South Carolina shuts out Gardner-Webb in final game ahead of SEC play

In one week’s time, South Carolina’s baseball team feels better about itself as the team heads into the first SEC series on the road this weekend at Tennessee.

The Gamecocks used an effective, if not methodical, approach in winning its third straight game, this one a 12-0 drubbing of Gardner-Webb on Tuesday night at Founders Park. The game was called after seven innings because of a 10-run rule the teams had agreed upon.

The win comes on the heels of a doubleheader sweep of then-No. 1 Texas on Sunday. USC (10-6) takes a three-game winning streak into Knoxville.

“I thought that was a very good game for us,” USC coach Mark Kingston said. “We wanted to be good in all areas of the game and we were. Pitching was dominant, hitting did their job and the defense was flawless. A good, complete game we needed to build on the momentum of Sunday.”

Just days ago, the Gamecocks were riding a five-game losing streak heading into the twinbill against the Longhorns on Sunday. That included a 15-7 midweek loss to a then 3-9 Xavier team last Tuesday night.

But the three most recent wins by a combined score of 25-6 have South Carolina in a better position ahead of SEC play.

“We went through a tough stretch,” freshman Michael Braswell said. “We lost (five) straight games and lost some games we thought we could pull out. I think this is something we can build on. It’s a long season left, and I believe that is the start of a nice long run that could lead to good things for us.”

Aiden Hunter made his first career start on the mound and improved to 3-2 with four solid innings of work. He scattered four hits over four innings with three strikeouts and one walk on 47 pitches.

South Carolina scored in each of the first six innings. It took all of one pitch to get on the board as Brandt Belk delivered the first pitch he saw into the leftfield bullpen, and the route was on. Kevin Madden hit his third home run of the season to lead off the second inning before Elijah Lambros added an RBI single for a 3-0 lead in the second.

Belk, Braswell, Andrew Eyster and Madden — four of the team’s top five hitters — each collected two RBIs apiece. Elijah Lambros, the No. 9 hitter, led the way with three RBIs as Mark Kingston was able to empty his bench late in the game.

The two home runs were solo shots, so Kingston was happy to see the offensive production up and down the lineup.

“For the most part, we do a much better job of putting the ball in play right now. We only struck out three times. What that does is gets you another run here, another run there with a ground ball,” Kingston said. “That’s the kind of offense we are.”

Gardner-Webb (8-11) used a total of eight pitchers. Offensively, the Running Bulldogs couldn’t scratch against the trio of Hunter, Cade Austin and Michael Esposito. The two USC relievers combined to pitch three innings and allowed just one hit with five strikeouts.

“We challenge those guys. When you get your opportunity, step up,” Kingston said.

SOUTH CAROLINA VS TENNESSEE BASEBALL SERIES

Friday: at Tennessee, 6:30 p.m. (SEC Network Plus)

Saturday: at Tennessee, Noon (SEC Network)

Sunday: at Tennessee, 1 p.m. (SEC Network Plus)

This story was originally published March 15, 2022 at 9:38 PM.