Gamecocks Drop Pitcher’s Duel in Series Finale

COLUMBIA, S.C. – No. 21 South Carolina softball (21-12, 1-5) fell to No. 22 LSU (21-10, 3-6) 2-1 Sunday afternoon (Mar. 22).

The rubber match was a pitcher’s duel, as both sides were limited to two hits on the day.

Jamie Mackay broke through first, blasting a solo home run down the left field line on the first pitch she saw in the bottom of the fifth. It was her fourth home run of the season and has now hit a home run in four of her last seven games.

LSU answered back in the top of the sixth inning after runners reached on an error and a walk. Both scored on a two-out RBI double to claim the lead.

Carolina got the tying run on base when Mackay walked in the bottom of the seventh with two outs, but a strikeout ended the game.

Jori Heard (4-3) threw seven strikeouts in 5 2-3 innings, allowing two runs on just one hit and one walk. She carried a no-hitter into the sixth before giving up the double with two outs.

Carolina wraps up its homestand with the Palmetto Series Presented by the SC Education Lottery Wednesday at 7:30 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.