Gamecocks jump on Vols early to secure win in series opener

South Carolina struck for three runs in the first inning and did not let Tennessee off the mat for the duration of the game, eventually winning the series opener 6-1.

Tennessee starter Garrett Crochet gave up the three unearned runs in the first after a failed pickoff attempt which would have ended the inning after three hitters. Crochet pitched 4.2 innings, giving up six runs — three earned — and seven hits.

Tennessee’s offense was unable to get anything against South Carolina starting pitcher Adam Hill, who not only held the Vols scoreless, but also did not surrender a hit in his five innings of work. UT’s offense didn’t fare too well against the rest of the Gamecocks’ pitching staff either, ending the game with just one run on two hits.

The loss was Tennessee’s seventh straight in Columbia, dating back to 2012.

Tennessee will try to even the series when the teams square off again at 7 p.m. on Friday.