Gamecocks Turn Four Double Plays, Drop Series Finale to Gators

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The South Carolina softball team (30-17, 6-12) dropped the final game of its series 7-6 at No. 10 Florida (37-10, 12-6) Sunday afternoon (April 21).

Denver Bryant, Aniyah Black, and Marissa Gonzalez each finished the day 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

The Gamecocks tied a program record with four double plays in the game, the second time they’ve done so this season. All four double plays came in the first four innings.

Florida took the lead in the bottom of the first on an error when the Gamecocks turned their first double play.

Carolina pushed into the lead with a four-run second inning. After a walk and a single, pinch runner Kyye Ricks stole home when Emma Sellers took second. Gonzalez delivered a sacrifice fly to deep right, scoring Sellers from third. With two outs, the Gamecocks rallied again. Giulia Desiderio was hit by a pitch and Brooke Blankenship walked, brining Bryant up to deliver a bases clearing double. The Gators got a run back in the bottom half of the inning, but Carolina worked out of the jam thanks to another double play.

South Carolina added to its lead in the fourth when Kianna Jones doubled to start the inning and Gonzalez reached on a bunt single. Desiderio brought home Jones on a single to left. Florida would take the lead with four runs in the bottom of the fourth, but another double play from the Gamecocks helped to limit further damage.

South Carolina didn’t wait long to respond, tying the game in the fifth. Black singled with one out, then with two outs, Gonzalez doubled down the left field line, scoring Black from second. Florida would score the game-winner in the bottom of the sixth with two outs.

Alana Vawter (13-9) took the loss, allowing five runs on nine hits in five innings of relief.

The Gamecocks return home to take on Charleston Southern Tuesday at 3 p.m. The game was initially suspended on March 27 and will be resumed with Carolina leading 1-0 in the top of the second.

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.