Friedel Strikes Out Nine, Gamecocks Drop Game Two, 2-1

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Emma Friedel limited No. 11 Texas A&M (35-13, 15-5) to two runs Saturday afternoon (Apr. 25), but the South Carolina softball team (28-22, 6-14) fell 2-1 in game two of the series.

Friedel (8-5) tossed a complete game, finishing the day scattering six hits and tying a season-high with nine strikeouts.

The Aggies took the lead in the third on a bases loaded hit by pitch. They added a solo home run in the fourth.

Tori Ensley got that run back in the bottom of the fourth with a solo shot of her own down the left field line. It was her team-leading 11th home run of the season.

The Gamecocks got the tying run on base in each of the final three innings but were unable to move the runner into scoring position.

South Carolina held Texas A&M to two or fewer runs in back-to-back games for the first time this season.

The rubber game of the series on Sunday will be a 1 p.m. first pitch.

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.