Gamecocks stall Seahawks in quest for NCAA Super Regional

COLUMBIA, SC (AP ) — Tyler Johnson held UNC Wilmington’s potent offense to five hits and South Carolina avoided elimination for a third straight game with a 10-1 victory on Sunday, setting up a final regional showdown in the NCAA Tournament’s Columbia Regional.

The Seahawks (41-18) had 22 runs and 27 hits in winning their first two regional games. But Johnson, a sophomore who hadn’t started a game in two seasons, limited them to three singles, a double and a solo homer by Brian Mims.

South Carolina’s attack stayed hot after defeating Rhode Island 23-2 earlier Sunday – its most ever runs scored in NCAA Tournament play. Gene Cone had a three-run double in the second inning as the Gamecocks (45-16) moved in front for good.

Johnson made it stand up. He finished with a career high 11 strikeouts and retired 15 of 16 during one stretch as the Gamecocks built their lead.

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COLUMBIA, SC (UNCW) — South Carolina rode a complete game effort from starter Tyler Johnson and collected six two-out RBI’s to force a second championship game as the Gamecocks beat UNCW, 9-1, on Sunday at Founders Park.

The Gamecocks (45-16), who were upset in their opener by Rhode Island, rallied with wins over Duke and Rhode Island to reach the championship round. The Seahawks (41-18) entered the game with a 2-0 mark in the regional with wins over Duke and Rhode Island.

Johnson (3-2), who was making his first start of the season, struck out a career-high 11 in his first career complete game. He allowed one run on five hits and a walk.

Offensively, Gene Cone set the pace at the top of the order with three hits, including a three-run double in the second inning, TJ Hopkins, Hunter Taylor and DC Arendas each added two hits.

Brian Mims belted his 14th homer of the season to give UNCW a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Gavin Stupienski and Robbie Thorburn each had two hits.

UNCW starter Cory Gantz (4-1) was roughed up for five runs in just 1.1 innings.

Up next: The Seahawks and Gamecocks will play for a second time on Monday with the winner advancing to the Super Regionals. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m.

Home Runs: UNCW – Mims (off Johnson in the first inning, none on, one out)

How it happened: South Carolina jumped on UNCW starter Cory Gantz for five run in the second inning. After retiring the first batter, Gantz walked two and allowed a single to load the bases. Gene Cone cleared the bases with a double to fuel the inning as the Gamecocks took a 5-1 lead.

Inside the box score: The Seahawks managed one hit with two outs and landed their leadoff hitter on base in just two innings … UNCW was 0-for-4 with RISP … Gantz walked three and allowed four hits with runners on base … USC’s Johnson allowed no hits with runners on base and one two-out hit.

Notes: Stupienski pushed his on-base streak to a career-long 35 games with a seventh inning single … Robbie Thorburn extended his team-leading hitting streak to 10 games.