The University of South Carolina baseball team lost to Northern Kentucky 3-2 in the final game of their opening weekend series at Founders Park on Saturday. The game remained scoreless until Northern Kentucky scored in the fourth inning, capitalizing on a single and a throwing error.
Reese Moore tied the game for South Carolina with a solo home run in the fifth inning. However, Northern Kentucky responded by scoring two runs in the sixth, which proved decisive.
South Carolina attempted a comeback in the ninth inning. Beau Hollins walked to start, followed by Moore doubling to right field, putting runners on second and third. Luke Yuhasz entered as a pinch hitter and grounded out to bring Hollins home. Walks by Tyler Bak and Dawson Harman loaded the bases, but a strikeout ended the rally and sealed the win for Northern Kentucky.
Moore recorded three of South Carolina’s five hits during the game. Starting pitcher Brandon Stone struck out five batters over four innings, allowing one run on three hits. Alex Valentin pitched 3.2 scoreless innings with six strikeouts, while Cooper Parks took the loss after giving up two runs in 1.1 innings.
Following the game, it was noted that “Moore now has 15 career home runs between Iowa and Carolina.” Additionally, “Valentin was the only Gamecock to pitch twice this weekend, as he earned the save in Friday’s season opener.” The Gamecocks won both games of Friday’s doubleheader and have now secured their season-opening series for 28 consecutive years.
Next, South Carolina will play Wofford at Fifth Third Field in Spartanburg on Tuesday night at 5:30 p.m., with streaming available on ESPN+.
