South Carolina Shuts Out No. 7/7 Auburn 3-0 to Capture Series Finale
April 23, 2017
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina (28-20) broke through for a 3-0 win on Sunday afternoon over No. 7/7 Auburn (39-8, 12-6 SEC) in front of a large crowd at Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field.
The Gamecock senior pitchers held the nation’s 20th-best scoring offense to two hits on the day, the lowest total in SEC play this year for Auburn. Nickie Blue went the first three and gave up one hit and one walk, while Jessica Elliott (12-8) went the final four, giving up a bunt single while striking out two in the win.
Senior right fielder Victoria Williams put the Gamecocks on top with her two-RBI double in the third, driving the 1-0 pitch to the base of the wall just left of dead center. That scored senior first baseman Kaylea Snaer and freshman second baseman Mackenzie Boesel after Snaer walked and Boesel beat out an infield single with one down. Sophomore Lauren Stewart entered to run for Williams, and she scored on an errant throw after taking third on a wild pitch.
Auburn starter Kaylee Carlson (22-3) took the loss, allowing three earned runs on five hits and two walks in her complete game.
Game Changer
Williams’ double pushed Auburn back for the first time in the series, and the Gamecocks fought on from there.
Key Stat
Elliott did not walk a batter in her four-inning stint.
NOTABLES
Williams’ double moved her up on two lists: into a tie for 19th on the career doubles list and into a tie for 13th on the RBI list.
Junior shortstop Krystan White went 2-for-3, while Boesel, and both Taylor and Victoria Williams had the other Gamecock hits.
Carmyn Greenwood had both Auburn hits.
Kate Pouliot Abney threw out the ceremonial first pitch, helping South Carolina close out Alumni Weekend.
TWEET OF THE GAME
With @GamecockSoftbll‘s 3-0 win over #7 Auburn, #Gamecocks have beaten four teams in the top 12 of the latest USA Today/NFCA Coaches Poll.
— Charles Bloom (@CharlesBloomSC) April 23, 2017
Quoting head coach Beverly Smith
We’ve had some tough losses this season, but this team has continued to stay the course and fight all season long. I’m proud of their effort today and that they continue to be relentless and scratched out a win today. Our pitchers pitched great all weekend, but today Nickie Blue and (Jessica Elliott) combined for a shutout, which was fantastic. They both had great pitching performances. We did a better job drawing some walks today, hitting the ball hard and forcing Auburn to make some plays. Victoria Williams came up with a clutch two-RBI double.
Offensively, our team focused on staying aggressive and continuing to swing the bats. Yesterday, we hit the ball hard. We were glad to see a few of the hits fall in today and be able to put some runs on the board.
Up Next
South Carolina hits the road for a key SEC matchup against Georgia. The three-game series begins on Friday night at 6 p.m. EDT in Athens, Ga.
