Gamecocks Fall in Extra Innings to Tigers

CLEMSON, S.C. – The No. 13/12 South Carolina (32-11) softball fell in extra innings 2-1 Tuesday night (Apr. 15) in game two of the Palmetto Series Presented by the South Carolina Education Lottery to No. 20/19 Clemson (35-11). The two teams split the season series.

 Karley Shelton, Arianna Rodi, and Lexi Winters each collected two hits on the night.

Carolina took an early lead when Rodi connected on her 13th home run of the season, a solo shot to right center in the top of the third. Rodi fought off several pitches for a 10-pitch at-bat and extended her on-base streak to 35 games.

The Gamecock defense came up clutch with several key plays to keep the Tigers off the board. With runners on first and second in the bottom of the third, Emily Vinson climbed the wall in left to take away a 3-run home run.

In the fifth, with one out and runners on the corners, Quincee Lilio made the catch in center and fired a cannon home to gun down the runner trying to score for an inning-ending double play.

The Tigers tied it in the sixth on a two-out solo home run. They would get another solo home run to lead off the bottom of the ninth.

Sam Gress (8-7) allowed two runs on six hits and two strikeouts over 5 2-3 innings of relief. Jori Heard started for the Gamecocks, scattering three hits in 2 1-3 innings and striking out two.

The Gamecocks return home to host Kentucky for a three-game series April 19-21.

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.