COLUMBIA, S.C. – Gardner-Webb played its fifth baseball game of the season against a top-25 foe on Tuesday night, falling at No. 25 South Carolina 12-0 at Founders Park.

South Carolina (10-6) scored runs in each of their six at bats and broke the game open with a four-run fourth inning. That surge came after Gardner-Webb (8-11) left the bases loaded in the top of the fourth.

The Gamecocks, fresh off a series win over top-ranked Texas, got a pair of solo home runs to go up 2-0 early, and pushed the lead to 3-0 with an RBI ground ball in the second. The lead grew to 4-0 after three innings and the Gamecocks loaded the bases with no outs in the fourth.

An two-run single through the left side by Michael Braswell gave the home team a 6-0 lead and Andrew Eyster belted a two-run single to right field before Gardner-Webb could get out of the inning. South Carolina added another run on a sacrifice fly in the fifth and plated three runs in the sixth for the final margin.

Gardner-Webb had five hits in the game, with Jacob Marcos (1-for-3), Alex Ray (1-for-3), Bo Rusher III (1-for-3), Humberto Torres (1-for-3) and Daegan Brady (1-for-3) each reaching safely. Curtis Robison drew a walk in the top of the fourth to reach as well. 

Freshman Jason L'Etoile (0-1) took the loss on the mound, giving up three runs on two hits in 1.0 inning of work. He faced five batters in the game. Gardner-Webb used seven bullpen arms in the game.

South Carolina had 10 hits, with Braswell (2-for-3, 2 RBI) and Kevin Madden (2-for-3, 2 RBI) and Eyster (2-for-4, 2 RBI0 leading the way.

Freshman righty Aidan Hunter (3-2) picked up the win, hurling 4.0 shutout frames with three strikeouts and four hits allowed. Cade Austin and Michael Esposito closed out the game for the Gamecocks.

Gardner-Webb will turn its attention to Big South Conference play next, hosting High Point on Friday night at 6:00. The game will stream live on ESPN+ from Bill Masters Field/John Henry Moss Stadium.