The South Carolina Gamecocks got their third Southeastern Conference win of the season against the Ole Miss Rebels as they defeated them 3-2 at Founders Park Thursday night. The big story from the game was Brandon Stone throwing a complete game to get a much-needed win for his team.
Despite giving up six hits and striking out only two Ole Miss batters, Stone was able to force weak contact that led to 15 ground outs. In the nine innings he threw, he finished the game in 86 pitches, showing efficiency.
This was a surprise for South Carolina, as in his past three starts against Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi State, Stone did not go further than 3 1/3 innings.
Prior to his big night against Ole Miss, the furthest he had gone in a game this season was 5 2/3 innings against Morehead State back on March 7.
“He [Stone] was in complete command…He completely dominated the game today and gave his team a chance,” South Carolina head coach Paul Mainieri said following the game.
Stone also chimed in and spoke about his outing to the media after the game.
“I felt pretty good from the beginning. In the bullpen with Coach Rooney this week, we worked on getting the ball down again. I just kept it down and they [Ole Miss] kept getting themselves out,” Stone said.
The sophomore from Shawnee Mission, Kan., put together his best start of the season when the Gamecocks were in desperate need of a win. Now, they are in a position to knock off a top 25 team in Ole Miss to get a crucial series win to help build back up towards an NCAA Tournament level resume.
Up Next – Game two of this weekend series between South Carolina and Ole Miss will take place on Friday, April 18, at Founders Park in Columbia. The first pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. EDT.
Photo: When visitors enter Founders Park, they’re immediately greeted by South Carolina’s National Championship trophies from 2010 and 2011. (Photo: Alfred Ezman/World Baseball Network)
