No. 13 Gamecocks Run-Rule Kentucky to Open Series

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The No. 13/12 South Carolina softball team (33-11, 8-8) took down Kentucky (27-18, 6-10) in a 14-1 five-inning run-rule victory in game one of the series.

Four Gamecocks recorded multiple hits and multiple RBIs, led by Lexi Winters who finished 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Karley Shelton led the way with three RBIs and a pair of hits. Quincee Lilio and Abigail Knight also had a pair of hits, while Emma Sellers and Arianna Rodi drove in a pair of runs.

Kentucky started it off with a solo home run to left center from Cassie Reasner in the top of the second inning. The Gamecock defense held the Wildcats through the rest of the game, with Jori Heard (14-2) recording three strikeouts in three innings of work. Sam Gress relieved Heard at the top of the fourth inning, escaping a two-on, nobody out situation. She threw the final two innings, not allowing any hits in the circle to secure her fifth save.

With 13 RBIs and 13 hits, South Carolina had a day on the plate. With two outs and two on base, Nia McKnight kicked it off in the bottom of the third, as she came home on a wild pitch. Sellers followed her with a single into right to bring in two runs for the Gamecocks.

Scoring the most runs in a single inning this season, the Gamecocks nearly batted around twice as they brought home a collective 11 runs. Rodi extended her on-base streak to 36 games as she doubled down the right field line to bring in Lilio. Winters had two RBIs in two separate at bats in the fourth, bringing in Shelton off a single and Ella Chancey on a double into right center.

Brooke Blankenship grounded out to third base to help bring in pinche runner Chloe Lackey. Abigail Knight and Lilio both brought in a runner off their singles, while Natalie Heath was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Shelton sent one down the left field line to clear the bases on a three-run triple. Shelton was originally called out at third, but the call was overturned on review. A Rodi sacrifice fly and the RBI double from Winters capped off the inning.

Gress retired six in-a-row to end the game and secure the Carolina victory.

The Gamecocks will take on the Wildcats tomorrow night at 6 p.m. for game two of the series.

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.