Gamecocks Drop Series Opener to No. 13 Tigers

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina softball team (33-19, 8-14) dropped game one 2-0 to No. 13 Missouri (38-14, 11-11) Friday night (May 3).

All three Gamecock hits came from the top of the order. Sage Mardjetko (8-7) was solid in the circle, limiting the Tigers to five hits on the night as she struck out three. She held Missouri’s two, three, and four hitters a combined 0-for-9 to on the night.

Missouri scored in the fourth on a double and a single. They would score again in the sixth after a leadoff walk came around to score on a single. The Gamecocks escaped further damage in the inning by turning a 1-6-3 double play to end the inning. The double play was the team’s 30th of the season, one off tying the program record.

Carolina moved the runner to third three times but were unable to bring home a run. With one out in the first Riley Blampied singled and went to third after a wild pitch and a groundout. In the third, Denver Bryant doubled to right center with two outs and moved to third on a wild pitch. Zoe Laneaux led off the fourth with a double to left center and went to third on a fly out to the right fielder.

Game two of the series tomorrow has been moved up to a noon first pitch due to impending weather.

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.