North Carolina State University Athletics
South Carolina Wins Opener Over Charlotte,15-8
5/30/2008 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
From University South Carolina Athletics Department
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Justin Smoak went 4-for-4 with three RBI and James Darnell and DeAngelo Mack added a pair of three-run homers as South Carolina opened up NCAA Regional play with a 15-8 win over Charlotte on Friday afternoon in Raleigh, N.C. at Doak Field. The Gamecocks advance to the winner's bracket and will meet the winner of today's NC State-James Madison game on Saturday evening at 7 pm. Carolina is now 39-21 on the year with Charlotte falling to 43-15 this season.
The Carolina offense had it going with 18 hits on the afternoon and South Carolina erupted for a 9-0 lead in the first four innings. Smoak's four hits tied a career-high and Parker Bangs also set a career-high with three hits to lead the Gamecocks at the plate. Smoak set the school record as well for total bases as he has 476 in his career with the Garnet & Black. In his first career start, Mack added two hits including a home run, his sixth of the year. Darnell's home run was his 19th of the season and was also his 41st of his career to tie for eighth on the USC All-Time career list. Scott Wingo and Reese Havens added two hits apiece as eight of nine starters recorded at least one hit. The 18-hit total for Carolina is tied for third highest in a game this season for South Carolina.
Starting pitcher Sam Dyson earned the win and is now 8-0 on the year. He lasted 6.2 innings and allowed seven runs on 11 hits. Gamecock junior right-hander Mike Cisco came on in relief and earned his second career save. He allowed just one run on three hits in 2.1 innings of work. Charlotte starter Joe Yermal suffered the loss and is 8-2 on the year. He lasted only 1.1 innings and gave up six runs on five hits and faced only 10 batters.
Full game report here.
