Five-Run Fifth Inning Power Gamecocks Past Eagles

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina softball used a five-run fifth inning to move to 20-2 on the season with a 5-0 win over in-state foe Winthrop Tuesday night (Mar. 7).

Riley Blampied led Carolina at the plate, finishing her night 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two stolen bases.

Winthrop was limited to three hits on the night, as the South Carolina pitching staff struck out 10 and allowed zero walks. Two of those hits came in the fourth inning, but Zoe Laneaux turned a double play to end the inning.

The Gamecocks left a pair of runners on in the second and fourth innings, before finally breaking through in the fifth.

Giulia Desiderio walked to lead off the frame. After a single by Brooke Blankenship and a fielder’s choice, Jen Cummings doubled to right field, scoring Blankenship. Blampied followed with a double down the left field line, scoring Jordan Fabian and pinch runner Kyye Ricks. Laneaux then singled up the middle to score Blampied. A pair of walks and a groundout later, pinch runner Olivia Cook scrambled home from third while Haley Simpson got into a rundown.

With the lead in hand, Donnie Gobourne came on to throw the final three innings, striking out eight of the nine batters she faced to earn her fourth win of the season. Karsen Ochs allowed two hits and a strikeout in two innings of relief, while starter Rachel Vaughn tossed two innings and struck out one and allowed one hit.

Carolina travels to the College of Charleston tomorrow (Mar. 8) for a 6 p.m. first pitch.

For the latest on South Carolina Softball, visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow the team’s social media accounts on Twitter @GamecockSoftbll, Facebook /GamecockSoftball, and Instagram @GamecockSoftball.