Gamecocks Earn Run-Rule Win at Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The South Carolina softball team (16-0) went on the road for the first time this season and earned a 10-2 six-inning run-rule victory at Charlotte (7-9) Tuesday night (Feb. 25).

Carolina continues to improve upon its best start of the NCAA era, trailing only a 20-0 start in 1976. The run-rule win was their 11th of the season, the most by any program in the country.

The Gamecocks entered the day leading the nation in doubles and finished the night with seven more, which is tied for the second-most in a game this season in Division I. Karley Shelton led the way going 3-for-4 with three doubles and three runs scored. Quincee Lilio extended her hitting streak (15 games) and on-base streak (16 games) with a 2-for-3 night. Arianna Rodi finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs and Abigail Knight also collected a pair of doubles.

South Carolina looked to go up early in the top of the second, scoring a run on a double from Knight. But after a replay review, the runner was called out at home and the run taken off the board. The Gamecocks wouldn’t relent as they pushed a run across when the 49er centerfielder made an error, allowing Knight to score.

In the third, Carolina added two more runs on a double by Rodi and a sacrifice fly from Brooke Blankenship.

The Gamecocks broke the game open in the fifth, scoring four runs. Back-to-back doubles by Lilio and Shelton got the scoring started. Rodi stepped in and after getting ahead 2-1, connected on her fifth home run of the season. After a Charlotte error, another double from Knight brough home Blankenship.

Three more runs came in during the sixth after Carolina loaded the bases. A walk to Ella Chancey was followed by a single from Blankenship. Another bases loaded walk, this time by Lexi Winters, capped off the scoring.

Charlotte got a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth, but the Gamecocks held the run-rule lead.

Jori Heard improved to 8-0 on the season, throwing four innings and allowing two runs on four hits and striking out five. Nealy Lamb pitched two innings in relief and struck out four while not allowing a hit.

The Gamecocks continue their road trip with a top-25 matchup at No. 8 Duke beginning February 28.

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.