COLUMBIA, S.C. – Gardner-Webb scored four runs in the first two innings to go on to earn a 10-2 win over No. 24 South Carolina on Wednesday evening.
Gardner-Webb (7-2) held the Gamecocks (10-3) to just five base hits on the day, allowing no hits in the final three innings of play.
The Runnin' Bulldogs took the last meeting between the two teams, a 7-6 decision on April 23, 2013 at Keeter Stadium in Shelby, N.C.
GWU got out to a quick lead, plating one run in the top of the first inning on a RBI single by
Mitch McLendon.
Gardner-Webb seized control of the game in the second inning, scoring once on a RBI knock to center field by
Taber Mongero, followed by a two-run single by
Chandler Redmond to take a 4-0 lead over the Gamecocks.
The Runnin' Bulldogs expanded their advantage in the top of the fourth inning.
Justin Kunz brought in on run on a sacrifice fly to deep right field, followed by a RBI single to center field by
Corey Howard and a RBI double to the left field gap by Redmond.
South Carolina responded in the bottom half of the fifth, scoring only two runs of the game on a sacrifice fly by Andrew Eyster, followed by RBI single by Jordan Holladay, setting the score at 7-2.
GWU added insurance runs in the top of the seventh, with
JP McGuire and
Chris Clary scoring on wild pitches and
Ben Rowdon crossing home plate safely on a passed ball.
Gardner-Webb collected 12 base hits throughout the game, paced by Mongero (3-for-4, 2B, RBI) and Redmond (3-for-5, 2B, 3 RBI).
South Carolina had just five base hits on the day, led by Jacob Olson (3-for-4, 2B).
Noah Davis (1-0) hurled an efficient six innings, allowing two unearned runs while scattering five base hits with eight strikeouts to earn the win for the 'Dogs.
Kyle Ruehlman tossed two scoreless frames, allowing no base hits while fanning two batters.
Jarrett Thompson worked the ninth inning, allowing no hits with one strikeout.
Hayden Lehman (0-1) took the loss for the Gamecocks, surrendering three runs on three base hits in 1.2 innings of work. South Carolina used a total of six pitchers on the day.
Gardner-Webb returns to action this weekend at Wofford, opening a three-game series on Friday afternoon at 5:00 pm at Russell C. King Field.
