COLUMBIA, S.C. — The sixth-ranked South Carolina baseball team scored five runs in the first two innings and used solid pitching to defeat No. 3 Florida, 5-2, and clinch the series against the Gators Friday night at Founders Park.
Cole Messina belted a two-run home run in the first and Ethan Petry had a three-run home run in the second to account for all of Carolina’s scoring.
Jack Mahoney picked up the win, allowing five hits and two runs with three strikeouts and three walks in five innings of work. Eli Jones was big out of the bullpen, striking out four in three-plus scoreless innings. Chris Veach picked up his third save of the season, striking out a pair of batters in the ninth.
Carson Hornung had two of Carolina’s six hits on the night, while Braylen Wimmer scored a pair of runs.
All five of South Carolina’s runs were scored with two outs.
The Gamecocks will go for the sweep Saturday as game three of the series is set for 2:00 p.m.