April 28, 2002
The second game between the teams showcased why the Gamecocks are the second-leading home run hitting team in the conference, as Trey Dyson, Drew Meyer, and Brian Buscher knocked runs out of the park in the first three innings to give USC a 7-0 advantage.
UK junior Scott Wade (3-7) gave up eight hits to the Gamecocks before being pulled after 2 2/3 innings. He was replaced by junior Rob Corrado, who allowed one run on five hits in 2.1 innings of work.
The Cats put six runs across the plate with Spencer Graeter providing the first of the game. After walking to reach base, a hit from sophomore Caleb Stewart advanced him to third, before Gordon Tyler’s sac fly brought in the sophomore.
Kentucky capitalized again in the bottom of the fourth. Gamecock pitcher Steven Bondurant (6-0) allowed back-to-back singles to Robert Newton and Spencer Preston and issued a walk to Mike Ferris, loading the bases for Russ Rutherford. The junior hit the top of left field wall, bouncing over for a grand slam. It was Rutherford’s first career slam and the first for Kentucky since Seth Morris cleared the bases at Tennessee on April 7.
South Carolina extended their 9-5 lead, adding another solo slam from Kevin Melillo in the fifth and two more runs in the sixth frame. The Gamecocks, who came into the weekend the top fielding team in the country, committed two errors in the win.
The Cats used four pitchers from the bullpen to finish the series. UK head coach Keith Madison called upon the services of Corrado, Mark Galvin, Craig Snipp and Jeff Archer. Snipp faced only one batter before injuring his arm and giving way to Archer to close the contest.For the Gamecocks, Trey Dyson went 3-for-4 with four RBIs.
The victory gave South Carolina their 34th victory of the season and 14th in SEC play. With the loss, UK dropped to 14-28 on the year and 3-18 in the conference.
The Cats take a break from conference action on Wednesday, May 1 at Cliff Hagan Stadium, facing the Cincinnati Bearcats at 6 p.m. ET.
USC3060120 - 12 15 2UK0014100 - 6 7 2Win: Evans (1-1)Loss: Wade (3-8)Time: 2:13Attendance: 520
– UK –
