South Carolina Stuns No. 1 LSU with Dramatic Win

South Carolina Stuns No. 1 LSU with Dramatic Win

Columbia, South Carolina – The University of South Carolina baseball team pulled off a stunning upset on May 15, defeating the top-ranked LSU Tigers 6-5 at Ray Tanner Field at Founders Park. The game ended dramatically in the ninth inning as pinch runner Dalton Mashore scored the winning run on a wild pitch, marking a thrilling conclusion to the contest.

Game Recap

LSU entered the ninth inning with a 5-4 lead, but the Gamecocks staged a remarkable comeback. KJ Scobey ignited the rally with a solo home run, which tied the game at 5-5. Following his pivotal hit, Jase Woita stepped up as a pinch hitter and delivered a triple to left field, setting the stage for the Gamecocks. A hit-by-pitch placed Blake Jackson on base, and LSU responded by intentionally walking Henry Kaczmar to load the bases.

As the tension mounted, Nathan Hall hit a ball caught by LSU’s first baseman Jared Jones for the second out, raising the stakes for South Carolina. With Cayden Gaskin at the plate, an errant pitch from the LSU pitcher ultimately allowed Mashore to race home, clinching the victory for the Gamecocks.

Inning Breakdown

The game began with LSU taking an early lead thanks to Daniel Dickerson’s two-run home run in the first inning. South Carolina fought back in the bottom of the second with a sacrifice fly from Scobey, bringing the score to 2-1. LSU answered again with another run in the fifth inning, extending their lead to 3-1.

In a shift of momentum, South Carolina tied the game at 3-3 with an RBI triple from Kaczmar, followed by another sacrifice fly from Kennedy Jones. However, LSU reclaimed the lead in the eighth inning, scoring two runs to go up 5-3. The Gamecocks responded in the bottom of the eighth with an RBI single from Jones, narrowing the gap to 5-4 and setting the stage for the dramatic final inning.

Pitching Performances

The pitching matchup featured South Carolina’s Ashton Crowther, who pitched 4.1 innings and allowed three runs on five hits while striking out four batters. Brandon Stone followed, pitching another 4.1 innings, giving up two runs on six hits and also striking out four batters. Matthew Becker was credited with the win in relief, securing the final out of the ninth inning.

Player Highlights

KJ Scobey and Henry Kaczmar each had two hits in the game, with Scobey and Kennedy Jones contributing two RBIs apiece. The Gamecocks showcased a powerful offensive strategy, recording three triples throughout the match.

Upcoming Games

Following the excitement of this victory, South Carolina’s baseball team is set to face LSU again on Friday, May 16, at 7 p.m. ET. The matchup will also include senior recognition ceremonies before the game.

The Gamecocks’ victory over the top-ranked team highlights their resilience and talent on the field, as they continue to build momentum in their season.