The No. 19 South Carolina softball team secured a 9-1 victory over Charlotte in a five-inning run-rule game on Tuesday night in Columbia, South Carolina. The win brings South Carolina’s record to 10-5, while Charlotte falls to 12-5.
Tori Ensley was the standout performer for the Gamecocks, finishing the game with three hits in as many at-bats. Her performance included two singles and a grand slam, accounting for five runs batted in. “With two outs and a 2-2 count, Ensley connected on her third home run of the season and her first career grand slam. It was also the first grand slam of the season by the Gamecocks, giving them an 8-1 lead,” according to the team.
Quincee Lilio contributed with two hits, an RBI, and two walks. Nia McKnight also had a strong showing at the plate with two hits and an RBI. Lexi Winters drove in two runs during the contest.
South Carolina began their scoring in the second inning when Winters hit an RBI double that brought home Ensley. McKnight followed with another RBI double to extend their lead.
In the third inning, Arianna Rodi walked and Tate Davis singled before Ensley drove in her first run of the night with a single. Davis later scored on an RBI groundout by Winters.
Charlotte managed to score one run in the top of the fourth inning, but South Carolina responded quickly. McKnight singled and stole second base before Lilio singled and Karley Shelton walked to load the bases. Ensley’s grand slam then gave South Carolina a commanding lead.
The Gamecocks enforced the run rule in the fifth inning after Shae Anderson singled and stole second base. Following a walk to McKnight and a wild pitch that advanced runners, Lilio ended the game with a single that scored Anderson.
Emma Friedel started for South Carolina, pitching four innings with five strikeouts while allowing one run on three hits. She improved her season record to 5-1.
South Carolina will next face Winthrop on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
For more information about South Carolina Softball, visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow their social media accounts on Twitter @GamecockSoftbll, Facebook /GamecockSoftball, and Instagram @GamecockSoftball.
