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After losing a close game in the series opener, the Gamecocks bounced back with a shutout of the Tigers to set up a rubber game on Sunday.
Much like in Friday’s game, South Carolina’s offense waited until halfway through the game to actually show up. Jacob Olson started the fifth inning off with a single, then came home on Carlos Cortes’ RBI triple. LT Tolbert followed with an RBI single to put the Gamecocks up 2-0.
South Carolina broke things open in the sixth inning. With one out, Jonah Bride singled and Matt Williams walked, then Olson walked too to load the bases. Cortes then blasted a grand slam, which was really #fun and #good and put the Gamecocks up 6-0.
The final run of the game came when the ball got past Auburn’s catcher in the ninth inning.
Starter Clarke Schmidt had another solid outing, working eight innings and allowing five hits but no runs. He also walked three batters and struck out 10. Colie Bowers pitched the ninth inning.
With the win, South Carolina improves to 19-7 overall and 6-2 in the SEC, while Auburn drops to 22-7 overall and 6-2 in conference play. They’ll meet for the rubber game on Sunday, with first pitch set for 2 p.m.