The South Carolina softball team lost 3-2 to No. 4 Alabama in the first game of their series on April 30. The Gamecocks, now holding a record of 30-23 overall and 7-15 in conference play, were unable to maintain an early lead against the Crimson Tide, who improved to 45-5 overall and 17-4 in conference.
The match saw strong performances from Tori Ensley and Karley Shelton, each recording two hits out of four at-bats. Despite out-hitting Alabama eight to five, South Carolina could not convert enough opportunities into runs.
South Carolina scored first in the third inning when Ensley and Shelton hit consecutive singles, followed by Arianna Rodi’s ground ball that allowed Ensley to score after a deflection off an Alabama player. However, Alabama responded with a two-run home run in the bottom half of the inning to take the lead.
The Gamecocks tied it up again in the sixth inning when Lexi Winters doubled and Tate Davis walked. A high chopper from Alyssa Hovermale led to a wild throw that let pinch runner Ansley Bennett score. But Alabama regained control with a leadoff double and subsequent run on a wild pitch during their half of the sixth inning.
Pitcher Jori Heard took her ninth loss of the season after allowing three runs on five hits while striking out four batters. Emma Friedel finished out the game for South Carolina by pitching two-thirds of an inning with two strikeouts and two walks.
Due to weather forecasts, officials have moved game two of the series up; it is now scheduled for May 1 at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
