Gamecocks Extend Run-Rule Win Streak
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Feb. 22, 2025) – The No. 21 South Carolina softball team (14-0) swept a doubleheader with back-to-back run-rule wins. The Gamecocks started with an 8-0 shutout against Boston University (8-5) and finished the day with a 9-1 victory over Fordham (5-7).
The Gamecocks are currently on a nine-game run-rule streak, marking the longest streak in the NCAA this season. South Carolina now has a total of 10 run-rule victories in 2025, six of which have come in walk-off fashion.
Quincee Lilio was 5-for-7 at bat with one walk and four RBIs in the doubleheader, while Arianna Rodi smashed her team-leading fourth home run of the season in game two.
GAME ONE
Jori Heard (6-0) started in the circle against Boston and pitched her third complete game shutout of the season. Heard went six innings, five strikeouts, two hits and a walk against the Terriers. It marks the seventh shutout for the Gamecock pitching staff.
Karley Shelton provided Carolina an early lead in the bottom of the first with a double to right center to score Lilio. She later crossed the plate on her own accord with a double steal, resulting in swiping home.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Gamecock offense came alive again. Natalie Heath barreled a two-strike double to left center to score Chloe Lackey, and Lilio hit a two-strike single to score Nia McKnight. Ella Chancey and Brooke Blankenship hit back-to-back RBI singles of their own, bringing the Carolina lead to 6-0.
Lexi Winters was hit by a pitch to load the bases, which paved the way for Abigail Knight to walk it off with a two-run double to left center.
Lilio went three-for-three and drew a walk, reaching in all four plate appearances.
GAME TWO
Nealy Lamb took the start in game two against Fordham. Lamb tallied six strikeouts across four innings, with two hits and two walks. Sam Gress entered the circle in the fifth inning to close out the game and improve to 2-0 on the season, logging two innings of work with just one run allowed.
Rodi blasted a solo shot out of the park in the bottom of the first to get the Gamecocks on the board. Rodi’s team-leading fourth home run traveled 247 feet to left center.
The Rams managed to tie the game with an RBI double in the top of the fifth, but Lilio answered with a two-run single up the middle to take back the lead in the bottom of the frame. With the hit, Lilio extended her on-base streak to 14 consecutive games to open the season.
In the bottom of the sixth, Carolina hit four RBI singles off the bats of Emma Sellers, Lilio, Shelton and Blankenship. Blankenship’s two-run single up the middle ended the game in walk-off, run-rule fashion.
South Carolina will close the 2025 Garnet & Black Invitational tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. with a showdown against UNLV.
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.
