USC Sumter Sweeps Doubleheader Against USC Salkehatchie

USC Sumter Sweeps Doubleheader Against USC Salkehatchie
Box Score Box Score
April 2, 2026

SUMTER, S.C. - USC Sumter delivered an impressive performance on Thursday, sweeping a doubleheader against USC Salkehatchie with an explosive 18-10 win in game one followed by a dominant 5-0 shutout in game two.

GAME ONE: USC SUMTER 18, USC SALKEHATCHIE 10

In the opener, both offenses came alive in a high-scoring battle, but USC Sumter pulled away late behind a 10-run sixth inning to secure the 18-10 victory. The Fire Ants totaled 17 hits in the game, showcasing production throughout the lineup.

Emma Gaulden led the offensive surge with a standout performance, going 4-for-5 with three doubles and a single. USC Sumter first got on the board in the second inning with RBIs from Gaulden and Kaitlyn Anderson, then added five more runs in the third. Whitney McElveen, Gaulden, Eliya Hagan, and Riley Owens each contributed RBIs during that stretch.

After USC Salkehatchie briefly took the lead in the sixth inning, USC Sumter responded emphatically. The Fire Ants exploded for 10 runs on eight hits in the bottom half, highlighted by a two-run single from Abigail McManus that helped seal the win.

McManus also earned the victory in the circle, pitching 4.2 innings while striking out five. Abigail Hooks secured the save, and Brie Hughey added relief work. Tatum Swearingen, Owens, McElveen, and Bailey Driggers each recorded multiple hits, while Driggers showed patience at the plate with three walks.

GAME TWO: USC SUMTER 5, USC SALKEHATCHIE 0

USC Sumter carried that momentum into game two, where Abigail Hooks delivered a dominant performance in the circle, throwing a complete-game shutout in a 5-0 victory.

After a scoreless start, the Fire Ants broke through in the fifth inning. Eliya Hagan drove in the first run with a single, followed by a two-run triple from Riley Owens. An error added another run before McManus capped the inning with an RBI double.

Hooks kept USC Salkehatchie off balance all game, while the defense backed her up with two double plays. Owens led the offense with two RBIs and went 2-for-3, while she and McManus each collected two hits.

With the sweep, USC Sumter showcased both offensive firepower and pitching dominance, capping off a complete team performance against USC Salkehatchie.