Laneaux Homers, But Gamecocks Drop Pair of Games

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina softball team dropped both games of a doubleheader on day two of the Carolina Classic, falling to No. 7 Virginia Tech 5-3 and Ohio State 6-2. The Gamecocks now sit at 8-5 on the season. Due to rain in the forecast, the final day of the tournament has been moved up by 90 minutes and Carolina will now face Troy at 2 p.m.
 
Game 1
Virginia Tech scored three runs in the third inning off a pair of home runs. The Hokies added two more runs in the top of the seventh, both of which were unearned.
 
The Gamecocks were unable get to reigning ACC Pitcher of the Year Keely Rochard until the seventh inning. Hannah Kumiyama led off the inning with a walk and Kassidy Krupit followed with a single to right. One out later, Zoe Laneaux pinch-hit, and clobbered the 2-1 pitch over the right field wall for her first home run of the season, a three-run shot. The Gamecocks were unable to bring the tying run to the plate as the final two outs were recorded.
 
Rachel Vaughan took the loss the in circle, allowing three runs in an inning of work. Bailey Betenbaugh pitched the final six innings, allowing two unearned runs on four hits while striking out five.
 
Game 2
Ohio State scored all of their runs in the second inning, all of which came with at least one out. 
 
South Carolina scored both of their runs in the bottom of the fifth. Laneaux led off with a double off the left-center wall. After an error by the Buckeye shortstop, Sellers singled up the middle, allowing pinch runner Marissa Gonzalez to score. Riley Blampied then scored when she beat the throw home from the Ohio State third baseman, on a groundball by Carlie Henderson. 
 
Kelsey Oh started and took the loss, tossing 2 1-3 innings, allowing six runs on six hits. Leah Powell came in from the bullpen for the final 4 2-3, scattering four hits.
 
For the latest on South Carolina Softball, visit GamecockSoftball.com or follow the team’s social media accounts on Twitter @GamecockSoftbll, Facebook /GamecockSoftball, and Instagram @GamecockSoftball.