COLUMBIA, S.C. — Gardner-Webb (3-2) baseball battled early while showing flashes of brilliance on both sides of the ball Wednesday afternoon, but a big middle stretch by South Carolina (4-1) proved too much as the Runnin' Bulldogs fell 12–2 to the Gamecocks at Founders Park.

The Bulldogs struck first in the top of the third inning, capitalizing on patience and timely hitting. After Allan Camarillo was hit by a pitch and Merik Carter worked a walk, Matt Ilgenfritz delivered a clutch two-out single through the left side, driving in both runners to give Gardner-Webb an early 2–0 lead. It marked Ilgenfritz's second multi-RBI hit of the young season and gave the Dawgs early momentum against a formidable SEC opponent.

South Carolina responded with a run in the bottom of the third and took the lead in the fourth, but Gardner-Webb continued to compete, putting runners on base and forcing long at-bats throughout the game. Carter and Ryan Kennell each collected hits and stolen bases, while Zack Thompson and Alex Sanchez added singles as part of the Bulldogs' six-hit effort.

On the mound, Parker Dixon set the tone with a clean opening inning, and Gardner-Webb utilized multiple arms out of the bullpen while working through a challenging lineup.

The Runnin' Bulldogs return to the diamond this weekend, hosting FDU and Dartmouth in a three-team affair that will see a total of six games. Game one begins Friday, February 20 as Gardner-Webb takes on the Knights of Farleigh Dickinson. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.