from senior Alaynie Page, junior Victoria Williams and sophomore Kamryn Watts.
• Freshman Lex Hull laid down a sacrifice bunt.
• Junior Nickie Blue tossed four shutout innings in relief, giving up two hits and two walks.
Up Next:
The teams conclude the series at 2 p.m. EDT on Sunday, with the SEC Network showing the game live.
