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South Carolina’s offense was fairly quiet again on Friday night, but they did just enough to eke out a win against Tennessee and set up a rubber game on Saturday afternoon.
The Volunteers got on the board first, going up 1-0 in the third inning on a single by Connor Pavolony. UT’s other run of the game came in the next inning, courtesy of a solo shot by Luc Lipcius that made it 2-0. The only scoring from the Gamecocks happened in the fifth, when Colin Burgess and Jeff Heinrich both singled, then Brady Allen came through with a one-out homer.
USC starter Brett Kerry had a great outing, working seven innings and giving up seven hits but just two runs, issuing no walks, and striking out eight batters. He earned the win and improves to 5-1. Vols reliever Camden Sewell took the loss and is now 3-1. Julian Bosnic also took the mound in this game and got the save, his fourth. Josiah Sightler led the Cocks at the plate with two hits, while Allen recorded three RBI. Carolina was also solid defensively, with David Mendham and Jeff Heinrich both making great plays in the field.
The Gamecocks are now 33-19 overall and 16-13 in conference play, while Tennessee is 41-14 overall and 19-10 in the SEC. South Carolina will go for the series win and close out the regular season on Saturday, with first pitch scheduled for noon at Founders Park. Thomas Farr will start on the mound for the home team.