Gamecocks Take Down Bulldogs in SEC Tournament Opener

AUBURN, Ala. – Although it took until after midnight local time, the 11th seeded South Carolina softball team (34-21) took down sixth seeded Mississippi State (33-18) 8-4 Wednesday night (May 8).

The game did not start until 10:09 p.m. CT due to a pair of 14-inning games earlier in the day.

Denver Bryant had a career day going 4-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs. Zoe Laneaux and Aniyah Black each finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs.

Alana Vawter (16-11) threw the final five innings, allowing three runs on five hits and striking out three. Jori Heard started in the circle, allowing one run and two hits in two innings of work.

The Gamecocks didn’t waste any time jumping out in front, scoring twice in the top of the first. After a bunt single by Bryant, she moved to second on a sacrifice bunt before scoring on a double by Laneaux. One out later, Laneaux scored on a single by Black.

They added to their lead in the second with both runs coming with two outs. Giulia Desiderio reached on a single, and after another single by Bryant, the Gamecocks loaded the bases on a walk to Riley Blampied. Laneaux’s infield single off the first baseman’s glove allowed Desiderio to score. Jen Cummings was hit on the very next pitch, scoring Bryant.

The Bulldogs got a run back in the bottom of the second.

South Carolina broke the game open in the fifth with a four-run inning. Cummings led off with a single and Black brought home pinch runner Kyye Ricks on a double to the right center gap. A bunt single from Kianna Jones put runners on the corners and Bre Warren’s sacrifice fly scored pinch runner Emma Sellers. After a fielder’s choice put runners on the corners, Bryant brought them both home on a double to center field.

MSU fought back with a three-run home run in the bottom of the fifth, but Vawter would shut down the Bulldogs over the final two innings to secure the victory.

The eight runs scored by the Gamecocks are the most by a double-digit seed in SEC Tournament history. Carolina turned a double play in the fourth inning, its 31st of the season, tying a program record.

The Gamecocks advance to face No. 4 seed Texas A&M tomorrow at approximately 8 p.m. ET.

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.