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The Gamecocks got behind early against Charleston Southern, as the Buccaneers took the lead in the first inning. After getting two quick outs, South Carolina starter Tyler Haswell gave up a home run to Andrew Widell, and Sam Remick later contributed a double to make it 2-0.
The Gamecocks got on the board - and took the lead - in the third inning. After Gene Cone, who has now hit safely in every game this season, and Elliott Caldwell knocked back-to-back singles, Kyle Martin came through with an RBI base hit to make it 2-1. With one out, Max Schrock finally had success at the plate, coming through with a 2-RBI single that put South Carolina on top.
The Buccaneers answered in the next inning, tying the game with an RBI single from Chris Singleton. They took back the lead in the sixth inning, when Gamecocks reliever John Parke walked in a run.
Two innings later, South Carolina tied the game, then exploded for five more runs. DC Arendas led off and was hit by a pitch, advanced on a Logan Koch sac bunt, and came home thanks to an RBI single from Marcus Mooney. Cone followed with a single, Caldwell walked and Martin got hit, which forced in a run. With the bases still full of Gamecocks, Freshman Alex Destino belted a grand slam to put the home team up 9-4.
South Carolina hit double digits in the eighth inning, as Martin tacked on the final run with an RBI single.
Haswell's first collegiate start probably didn't go quite the way he imagined it would, but given that it was his first start, it was not bad. He also rebounded well after a shaky first inning, which was encouraging to see. In addition to Haswell, Reed Scott, Parke, Canaan Cropper and Vince Fiori pitched for the Gamecocks in this game.
Cone continues to be the brightest spot in the lineup, and tonight he even laid down a bunt that worked. The much maligned Schrock had three hits, and hopefully that's indicative of better days to come for him. Martin was also better than he was during the Clemson series, which, again, is hopefully a good sign.
South Carolina improves to 8-3, while Charleston Southern drops to 5-4.he Gamecocks will be back in action on Wednesday, when they host High Point. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST.