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South Carolina’s offense was a lot quieter in the second game of the series against Valparaiso than in the first, but they did just enough to earn another victory on Saturday night.
Both teams were scoreless until the fourth inning, when the Gamecocks took a 1-0 lead. Brady Allen reached first on a throwing error to start things off, TJ Hopkins reached on a fielder’s choice and advanced on another error, Jacob Olson singled to load the bases with one out, and Andrew Eyster came through with an RBI double.
The Crusaders tied the game and took the lead in the sixth, thanks to an RBI double by Sam Shaikin and an RBI single from Brent Jones that made it a 2-1 game. That score held until the ninth inning, when Luke Berryhill and Olson hit back-to-back homers that tied the game and then gave USC the walkoff win.
Gamecocks starter Reid Morgan had another terrific outing, working 8.2 innings and allowing seven hits but just two runs. He walked one batter - the first time he gave up a free base this season - and tallied 10 strikeouts. Daniel Lloyd also took the mound in this game and he got the win, making him 1-0. Valpo closer Montana Quigley took the loss and is now 0-1.
South Carolina improves to 12-3, while the Crusaders are now 2-9. The Gamecocks will go for the sweep on Sunday, with first pitch set for noon at Founders Park.