No. 25 Gamecocks Drop Series Opener to No. 7 Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The No. 25 South Carolina softball (22-16, 2-8) dropped the opening game of its SEC series Thursday night (Apr. 2) at No. 7 Tennessee (31-5, 8-5) 3-1.

Nealy Lamb (4-6) started for Carolina and suffered the loss after striking out four and allowing two runs on four hits in four innings of work.

The Gamecocks had a scoring opportunity in the top of the first as Lilio was hit by a pitch to lead off the game. After a sacrifice bunt and an infield single, the Gamecocks sent the runner on a single by Jamie Mackay, but the runner was out on a play at the plate.

In the third with one out, Lilio drew a walk and Karley Shelton followed with a single. A walk to Tori Ensley loaded the bases for Arianna Rodi. She would also draw a walk, this time bring home a run.

Tennessee gained the lead in the bottom of the fourth on back-to-back solo home runs with one out. They would tack on another run in the sixth on another solo home run with one out.

Game two of the series will be Friday night with first pitch set for 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.