No. 17 Gamecocks Limit 49ers to Two Hits in Victory

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The No. 17 South Carolina softball team (13-2) capped off the Gamecock Invitational with a 7-2 victory over Charlotte (8-6) Sunday afternoon (Feb. 25).

All six hits for Carolina came from a different starter. Alana Vawter (4-1) earned the win, throwing 3 1-3 innings in relief, as she did not allow a base runner to reach, while striking out three. Jori Heard started in the circle, allowing two runs on two hits, and struck out three.

The 49ers went in front scoring a run with two outs in the first. South Carolina responded in the second when Kyye Ricks stole third and scored after the ball went past the third baseman and into left field.

The Gamecocks broke the game open in the third, scoring five runs in the frame. A pair of singles to lead off the inning by Brooke Blankenship and Riley Blampied put runners in scoring position after a sacrifice bunt. Aniyah Black hit a hard shot back up the middle that hit off the pitcher’s leg, allowing Blankenship to score. A fielder’s choice off the bat of Jen Cummings brought home Blampied to score. One batter later and down 0-2 in the count, Reganne Bennett blasted her fourth home run of the season, a three-run shot to left field.

Charlotte would get a run back in the top of the fourth on an RBI groundout.

Carolina tacked on a run in the sixth as Marissa Gonzalez doubled with two outs. She scored on the next pitch when Karley Shelton singled to center.

The Gamecocks continue their homestand when they host in-state foe College of Charleston February 28 at 5 p.m.

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.