South Carolina unable to complete sweep of Northern Kentucky

Gamecocks' bats go cold in 3-2 series finale loss

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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After a come-from-behind, walk-off win on Friday, South Carolina's offense struggled in the series finale against Northern Kentucky, managing only four hits and going 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position in a 3-2 loss. Reese Moore provided the Gamecocks' lone run with a solo home run, but the bullpen couldn't hold the lead as Northern Kentucky rallied for three runs in the sixth inning.

Why it matters

The loss prevented South Carolina from completing the series sweep and building momentum heading into their first midweek game of the season against Wofford. The Gamecocks' inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities highlighted concerns about their offensive consistency, which will be an important factor as they look to contend in the SEC this year.

The details

South Carolina starting pitcher Brandon Stone had a strong outing, allowing just one run on three hits over four innings, but the Gamecocks' bullpen couldn't hold the lead. Cooper Parks and Alex Valentin combined to give up two runs in the sixth inning, with a crucial error by KJ Scobey allowing the go-ahead run to score. Valentin settled things down with 3.2 scoreless innings, but the Gamecocks' offense couldn't muster a comeback.

  • The series finale took place on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • South Carolina won the series opener on Friday, February 13, 2026 in a come-from-behind, walk-off victory.

The players

Paul Mainieri

South Carolina's head baseball coach who believed the team's Friday win would lead to a big offensive day on Saturday.

Reese Moore

The South Carolina player who hit the team's lone run of the game with a solo home run in the fifth inning.

Brandon Stone

The South Carolina starting pitcher who had a strong outing, allowing just one run on three hits over four innings.

Cooper Parks

The South Carolina relief pitcher who was charged with two runs after walking two batters and allowing a run-scoring error in the sixth inning.

Alex Valentin

The South Carolina relief pitcher who pitched 3.2 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out six.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

South Carolina will head to Spartanburg on Tuesday to take on Wofford in its first midweek game of the year. First pitch will be at 5:30 p.m. on ESPN+ from Fifth Third Park.

The takeaway

This loss highlights concerns about South Carolina's offensive consistency, as they were unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities and finish off the series sweep against Northern Kentucky. The Gamecocks will need to find more offensive production as they prepare to face Wofford in their first midweek game of the season.