The Gamecocks (No. 1 seed) kept it close Thursday night until the ninth inning, when Vanderbilt (No. 3 seed) scored four consecutive runs and won the game 7-2.

Unlike last night, where the Gamecocks rallied early and cruised to a win, tonight was much more painful for Carolina fans.  The game left me, and likely many others, groaning in frustration, and I can’t deny a few shouts of, “what was THAT?!”, “seriously?!”, and “are you kidding me?” (especially in that awful ninth inning).

USC starting pitcher Forrest Koumas started out shaky, and reliever Tyler Webb was up early in the Gamecock bullpen, although he didn’t come in until the eighth inning.  Koumas settled down somewhat, but he was never sharp.

The game was delayed for about 15 minutes in the fourth inning due to a lighting issue.  The teams also dealt with unpleasant weather, including lighting in the area and pouring rain.

Carolina also lost catcher Brady Thomas to a sprained ankle following his at-bat in the first.  X-rays taken were negative, and he’s day-to-day.

Both teams committed defensive errors and stranded runners, but the Commodores were able to overcome their mistakes, and the Gamecocks simply weren’t.  Vandy’s starting pitcher, Sonny Gray, looked good and got his first win of the month.

South Carolina will play an elimination game against Georgia tomorrow night at 7:30 EDT.  Vandy earned a day off and will play Saturday morning.