South Carolina at Vanderbilt game 3 recap: Gamecocks rally to beat Commodores 6-5, avoid sweep

One day after getting no-hit and having just one (1) base runner, South Carolina bounced back with a win over Vanderbilt in the third game of the series, avoiding a sweep and ending the losing streak after six games.

The Commodores took an early lead, going up 3-0 in the first inning, when Enrique Bradfield Jr. scored on a fielder’s choice and CJ Rodriguez hit a two-run homer. Vandy added another run in the third inning on a Rodriguez single that made the score 4-0.

The Gamecocks broke the shutout in the top of the fourth inning, when Brady Allen and Braylen Wimmer hit back-to-back solo shots to make it a 4-2 game. The Dores got one of those runs back in the bottom of the inning courtesy of a Jayson Gonzalez RBI triple that put them up 5-2.

Then it was USC’s turn to score again, as they pulled within one run in the top of the fifth. Brennan Milone singled to lead off, then Colin Burgess and George Callil walked to load the bases with no outs. Allen hit into a double play but Milone was able to come home, then Wimmer came through with an RBI base hit to make the score 5-4. The Cocks rallied again in the eighth inning, taking their first lead of the game and the series. Allen doubled to start things off, Wimmer singled, and Josiah Sightler got hit to again load the bases. Wes Clarke and Andrew Eyster then each contributed a sac fly, tying the game and then putting South Carolina on top.

Gamecocks starter Julian Bosnic worked 3.1 innings and gave up four hits and five runs, walked two batters and struck six out. Brett Kerry went the rest of the way and did a tremendous job, giving up just three hits, allowing no runs, tallying no walks, and striking out 10 batters. He earned the win and improves to 2-0. Vanderbilt reliever Nick Maldonado took the loss and is now 0-1. Allen and Wimmer led USC at the plate with three hits each, and Wimmer also had two RBI.

The Gamecocks are now 12-6 overall and 1-2 in the SEC, while the Commodores are 15-3 overall and 2-1 in conference play. South Carolina will be back in action on Tuesday, when they host The Citadel. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. at Founders Park.