March 1, 2015
COLUMBIA, S.C. – A three-homer night for South Carolina (15-5) led the Gamecocks to an 8-0 (5) win over Tennessee State (3-8) to close out the 2015 Carolina Classic on Sunday afternoon at Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field.
A three-run homer in the first by junior third baseman Jordan Bizzell posted the Gamecocks to the early lead. A two-out single by senior Sarah Mooney and a walk to sophomore first baseman Kaylea Snaer set up the three-run blast.
In the fourth, two two-run round-trippers pushed South Carolina’s lead out to 7-0. Sophomore right fielder Victoria Williams had the first after senior catcher Olivia Lawrence was hit by a pitch to start the frame. Redshirt senior Julie Sarratt followed with a solid single to left, while junior left fielder Alaynie Page had the next shot, crushing the 1-0 pitch the center field wall. Page drove in the game-winner in the fifth with a two-out double to center, scoring freshman Caroline Cash after she reached on an error with two down.
Sarratt (7-3) tossed a two-hit shutout, not walking a single Tiger batter. Savannah Womack (0-2) picked up the loss, working three innings and allowing five runs, four earned, on four hits and three walks.
Game Changer:
The Gamecocks responded after a line-out double play started their half of the fourth, getting a hit, a walk then the Bizzell home run.
Key Stat:
Sarratt’s defense played great behind her, with Sarratt getting 10 ground ball outs in the contest.
Notables:
• Page went 2-for-2 with a walk, a homer and a double and three RBI.
• Bizzell also walked in her 1-for-2 day.
• Snaer walked twice.
• TSU’s Kailey Richard and Lauren Dreitlein had the Tiger hits.
Up Next:
South Carolina continues the home stand on Tuesday night, welcoming Charlotte into town for Tuesday’s single game.
