South Carolina drops game two against Rebels

In game two of South Carolina’s first SEC series of the season, tensions were high as the Gamecocks looked to bounce back from losing game one. But the Gamecocks crumbled in the end, losing 12-3.

To start on the mound, Rebels starter Liam Doyle was able to capitalize on South Carolina’s struggling bats early on. In 5.1 innings, Doyle tallied 10 strikeouts, giving up only six hits and three runs to the Gamecocks.

For the Gamecocks, Dylan Eskew made a solid SEC start but stumbled as the game continued. Eskew gave up six hits and four runs in 4.1 innings pitched with three strikeouts. After giving up back-to-back home runs in the fifth, Ty Good replaced Eskew on the mound.

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Good had five strikeouts, giving up just one hit and no runs in 2.1 innings pitched.

“I feel like I did pretty well,” Good said. “My mindset was just coming in and throwing strikes, get some ground balls and I feel like it went well for me”

Replacing Good, Connor McCreery pitched just 0.2 of an inning giving up two runs, one hit and walking three batters. Drake Quinn fell short on the mound for South Carolina in his fourth Gamecock appearance, giving up three hits and three runs in three batters faced.

In his first SEC appearance, Jake McCoy finished the game with one strikeout, two hits and one run surrendered for the Gamecocks

“McCoy came in there and looked really good. Fast ball up to 95 (MPH) and got some outs,” Head coach Mark Kingston said. “Gave up the homer but it was his first time out there in this environment so I think it’s something we can build on.”

South Carolina also lacked the ability to make contact offensively. The bats started cold, as the Gamecocks combined to strike out 15 times during the game.

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By the fourth, the Gamecocks were able to gain some mojo back and get some big hits. There was a glimmer of hope for South Carolina, but Ole Miss answered.

Kennedy Jones was one of the lone Gamecocks who found a way to put the ball in play. Jones went 3-for-4 and hit a two run home run early in the fifth to send the Gamecocks into the lead.

“Honestly the biggest thing is not playing selfish. Coach talks about it all the time, you’re a better player when you’re playing unselfish, when you are playing for the team so that’s the main thing I’ve been thinking about,” Jones said. “It’s been kind of helping me out a little bit, just playing for my team and hitting based off the situation.”

Ethan Petry broke through with a home run in the top of the fourth. In the field, he made multiple running catches in right field to stop Ole Miss from scoring big hits.

It was another tough game for Cole Messina, going 0-for-4 at the plate. Dylan Brewer also went 1-for-5 in the batters box.

Ole Miss made big strides in the fifth to regain the lead. Ethan Groff and Andrew Fischer hit back-to-back home runs, Fischer’s second of the day.

The Rebels found a way to run away with the win in the eighth. Fischer hit another home run, his third of the game, sending Ole Miss into double-digits on the score board.

“It was one of those. Some guys out there that were getting some opportunities and sometimes when it rains it pours,” Kingston said. “We just couldn’t stop them from getting one hit after another there.”

The Gamecocks will play game three at Swayze Field Sun Mar 17. First pitch is scheduled for 2:30p.m.

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