The University of South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the University of Kentucky Wildcats in Game 1 of the 3 game series by the score of 13-9 on Friday at Cliff Hagan Stadium.
The game had lots of back and forths, mixed in with sloppy play but as you know a “win is a win.” Both teams finished with 14 hits in the game with Walker’s 4-for-6 day at the plate leading the way for Carolina. Walker had 3 doubles in the game, tying a school record while Bradley Jr. had 2 doubles of his own to aid the Gamecocks come from behind win.
Crucial inning was the 6th as far as SC offense is concerned as the ‘Cocks entered down by 3 runs yet scored 5 to shift the scoreboard in their favor 9-7. From their it took a cruical defensive stop in the 8th to stop a bases loaded, no outs, UK threat. SC got UK to hit into a double play while holding the runner on 3rd base thus the serious threat yielded only 1 run and victory was within reach for USC going to the ninth.
Blake Cooper earned the win after 5.2 innings allowing 3 earned runs, 3 strikeouts and 3 walks. Freshman right-hander Matt Price picked up his 5 save of the year with 1.1 scoreless innings of relief with 3 K’s.
USC has a lot to owe to UK for their mistakes in the field with several booted balls to mis-played OF flys. But again it is a win for Carolina at the end.
The Gamecocks now sit at 36-9 and 17-5 in the SEC while remaining ahead of UF as they also won versus ‘Bama last night. Game 2 of the UK series is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday night and will be televised on FS South.
Link – Box Score
