Gamecocks handle The Citadel in final midweek game
South Carolina had struggled to score runs in its previous two midweek games leading up to Tuesday night’s matchup with The Citadel, but had no such problem with the Bulldogs, earning a 16-4 win at Founders Park.
The 10th-ranked Gamecocks pounded out 16 hits, including a grand slam by senior DC Arendas, in their final regular season home game of the season.
The victory improves USC to 39-13 heading into a three-game series at Alabama, which begins on Thursday.
“I’m proud of DC. Obviously it was his last regular season game here at Founders Park, and for him to hit a grand slam, it was a pretty special night for him,” USC coach Chad Holbrook said. “It was an important win because we certainly wanted to go to Tuscaloosa with some momentum feeling good about ourselves.”
In addition to Arendas, Jonah Bride had a big night at the plate, going 4-for-5 with two doubles and five RBIs. The four hits and five RBIs are both career highs for the sophomore.
Bride, Arendas, Gene Cone and Alex Destino each finished with multiple hits. Ten Gamecocks got hits, including Brandon McIlwain, who recorded his first career hit and RBI with a single to left in the eighth inning.
“He had a big smile out there, and it was good to see him smile,” Holbrook said of McIlwain. “It’s impressive watching that kid take BP. I want him to get some at bats because I haven’t mailed it in that the kid’s not going to help us down the road this season. I came that close to starting him. It’s good to see him get a few at bats.”
John Jones drove in two runs with a single to left in the first inning, but also struck out four times.
South Carolina led 6-1 entering the bottom of the fifth inning before blowing the game open as Arendas hit a grand slam, Destino added an RBI single and Bride drove in two with a double.
“I think that was great for everybody’s morale,” Destino said of the blowout victory. “I had a very sub-par weekend with A&M and I wanted to get back out there and kind of prove myself and get some confidence back.”
The Gamecocks made several defensive changes for the last few innings with reserves Danny Blair, Clark Scolamiero, McIlwain and Hunter Taylor receiving extended playing time.
Colie Bowers, Brandon Murray, Tyler Haswell, Matt Vogel and Vince Fiori saw action on the mound for the Gamecocks, with Murray allowing three runs in 1<AF>2/3 innings but still earning the win. Fiori didn’t allow a hit in the final inning to finish off the game.
THREE POINTS
Star of the game: Bride: The third baseman bounced back from a tough weekend at the plate with the best game of his career, finishing with four hits, including a pair of doubles, and driving in five.
Play of the game: Arendas has had an up-and-down year at the plate, but blasted a grand slam into the bullpen in right field in the fifth inning in his final regular season game at Founders Park.
Stat of the game: 16: There were 16 free passes issued in the game. The Citadel pitchers walked six and hit four batters, while USC pitchers walked six.
OBSERVATIONS
Stokes performs well at 1st base: Making his first start at first base this season, the sophomore committed an early error when he didn’t leave his foot on the base until the ball arrived, but he also made a couple of nice diving stops.
Confidence booster for Gamecocks: South Carolina scored double-digit runs for the second straight game, and has to be feeling good offensively entering a huge series with Alabama.
Jones still struggling: The sophomore drove in two with a single in the first inning, but also struck out four times.
NEXT
What: South Carolina vs. Alabama
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Probable pitchers: USC – Clarke Schmidt (So. RHP); Bama – Geoffrey Bramblett (Jr. RHP)
Watch: SEC Network Plus
Radio: 107.5 FM
This story was originally published May 17, 2016 at 10:52 PM.