Gamecocks Secure Shutout Victory in Palmetto Series Opener

The No. 10/11 South Carolina Gamecocks softball team (25-6) made a statement tonight, shutting out their in-state rival Clemson (24-10) 6-0 at Carolina Softball Stadium in the first game of the Palmetto Series Presented by the South Carolina Education Lottery. This marks the first time in the history of the rivalry that the Gamecocks have blanked the Tigers.

Making her return from injury, Arianna Rodi wasted no time in making an impact. She blasted a three-run home run to dead center in the bottom of the first, marking her 11th of the season. That blast ties her for sixth place in the program’s single-season home run list and gave the Gamecocks an early 3-0 lead.

South Carolina added another run in the second inning with Karley Shelton driving in an RBI double to left center. Then in the fourth, both Shelton and Rodi went back-to-back to extend the lead. Shelton hit a single to right center, and Rodi followed with a sacrifice fly, bringing her team-leading fourth RBI of the game.

In the circle, Nealy Lamb (6-1) set the tone right from the start, striking out two batters in the opening inning. She finished with five shutout innings, recording four strikeouts, allowing just two hits, and issuing no walks. Sam Gress came on in relief, throwing two innings to seal the combined shutout for the Gamecocks.

At the plate, Quincee Lilio went 3-for-4, helping set the stage for Rodi’s early home run and leading the team with two runs scored.

South Carolina now hits the road for a tough series at No. 3 LSU, starting on Friday, March 28, at 6 p.m.

For more updates on South Carolina Softball, visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow the team on social media: Twitter @GamecockSoftbll, Facebook /GamecockSoftball, and Instagram @GamecockSoftball.