Gamecocks Fall in Game One to No. 4 Tide

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The South Carolina softball team (30-23, 7-15) was unable to hang on to an early lead Thursday night (Apr. 30), as the Gamecocks fell at No. 4 Alabama (45-5, 17-4) 3-2 in the opening game of the series.

Tori Ensley and Karley Shelton both finish the night 2-for-4. The Gamecocks out-hit the Crimson Tide 8-to-5 in the opener.

South Carolina took the early led in the top of the third. Ensley and Shelton connected on back-to-back singles. Arianna Rodi hit a chopper to second base that deflected off the Tide player, allowing Ensley to score. Alabama took the lead in the bottom half of the inning with a two-run home run.

The Gamecocks battled back to tie it in the top of the sixth with two outs. Lexi Winters led off with a double and Tate Davis drew a walk. With a 2-2 count to Alyssa Hovermale, her high chopper to the shortstop resulted in a wild throw to first, allowing pinch runner Ansley Bennett to score.

The Crimson Tide got a leadoff double in the bottom of the sixth and scored on a wild pitch to retake the lead for good.

Jori Heard (11-9) took the loss, allowing three runs on five hits and striking out four. Emma Friedel came on for the final 2-3 of an inning as she struck out two and walked two.

Due to forecasted weather, game two of the series tomorrow (May 1) will now be a 1:30  p.m. ET 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.