Gamecocks Earn Shutout Win in Palmetto Series Opener

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The No. 10/11 South Carolina softball team (25-6) shutout in-state rival Clemson (24-10) 6-0 Tuesday (March 25) at Carolia Softball Stadium in the first game of the Palmetto Series Presented by the South Carolina Education Lottery. It was the first time in rivalry history that the Gamecocks have secured a shutout against the Tigers.

In her first game back from injury, Arianna Rodi celebrated her return to the lineup with a rocket to dead center for her 11th home run of the season. The home run moved her into a tie for sixth in a single season in program history. The three-run homer in the bottom of the first put the Gamecocks on the board early and established the lead they’d maintain all night.

South Carolina tacked on another run in the bottom of the second off an RBI double to left center from Karley Shelton. In the bottom of the fourth, Shelton and Rodi added to their RBI counts, going back-to-back at the plate. Shelton hit a single to right center and Rodi managed a sacrifice fly for her team-leading fourth RBI of the game.

Nealy Lamb (6-1) set the tone in the circle, starting the game with two strikeouts in the first inning. She ended the night going five innings with four strikeouts, just two hits and no walks. Sam Gress tossed a pair of innings in relief and closed the combined-game shutout for Carolina.

Quincee Lilio went 3-for-4 at the plate, setting the scene for Rodi’s home run in the first inning. She also led the team with two runs scored.

South Carolina hits the road to open a weekend series at No. 3 LSU Friday (March 25) at 6 p.m.

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.