Gamecocks extend winning streak to five with road win over 49ers
The Gamecocks continued their winning ways Wednesday afternoon with a 6-0 road win over Charlotte.
The 49ers entered the game as winners of their last three in the series but proved to be no match for South Carolina and freshman pitcher Julie Sarratt.
Sarratt provided another strong performance, allowing just three hits in six innings of work while recording six strikeouts. The win improves USC to 8-3 in coach Beverly Smith’s inaugural season.
The Gamecocks got to Charlotte pitcher Katy Hackett early when Kaitlin Westfall’s sacrifice fly scored fellow outfielder Jackie Slawson and second baseman Dana Hathorn’s first collegiate double scored outfielder Lauren Lackey, giving them a 2-0 lead in the second. Shortstop Samie Garcia’s leadoff solo shot added one more to USC’s lead and marked her second straight game with a home run. A sacrifice fly from utility player Laura Mendes then extended the lead to 4-0 in the fifth.
The 49ers appeared to be in position for a rally in the second inning when center fielder Whitney Williams attempted to steal second base. Although she was initially called safe, Williams slid past the bag and was tagged out by Hathorn.
Charlotte was on the move again when Sarratt allowed a pair of base runners to get on in the sixth inning. With two outs, however, Sarratt forced 49er shortstop Jalisa Rock to fly out to right field, ending the inning and maintaining the shutout.
Mendes and Westfall each recorded another RBI with singles in the seventh, giving the Gamecocks a secure 6-0 lead.
Outfielder Hannah Milks led the Gamecocks offensively, going 3-4 with two runs. Garcia finished 2-3 with a home run and managed to get on base four different times.
Senior April Borchardt replaced Sarratt in the seventh and closed out the game to preserve the victory.