:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49246235/Dugout_vs_App_State.0.0.jpg)
After losing an SEC series for the first time this season over the weekend, the Gamecocks got back in the win column on Tuesday night by beating the visiting Chanticleers in an in-state showdown.
South Carolina got on the board in the first inning, taking a 2-0 lead. LT Tolbert singled with one out, John Jones walked, and Dom Thompson-Williams knocked a base hit to bring Tolbert home. Jonah Bride followed with an RBI groundout to get the second run on the board.
Both teams were quiet offensively in the second and third innings, but the Gamecocks tacked on another run in the fourth. Bride led off with a walk, and with one out, TJ Hopkins got him home with a sac fly, making the score 3-0.
Coastal ended the shutout in the fifth inning, scoring a run on a Marcus Mooney throwing error. The Chanticleers pulled within one run in the next inning, thanks to a two-out RBI single from Connor Owings.
South Carolina added some insurance in the seventh inning, scoring the final run of the night when Mooney singled with one out and later came home on a wild pitch.
While the offense wasn't exactly exciting tonight, they got the job done. Gene Cone also extended his hitting streak to 16 games, while DC Arendas, who struggled at the plate early in the season, stayed hot with two hits.
After some rough defense this past weekend in Nashville, the Gamecocks were great in the field tonight. Mooney, Arendas, and Bride all made impressive plays that were even more important given how close the game was.
As far as pitching, starter Taylor Widener also had a really nice outing tonight. After struggling a bit in previous appearances, he seemed to have everything working tonight. Widener worked into the sixth inning and allowed just five hits and no runs. Reed Scott, Brandon Murray, and Josh Reagan also took the mound tonight. Widener got the win and is now 1-1 on the season, while Reagan earned the save, his eighth this year.
With the win, South Carolina improves to 25-5 overall, while Coastal Carolina drops to 20-10. The Gamecocks will be back in action on Friday, when Tennessee comes to town for a weekend series. First pitch on Friday is set for 7 p.m. at Founder's Park.