South Carolina Wallops The Blue Devils In A Historic Regional Victory

South Carolina's Baseball didn't have to sweat too much on Friday night, as they obliterated Central Connecticut State 19-1.

The South Carolina Gamecocks began regional play on Friday night against the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils, a team that had only played four teams all season long that were rated in the Top 50 in RPI. The Blue Devils lackluster strength of schedule showed in Founders park this evening, as South Carolina had their way with Central Connecticut State from start to finish, winning by a score of 19-1.

In the first three innings, it was clear that the Gamecocks were the better team both at the plate and on the mound. South Carolina's collective plate vision was on display from the beginning, as they drew three free passes each via walks and hit-by-pitches. In the third inning, Talmadge LeCroy and Gavin Casas both hit doubles to left field to bring one run home, then later in the inning, with two runners on base, fifth-year senior Will McGillis, who made his return to lineup on Friday, hit a three-run homer to left to give the Gamecocks a 5-run lead. This was then supplanted by an 11-run fourth inning put together by South Carolina, their first inning with 10 or more runs being scored since the NCAA Tournament was expanded by in 1999. Every single Gamecock that started the game reached base and recorded a base hit at some point in the contest.

On the pitching side, starter James Hicks had another impressive outing for the Gamecocks, as he went five innings deep into the game, giving up just one hit against the sixteen batters he faced and recording six strikeouts. Will Sanders also made his return to the mound for his first appearance since his May 5th start against the Kentucky Wildcats, and in one inning of action gave up no base runners and struck out two Blue Devils.

Central Connecticut State would never find an answer at the plate as the Gamecocks were able to use the back end of their bullpen the rest of the way and secure a game one win. They'll be back in Founders Park on Saturday night to take on the NC State Wolfpack in the Winner's bracket, which will start at 6 pm ET on ESPN+.

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