South Carolina clinches series vs. Tennessee with 7-4 win

The depth of South Carolina’s lineup was on display once again Saturday afternoon as the Gamecocks topped Tennessee 7-4 to take a 2-0 series lead.

The bottom half of USC’s order recorded six of nine hits and had five of six RBIs as Carolina improved to 27-5 overall and 9-2 in the SEC.

The Gamecocks were without leading hitter Alex Destino, and John Jones, who entered second on the team in hitting, went 0-for-5. Still, USC managed seven runs to remain atop the SEC standings.

“One of the things that’s pleasing to me is we’re finding ways to win, and Jones is scuffling a little bit and Destino’s out of the lineup,” Carolina coach Chad Holbrook said. “We’re beating some pretty good teams without those guys clicking right now.”

The eighth-ranked Gamecocks broke a 4-4 tie by scoring two runs in the sixth inning and one in the eighth en route to the victory.

In the sixth inning, Marcus Mooney hit an RBI infield single to give USC a 5-4 lead, then with runners on the corners, got caught in a rundown long enough for TJ Hopkins to score.

“I was just really trying to get in a rundown there so I could get TJ home, because he can flat out run,” Mooney said. “I did it on my own. Coach Holbrook might have had a heart attack, I don’t know.”

Mooney finished 2-for-4 at the plate and played well defensively, combining with second baseman DC Arendas to turn a double play in the second inning that starting pitcher Braden Webb called, “One of the best double plays I’ve ever seen made.”

Carolina added an insurance run in the eighth inning when LT Tolbert was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

The Gamecocks scored four unearned runs in the first inning, all with two outs, as Jonah Bride hit an RBI single, Chris Cullen scored two with a double to right and Hopkins scored Cullen with an infield single. The damage was done after Tennessee left fielder Vincent Jackson dropped a fly ball hit to left by leadoff hitter Gene Cone.

Hopkins finished 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI, while Dom Thompson-Williams also had two hits.

Webb (7-1) earned the win for USC, allowing four runs in 7 1/3 innings. He struck out 10 batters and settled down after the Vols scored three runs in the first two innings.

“I definitely felt stronger as the game went on,” Webb said. “I’ve been pitching that way the last couple of outings. I feel like the more I go out there and the more I see the hitters the better I can make myself be.”

Reed Scott pitched the final 1 2/3 innings to record the save.

THREE POINTS

Star of the game: Mooney: The shortstop made several strong plays defensively and went 2-for-4 at the plate with an RBI. He also manufactured a run by getting in a rundown in the sixth inning.

Play of the game: Mooney and Arendas combined for a 6-4-3 double play with runners on first and second and the top of the order up in the second inning. With one out, Mooney raced to his right and made a sliding stop, then tossed the ball to Arendas, who quickly stepped on the bag and fired on to first to beat Benito Santiago by a half step.

Stat of the game: 5: Five of the seven runs scored by South Carolina were scored with two outs, including all four runs in the first inning.

OBSERVATIONS

Tennessee came out attacking early in the count: The Vols swung at fastballs early in the count in the first couple of innings and had success on Webb, who was unhittable in his last outing against Vanderbilt. Webb eventually did a better job of mixing up his pitches.

Stopping Vols from stealing was a problem: Tennessee went 4-for-5 in stolen base chances and took advantage of Cullen not being accurate with his throws and Webb not always paying close attention to the runners.

Hopkins has provided a spark: The freshman has speed that is beneficial in the outfield and at the plate. Holbrook said he doesn’t know if USC wins either of the first two games of the series without Hopkins.

NEXT

What: South Carolina vs. Tennessee, Game 3

When: 1:30 p.m. Sunday

Where: Founders Park

Probable pitchers: USC – Adam Hill (Fr. RHP); Tennessee – Andy Cox (Sr. LHP)

Watch: SEC Network Plus (Digital)

Radio: 107.5 FM

This story was originally published April 9, 2016 at 7:18 PM with the headline "South Carolina clinches series vs. Tennessee with 7-4 win."