South Carolina Falls in Finale at No. 9/9 Alabama 5-2
March 26, 2017
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – South Carolina (21-12, 2-7 SEC) fell a little short of a series win, as No. 9/9 Alabama collected the 5-2 victory in the series’ final game on Sunday afternoon at Rhoads Stadium.
The Crimson Tide took the lead in the fourth after loading the bases with one out. Reagan Dykes drew the walk to force home the tying run, and the third Tide run scored on Demi Turner’s fielder’s choice. Gabby Callaway doubled home Alabama’s fourth run two innings later, and the fifth came on a wild pitch.
South Carolina scored first for the third straight game, getting back-to-back doubles from senior Kaylea Snaer and freshman Mackenzie Boesel. Snaer scored junior Jordyn Augustus after she opened the inning with an infield single.
Alabama got a run back in the bottom of the third when a Gamecock error allowed Callaway to score from third. She started the frame with a single.
Crimson Tide starter Sydney Littlejohn (11-1) picked up the win, going the distance while allowing two earned runs on six hits. She struck out five. Gamecock senior Jessica Elliott (8-6) took the loss, allowing two earned runs on three hits and a walk in 1.1 innings of work.
Game Changer
The fourth inning changed the game, as Alabama collected three straight singles with one out to load the bases and put the pressure on South Carolina.
Key Stat
Callaway went 3-for-3 with a double, a run and an RBI.
NOTABLES
Boesel ranked as the only Gamecock with multiple hits, posting a RBI double as part of her 2-for-3 outing.
The Gamecocks, after walking eight times in game one, did not draw a free pass in the game-two loss.
Mari Cranek went 2-for-3 with a run, while Sydney Booker scored twice in a 1-for-2 day for Alabama.
Turner had an RBI, a sacrifice bunt and a stolen base as part of her 1-for-3 game.
Gamecock senior Nickie Blue pitched the first 2.2 innings, only giving up one unearned run. She was helped by two double plays that ended the first and the second, the first game this year that the Gamecocks recorded two twin killings.
Up Next
The Gamecocks return home to Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field for their next five games, starting with Tuesday’s 6 p.m. contest against Furman.
