Gamecocks Blast Way to Doubleheader Sweep, Win Game 2 7-1

April 18, 2017

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina (27-18) used three home runs to help power past Charleston Southern (22-31) to a 7-1 win in game two of Tuesday’s doubleheader at Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field.

The Gamecocks took a 2-0 lead in the first when junior catcher Alyssa VanDerveer drilled a 2-1 pitch over the wall in left center, bringing home senior Victoria Williams after her two-out single. That lead expanded to 5-0 in the second on senior left fielder Taylor Williams’ two-run double and junior third baseman Kamryn Watts’ infield single that brought Williams home.

After Charleston Southern got on the board in the fourth on Summer Moore’s sacrifice fly, Taylor Williams and freshman Mackenzie Boesel both launched solo home runs to put the lead where it would stay, 7-1.

Gamecock freshman Cayla Drotar (6-2) picked up the win, scattering six hits and three walks in five innings of work, allowing the one earned run while striking out four. Buccaneer starter Nicole Ayala (1-2) took the loss, giving up five earned runs on six hits and a walk in 1.1 innings.

Game Changer

VanDerveer’s laser to left center gave South Carolina all the offense it needed, but Drotar’s wriggling out of jams helped out as well.

Key Stat

The three home runs ties a season-best mark, joining the North Carolina and Gardner-Webb outings.

NOTABLES

Taylor Williams went a season-best 3-for-3 with a double, a home run and a year-high three RBI. She also stole a base.

VanDerveer went 2-for-3 with the two-run blast, while junior Tiara Duffy doubles in a 2-for-2 night.

Three of Charleston Southern’s eight hits went to Amanda Matsumoto, who went 3-for-4.

Williams’ homer moved her into a tie for eighth in South Carolina history with Meghan Cornett (2002-05) and All-American Dana Fulmer (1992-95).

Up Next

South Carolina wraps up the home stand with a three-game series against No. 7/7 Auburn this weekend. Friday’s first pitch is set for 6 p.m. EDT, with Saturday’s start time slated for 2 p.m. Sunday’s finale is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.