The 15th ranked South Carolina Gamecocks Baseball team rallied from an early four-run deficit to defeat the ninth ranked Clemson Tigers 7-5 on Saturday afternoon at Fluor Field in Greenville, S.C. to win Game 2.
The Gamecocks saved their best for late in the game. Three two-out RBI hits from Whit Merrifield, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Kyle Enders were part of a three-run ninth inning as Carolina improves to 6-3 on the year while the loss drops Clemson to 8-1 for the season.
Gamecock reliever Matt Price earned the win after an inning of relief with two strikeouts and a run allowed. He is 1-0 on the year. Clemson reliever Tomas Cruz suffered the loss after he worked 1.2 innings and allowed one run on one hit with a strikeout and walk. He is 1-1 for the season. Roth earned a save with the final out recorded in the ninth inning.
South Carolina finished with a 9-8 advantage in hits. Bradley, LOHD Game 2 MVP, was 3-for-4 with two runs and four RBI. Merrifield went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI and also extended his hitting streak that began last season to 23 games, two short of the school record.
With these two teams splitting the first two games of the series, it sets the stage for the “rubber game” on Sunday afternoon at Carolina Stadium with first pitch at 2 p.m.
As a witness to this game, it was truly awesome. From the crowd of 7100+, to the energy and lastly to a great venue. The game and its’ outcome were special. I hope they do the “Reedy River Rivalry” for many years to come. But before that, the Gamecocks need to get win number 3 on Sunday. Go Cocks!
Fitting Video for the Rubber Game –
