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It took fewer than 100 pitches for Brett Kerry to throw a complete game shutout in his first start in two years, as his arm and another good offensive performance by the Gamecocks propelled South Carolina to a second-straight win over Kentucky, locking up a series victory.
USC got out to another early lead, going up 1-0 in the first inning when Braylen Wimmer belted a solo shot with one out. The Cocks doubled their run total in the fifth, when Andrew Eyster and Wes Clarke both walked with one out and Josiah Sightler got hit by a pitch to load the bases. David Mendham then grounded out to make the score 2-0.
Carolina broke things open in the next inning. Brennan Milone knocked a base hit to start things off, Colin Burgess singled, and Brady Allen walked to load the bases again. Eyster then blasted a grand slam to give the Gamecocks a 6-0 lead. Another run came in the eighth inning, when Burgess and George Callil both walked and Eyster came through again with an RBI single to make it a 7-0 game. The game’s final two runs were scored in the ninth, after Joe Satterfield got hit by a pitch and Braylen Wimmer then went yard.
Kerry was masterful on the mound, allowing just four hits, not walking any batters, and striking 10 out. He’s now 4-1 on the season. Wildcats starter Sean Harney took the loss and is now 3-1. Eyster led USC at the plate with three hits and five RBI.
The Gamecocks are now 30-18 overall and 14-12 in conference play, while Kentucky is 27-19 overall and 11-15 in the SEC. Carolina will go for the sweep on Sunday, with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m. in Lexington.