COLUMBIA, S.C. – Senior Matt Vernon and junior Chandler Seagle both hit home runs on the night, however it wouldn't be enough for Appalachian State University baseball to topple fifth-ranked South Carolina on Tuesday at Founders Park.
The Mountaineers (4-4) kept the score close for most of the game, but the Gamecocks (6-3) just had more players on base to bring around, having six players get hits – three getting two or more.
The day started off with South Carolina getting a two-out three-run home run in the bottom of the second to go up 3-0. The Mountaineers responded, however, in the next top-half when Vernon hit a bomb to left field, bringing around Calev Grubbs and Jason Curtis, who reached on single to left field and walk, respectively.Â
Seagle also had a good day at bat as he responded to two runs from the Gamecocks in the fifth with a high solo jack to left center – the second of his career. He finished 2-4 on the day.
The game got away from the Mountaineers in the seventh and eighth innings when USC put up three runs to extend the lead from 5-4 to 8-4 quickly.
On the mound for Appalachian to start the game was sophomore lefty Bobby Hampton. Hampton went 4.1 innings and allowed six hits and five runs, four of which were earned, in 21 batters faced. Tristan Helms came in for relief in the fifth, not allowing a hit over the next four batters.
Getting the lone strikeout of the game for App State was Seth Hardin, who also made a relief appearance in the sixth inning.
The Mountaineers will next travel to Greenville, N.C. where they will take part in the LeClair Classic tournament. App State will play St. John's, Western Carolina and host-team East Carolina on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
