Gamecocks Complete Sweep Against UMass Lowell
Opening up as the 23rd-ranked team in the country, South Carolina had high expectations heading into opening day, starting the year with a three-game series against UMass Lowell. Even with a heightened sense of optimism heading into the weekend, the Gamecocks excelled beyond expectations, crushing UMass Lowell in the three-game sweep. South Carolina's dominance is exemplified through the run difference between the two teams, with South Carolina outscoring the Riverhawks 69-5 over their past three contests.
The series' first game was the most dominant offensive showing of the three games. The Gamecocks plastered the Riverhawks' pitching, posting 16 hits and five homers in a 20-3 win. Second Baseman Will McGillis was responsible for two of those homers, with Shortstop Braylen Wimmer, Designated Hitter Carson Horn, and Catcher Cole Messina responsible for the other three. Starting Pitcher Will Sanders made his first start of the season in this game, throwing four innings and allowing two runs and three hits. James Hicks and Austin Williamson were excellent in the bullpen, each throwing two hitless innings. The two were practically untouchable, with Hicks striking out two and Williamson striking out three.
Game two was a continuation of the first game as the Gamecocks defeated the Riverhawks in a 17-1 blowout. McGillis and Wimmer once again shined in a dominant offensive performance. McGillis bashed his second homer of the season and added an RBI single. Wimmer doubled and slammed the Gamecocks' first grand slam of the year. First Baseman Gavin Casas and Outfielder Caleb Denny hit their first homers of the year. Noah Hall started for the Gamecocks and threw an effective five and one-third innings, allowing only one run and striking out four.
South Carolina's late-game scoring efforts highlighted the final game of the series, with all of the Gamecocks' runs coming in the fifth inning or later. Casas and Messina led scoring efforts, each hitting one and two homers, respectively, and combining for seven RBIs. Jack Mahoney dominated through five and two-thirds innings off the mound, allowing zero runs and striking out nine. The Gamecocks closed the series with a 12-1 win.
After a dominant opening series, it is imperative that the Gamecocks remain competitive and don't become complacent before conference play begins. South Carolina has matchups against Winthrop and Queens this upcoming week before starting a series against UPenn.
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