South Carolina Upsets No. 2 Texas in SEC Series Opener

Gamecocks score five runs in the second inning to take down the Longhorns

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:51am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a college baseball game, with the players and field broken down into vibrant, angular shapes in shades of navy blue, crimson red, and golden yellow.South Carolina's upset victory over No. 2 Texas showcases the raw energy and competitive spirit of college baseball.Berkeley Today

In the opening game of their SEC series, the South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the No. 2 ranked Texas Longhorns by a score of 9-1. Patrick Evans led the way for the Gamecocks, hitting a two-run triple in the second inning and adding a two-run homer in the sixth. Zach Russell earned the win in relief for South Carolina, while Alex Philpott recorded the save.

Why it matters

This early-season SEC matchup between two highly ranked teams is an important result, as it shows that South Carolina can compete with one of the top programs in the country. The Gamecocks' offensive outburst and strong pitching performance will give them confidence as they look to make a push in the SEC standings.

The details

South Carolina jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the second inning, highlighted by Patrick Evans' two-run triple. Evans later added a two-run homer in the sixth inning to extend the Gamecocks' lead. Zach Russell earned the win in relief for South Carolina, while Alex Philpott recorded the save with three perfect innings. Aiden Robbins hit a solo home run in the third inning for Texas' lone run.

  • The game took place on April 2, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina.
  • South Carolina scored five runs in the second inning to take control of the game.

The players

Patrick Evans

A South Carolina player who hit a two-run triple in the second inning and a two-run homer in the sixth inning to lead the Gamecocks' offense.

Zach Russell

The South Carolina pitcher who earned the win in relief, pitching 2.1 innings and allowing just one hit with four strikeouts.

Alex Philpott

The South Carolina pitcher who recorded the save, tossing three perfect innings with three strikeouts.

Aiden Robbins

The Texas player who hit a solo home run in the third inning for the Longhorns' only run of the game.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had to come out strong against a talented Texas team, and the guys really responded in that big second inning.”

— Mark Kingston, South Carolina Head Coach

What’s next

The two teams will continue their SEC series on Saturday and Sunday, with Texas looking to even the series and South Carolina aiming to clinch the series victory.

The takeaway

This win over a top-5 opponent is a significant early-season statement for the South Carolina Gamecocks, who showed they can compete with one of the premier programs in college baseball. The Gamecocks' offensive outburst and strong pitching performance will give them confidence as they look to make a push in the SEC standings.