Heath’s Home Run Powers Gamecocks Past No. 11 Aggies

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Natalie Heath’s three-run home run in the bottom of the second lifted the South Carolina softball team (28-21, 6-13) to a series-opening win over No. 11 Texas A&M (34-13, 14-5) 3-1 on Senior Night.

Prior to the game, Carolina recognized its eight seniors, Josey Marron, Sage Scarmardo, Lexi Winters, Arianna Rodi, Jamie Mackay, Natalie Heath, Jori Heard, and Quincee Lilio.

Heard (11-8) held the Aggies to just one run in her fifth complete game of the year. She earned the win giving up seven hits on five strikeouts. Winters led the offense, going 2-2 on the night and Heath drove in all three runs.

Gamecocks put two on the bottom of the second after Tori Ensley singled and Kai Byars drew a walk, setting up Heath. On a 1-0 count, she connected on her first home run of the season, 229 feet into the net in left center. The three-run shot to left gave Carolina the early lead.

The Aggies got on the board in the sixth with a solo home run. Heard and the Gamecocks held off TAMU in the final inning after it loaded the bases with one out. Heard earned her fifth and final strikeout of the night to end the game.

The Gamecocks continue the series against the Aggies Saturday. First pitch is set for 1 p.m., and the game will be streamed on 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.