South Carolina vs. Missouri Game 3 Recap: Gamecocks Top Tigers 1-0, Win Series

The Gamecocks really needed a win against Missouri on Sunday, and after eight snoozeworthy innings, they finally got it with one swing of the bat.

The Tigers threatened early, but a strong throw from Carlos Cortes to Hunter Taylor at the plate ended the first inning without allowing Mizzou to score. From there, both teams mustered just a handful of runners from the second through eighth innings. The Tigers did get two on in the top of the ninth, but South Carolina again managed to escape unscathed. To start the bottom of the ninth, Carlos Cortes promptly belted a solo homer to give the Gamecocks the walkoff win.

Cortes’ bomb was clearly the difference in this game, but Taylor and starting pitcher Cody Morris were also key to the win. Morris had a rocky start to the game but settled down from there, working seven innings (a new career high) and giving up just three hits and no runs. He walked four batters and struck out 10, tying a career high. Eddy Demurias went the rest of the way for USC and earned the win, making him 5-0 on the season.

With the win, South Carolina improves to 30-21 overall and 15-12 in the SEC, while Missouri is now 31-20 overall and 10-17 in conference play. The Gamecocks will be back in action on Tuesday for the final midweek game of the season, against USC Upstate. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Founders Park.