Hovermale’s Two-Run Single Leads No. 23 Gamecocks Over No. 12 Bulldogs

STARKVILLE, Miss. – Alyssa Hovermale’s two-run single in the sixth gave No. 23 South Carolina (22-13, 2-5) a 2-0 win over No. 12 Mississippi State (30-7, 2-5) in game one of their series Saturday afternoon (Mar. 28).

Quincee Lilio and Jamie Mackay both had two hits on the day for the Gamecocks.

Carolina pitchers combined to scatter six hits while striking out seven and walking one. None of MSU’s six hits went for extra bases. Emma Friedel started and tossed 2 2-3 innings on four hits and striking out four. Jori Heard (5-3) earned the win with 4 1-3 innings of relief, striking out three and allowing two hits.

South Carolina got the leadoff batter on in the first two innings but were unable to move the runner. Batters reached in the third and fourth, before a double by Lilio with two outs in the fifth put a runner in scoring position.

The Gamecocks broke through in the sixth. Ensley doubled to lead off the inning. One out later Jamie Mackay singled off a diving shortstop’s glove to put runners on the corners. A stolen base and a fielder’s choice loaded the bases. With two outs and down to her final strike, Hovermale delivered with a single to shallow right, scoring Ensley and pinch runner Nia McKnight.

Heard retired the Bulldogs in order in the sixth and the seventh to secure the win.

Game two of the series will be Sunday at 7 p.m. ET 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.