Gamecocks Sweep NKU in Doubleheader with Walkoff Homer

South Carolina baseball team wins both games against Northern Kentucky, capped by a dramatic final-inning home run.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The South Carolina baseball team opened its season with a doubleheader sweep of Northern Kentucky on February 13, winning the first game 5-2 and the second game 6-5 in dramatic fashion. In the second game, transfer outfielder Tyler Bak hit clutch two-out, two-strike hits in the 7th and 8th innings to tie the game, setting up a walkoff home run by K.J. Scobey in the 9th to win it for the Gamecocks.

Why it matters

The Gamecocks are looking to bounce back after a down season, and this opening day doubleheader sweep against a mid-major opponent shows they have the talent and resilience to compete this year. The team's new-look roster, with several key transfers, will be closely watched as they try to return to the NCAA Tournament.

The details

In the first game, starter Riley Goodman, coming off Tommy John surgery, threw four scoreless innings, and reliever Josh Gunther was dominant in relief. Third baseman Dawson Harman reached base four times and hit a two-run home run. In the second game, starter Amp Phillips struggled early but settled down, and the Gamecocks rallied late, with Bak's clutch hits setting up Scobey's walkoff blast.

  • The doubleheader took place on February 13, 2026, the opening day of the college baseball season.
  • Amp Phillips, the USC Upstate transfer, made his debut for the Gamecocks in the second game of the doubleheader.

The players

Tyler Bak

A transfer outfielder from Wofford who hit the key two-out, two-strike hits in the 7th and 8th innings of the second game to tie the score.

K.J. Scobey

The Gamecocks' center fielder who hit the walkoff home run in the bottom of the 9th inning to win the second game of the doubleheader.

Amp Phillips

The USC Upstate transfer who was the Gamecocks' No. 2 starter in the second game, settling down after an early struggle.

Riley Goodman

The Gamecocks' starter in the first game, making his first start since high school and coming off Tommy John surgery.

Dawson Harman

The Gamecocks' third baseman who reached base four times and hit a two-run home run in the first game.

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What’s next

The Gamecocks will look to continue their momentum when they host Clemson for a three-game series starting on February 20.

The takeaway

This opening day doubleheader sweep showed the Gamecocks have the talent and resilience to compete this season, with contributions from both veteran and new players. The team's ability to rally late in the second game, capped by a dramatic walkoff homer, bodes well for their chances of returning to the NCAA Tournament after a down year.