Byars Homers but No. 23 Gamecocks Drop Series Finale to No. 3 Texas

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A late-inning rally came up short for No. 23 South Carolina softball (15-9, 0-3) as it dropped the SEC series finale to No. 3 Texas (22-1, 3-0) 5-2 Sunday afternoon (Mar. 8).

Arianna Rodi led Carolina offense going 2-for-3. Kai Byars connected on her second home run of the season for the Gamecocks.

Texas jumped out to an early lead with a two-run home run in the third. They added three more runs in the fourth after a South Carolina error could have ended the inning.

Carolina got on the board in the sixth after loading the bases on singles from Quincee Lilio and Rodi, and a walk to Tate Davis. Texas attempted to throw behind Davis at first, but the ball sailed into the outfield, allowing Lilio to score from third.

With two outs in the seventh, Byars took the second pitch she saw over the wall in right center for her second home run of the season.

Emma Friedel (5-3) started and took the loss in two innings of work. She allowed two runs on three hits and struck out two. Four Carolina relivers combined to not allow an earned run over the final four innings.

The Gamecocks continue their homestand Tuesday when they host Duke at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.

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.