COLUMBIA, S.C. – On Sunday, March 22, the South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 9-4 to win their first Southeastern Conference game of the season.
The Gamecocks’ offense was explosive with 12 hits as a team, which included four home runs. They built up a 5-0 lead before a home run by Nolan Souza put Arkansas on the scoreboard.
South Carolina interim head coach Monte Lee summarized the big moment for his team during a turbulent time for the Gamecocks’ baseball program.
“I’m proud of the players and how they responded after a tough day yesterday,” Lee said. “It was a lot to take in from the beginning to the end. Our guys were so resilient today. They all came out with tremendous attitudes and tremendous energy.”
Jake Randolph with two home runs for the Gamecocks
Jake Randolph hit two home runs for the Gamecocks on Sunday and had three RBIs. He had three hits in the game as a whole.
Lee was impressed by what Randolph did on Sunday.
“He is a tremendous hitter who was waiting for the right opportunities,” Lee said. “He came through in a big way and swung the bat very well.”
Randolph hit three home runs all weekend for the Gamecocks. He also hit a long ball during Friday’s matchup against the Razorbacks.
Tyler Bak’s three-hit game caps off a massive weekend
South Carolina center fielder Tyler Bak had a three-hit game against Arkansas on Sunday.
Two of those hits for Bak were a double and a home run. He finished the game with three RBIs.
During the three games South Carolina played against Arkansas, Bak finished with six hits and four RBIs. Lee talked about the Wofford transfer’s huge weekend.
“He is a special player,” Lee said. “He is starting to figure out how to hit lefties. I am proud to watch him mature and grow in his at-bats.”
Up next for South Carolina
After their win on Sunday against Arkansas, the South Carolina Gamecocks have a 13-12 overall record this season.
Their next game is on Tuesday, March 24, against the North Carolina Tar Heels. That game is a neutral-site matchup at Truist Field in Charlotte, N.C. The first pitch is at 6:30 p.m. EST.
WBN NCAA: https://worldbaseball.com/league/ncaa/
PHOTO: South Carolina catcher Talmadge LeCroy applauds a former teammate before an NCAA baseball game against Miami (OH) on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. South Carolina won 11-4. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
