COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- LB Dantzler's single to right drove in the winning run in the 12th inning as two-time defending College World Series champion South Carolina won its 18th straight NCAA tournament game with a 5-4 victory over rival Clemson on Saturday in the Columbia Regional.
The Gamecocks (42-17) trailed 4-2 entering their half of the eighth, but tied things on Christian Walker's double to left and Joey Pankake's ninth-inning single. Center fielder Thomas Brittle's throw temporarily saved the game when he caught Chase Vergason scrambling to tag home.
Pankake got the winning rally going with a leadoff single in the 12th, then moved to third on Evan Marzilli's hit. That's when Dantzler smacked the ball over right fielder Brad Felder's head to easily bring home Pankake.
The Gamecocks need one more win to advance to the super regionals. Clemson (34-27) must win three games.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
