Stokes helps lead South Carolina to 9-7 win over Alabama

Madison Stokes drove in two runs and South Carolina’s pitching staff held down Alabama late as the No. 10 Gamecocks won 9-7 Saturday at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.

After the Gamecocks (42-13, 20-9 SEC) took a 3-0 lead in the first, Alabama came back with four runs in the third inning to take the lead. South Carolina tied in the fourth and retook the lead 6-4 in the fifth. Both teams traded single runs in multiple innings but the Tide couldn’t close.

Keith Holcombe went 3-for-4 and Georgie Salem went 3-for-5 for Alabama (31-24, 15-15). Salem and Chandler Taylor each drove in three runs.

Taylor Widener (4-2) allowed two runs on six hits over 3 2/3 innings of relief and picked up the win. Dylan Duarte (2-3) allowed two runs on three hits in one inning of work and took the loss.

In Friday night’s game, South Carolina got homers from Dom Thompson-Williams and John Jones and defeated Alabama 4-2. Georgie Salem had a solo homer for Alabama.

Jake Walters (5-4) gave up four runs on eight hits in seven innings and took the loss. Braden Web (10-4) allowed one run on seven hits over six innings to pick up the win.

This story was originally published May 21, 2016 at 7:06 PM with the headline "Stokes helps lead South Carolina to 9-7 win over Alabama."