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After last weekend's disappointing series against Georgia, South Carolina really needed to lock this weekend's series against Missouri down. So far, so good.
The Gamecocks got on the board in the first inning, taking a 2-0 lead. Gene Cone led off with a single, extending his hitting streak to 26 games, which ties the school record. Dom Thompson-Williams followed with a double, then Alex Destino came through with a two-run single to bring both runners home. South Carolina got the bases loaded with no outs and could have done more damage, but left them loaded instead.
Another Gamecocks run came in the third inning, after Jonah Bride doubled and then scored on a passed ball, making it 3-0.
The Tigers ended the shutout in the fifth inning, thanks to an RBI single from Jake Ring.
The final two runs of the day came in the seventh inning. Cone singled, DTW got a base hit and then made it to second on an error, and Destino again brought both runners home with a two-run single.
Starter Braden Webb was solid again this afternoon. He worked 5.2 innings and allowed four hits, one run, walked six batters and struck out 10. Reed Scott and Josh Reagan also pitched in this game.
South Carolina appears to rediscovered their offense, and it couldn't have come at a better time. Granted, Mizzou is...not good, but with Florida right behind the Gamecocks in the standings, it's important to get wins against anyone and everyone.
With the victory, South Carolina clinches the series and improves to 32-8 overall and 13-4 in conference play, while Missouri falls to 20-20 overall and 4-13 in the SEC. The Gamecocks will go for the sweep on Sunday, with first pitch set for 1:30 p.m. at Founder's Park. Adam Hill will start on the mound for the home team and Michael Plassmeyer will get the nod for the Tigers.