No. 8 Tennessee dropped a 5-1 decision to South Carolina on Friday night at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
Tennessee (31-6, 8-6 SEC) turned to Karlyn Pickens in the circle to start Game 2. The right-hander worked three innings, allowing three runs – one earned – on two hits with four walks and three strikeouts. Pickens (9-4) was charged with the loss.
Erin Nuwer came on in relief and threw 3.1 frames. She allowed two runs – one earned – on two hits with no walks and one strikeout.
Freshman Peyton Hardenburger recorded the final two outs in the top of the seventh.
South Carolina (23-16, 3-8) capitalized on early opportunities to take control. The Gamecocks pushed across two unearned runs in the third inning following a Tennessee error, then added another in the fourth on a bases-loaded fielder’s choice to extend the lead to 3-0.
The Gamecocks continued to build their advantage in the sixth when Taryn Ensley led off the inning with a solo home run to center field.
Tennessee broke through in the bottom of the sixth after Ella Dodge drew a leadoff walk and moved into scoring position before coming home on an RBI single down the left-field line by Gabby Leach, cutting the deficit to 4-1.
South Carolina added an insurance run in the seventh, using a Tennessee error and an RBI double to make it 5-1.
The Lady Vols were limited to four hits on the night, with Meredith Barnhart recording two. Jori Heard went the distance in the circle for South Carolina to earn the win, improving to 6-5 on the season.
DUE UP
Tennessee returns to action Saturday night for the series finale against South Carolina. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. ET on ESPN.