:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53652527/5146097.0.jpg)
The Gamecocks never trailed against the Spartans on Saturday, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Jacob Olson walked with one out, then Matt Williams followed with a base hit. With two outs, Alex Destino came through with a base hit to bring both runners home.
Michigan State got one of the runs back in the second inning courtesy of an Alex Troup solo shot.
That score held until the fifth inning, when South Carolina added some insurance runs. Williams started things off with a homer of his own that made it 3-1, then Chris Cullen walked and so did Destino. With one out, LT Tolbert knocked a two-run double to bring both Cullen and Destino in.
The Spartans’ final run of the game came in the eighth inning on a groundout by Marty Bechina.
Starting pitcher Wil Crowe had a strong outing, working 6 2⁄3 innings and allowing just three hits and one run. He walked three batters and struck out nine. Crowe was replaced in the seventh inning by Josh Reagan, who pitched the remainder of the game.
With the win, South Carolina improves to 11-5, while Michigan State drops to 9-4. The Gamecocks will go for the sweep on Sunday, with first pitch set for 1:30 p.m. at Founders Park. Adam Hill will start on the mound for the home team.