Conway native Colby Holmes took a no hitter into the 8th inning and the Gamecocks busted open a scorless game with a four run sixth inning on its way to a 7-0 win over Manhattan on Friday in the NCAA Regional in Columbia.
The Jaspers reached base in the second inning on a hit by pitch, but Holmes proceeded to retire 18 straight Jaspers. Joe Rock broke up Holmes no hit bid with a base hit to right with two outs in the eighth. The right hander posted a career high 9 strikeouts.
Manhattan starter Taylor Sewitt matched Holmes with five no hit innings before the Gamecocks got going in the 6th. After loading the bases, Adam Matthews delivered a two out single to left to plate two runs and then Murrells Inlet native and former Saint James Shark Tanner English launched a rocket to right field that was misplayed. English gets credit for a two run triple and a 4-0 Gamecocks lead.
Christian Walker added insurance with a solo HR in the bottom of the 8th followed by Matthews with an RBI single scoring LB Dantzler. The scoring closed out with Chase Vergason RBI double to center. South Carolina had to wait out a rain delay lasting over an hour before closing out the victory. Holmes pitches eight shutout innings with Patrick Sullivan closing it out in the 9th. The Gamecocks will take on Clemson on Saturday at 4pm in the winner's bracket, while Manhattan takes on Coastal Carolina as 12 noon in an elimination game.
Manhattan/USC Box Score
