Rodi’s Home Run Powers No. 13 Gamecocks Past Auburn

AUBURN, Ala. – A first inning three-run home run by Arianna Rodi powered the No. 13/11 South Carolina (36-13, 11-10) softball team past Auburn (30-21, 6-18) 4-1 to close out the series Sunday (Apr. 27).

Sam Gress (11-8) threw a complete game, allowing one run on four hits while striking out a season-high eight batters.

After back-to-back leadoff walks to Quincee Lilo and Karley Shelton to open the game, Rodi fought back from down 0-2 to a full count. On the eighth pitch of the at-bat, Rodi connected on her 14th home run of the season 211 feet to left center. The home run moves Rodi into a tie for third all-time in a single season.

The Gamecocks added to the lead in the second when Emily Vinson led off with a walk. After moving to second on a wild pitch and stealing third, Shelton hit one off the wall to bring her home.

Auburn’s lone run came in the fourth after a walk and a couple of hits.

Gress retired the last eight batters in-a-row, including striking out all three Tigers in the seventh.

South Carolina returns home to close out the season, first up is Furman Tuesday 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.