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With a big crowd at Founders Park, South Carolina kicked off the Columbia Regional with an exciting come-from-behind win over Virginia to advance in the winner’s bracket.
The Gamecocks got on the board first, taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning on a two-out solo shot by Wes Clarke. The Cavaliers ended the shutout in the third, tying the game then taking a 2-1 lead on a pair of homers by Jake and Zack Gelof. UVA added their final run of the game in the next inning on an RBI single from Zack Gelof.
Then it was USC’s turn to tie and retake the lead, all of which happened in the sixth inning. George Callil walked to start things off, then Clarke doubled with two outs. Josiah Sightler followed with a two-run ground rule double that made the score 3-3, then Brennan Milone walked and Colin Burgess came through with an RBI single that brought in the final run of the game.
The only real downside to this game was starter Brett Kerry having to leave in the third inning because he was dealing with some kind of injury or discomfort. Julian Bosnic took over for him, and he and Daniel Lloyd combined to go the rest of the way. In 2.1 innings, Kerry gave up three hits, two runs, walked one batter, and struck one out. Bosnice and Lloyd together allowed four hits, one run, walked two batters, and struck six out. Bosnic got the win and is now 4-2, while Lloyd earned the save, his second. Cavaliers starter Andrew Abbott took the loss and is now 8-6. Clarke led the Cocks at the plate with two hits, and Sightler tallied two RBI.
Carolina improves to 34-21 overall, while Virginia is now 29-24. The Gamecocks will now await the winner of tonight’s game between Jacksonville and Old Dominion; they’ll play that team Saturday night at 7 p.m.