A 3-run rally in the Bottom 6th gave the University of South Carolina a 4-3 victory over Virginia Friday in the opening game of the NCAA Columbia Regional 

Former Lexington County Blowfish infielder Wes Clarke put the Gamecocks up 1-0 in the top 1st. He sent his nation-leading 23rd home run of the season over the rightfield wall off Virginia starter Andrew Abbott. 

The Gelof brothers answered with 2 home runs in the Top 3rd off starter and former Blowfish pitcher Brett Kerry. Jake Gelof tied the game with a solo shot over the leftfield wall, followed 2 batters later by an opposite field shot by older brother Zack. 

With 1 out and 2 Cavalier baserunners aboard in the Top 3rd, Kerry left the game with was later reported as a neck issue. He was replaced by lefthander Julian Bostic.

He retired the next 2 batters to escape trouble, but ran into trouble again in the 4th. Jake Gelof drew a 2-out walk and advanced to 3trd on Chris Newell’s single. 

Zack Gelof send a groundball initially misplayed by 1st baseman David Mendham. He quickly recovered to make the throw to Bostic, who was unable to reach 1st base in time for the 3rd out.

Jake Gelof scored on the play, but Newell was thrown out advancing to 3rd base. 

The Gamecocks rallied in the Bottom 6th. After George Callil drew a leadoff walk, Clarke hit a ground rule double over the centerfield wall. 

Swansea High graduate Josiah Slightler cleared the bases with a 2-run double to rightfield to tie the game. Kyle Whitten replaced Abbott and walked former Blowfish Brennen Milone and Colin Burgess put South Carolina ahead with an RBI single. 

Daniel Lloyd struck out 4 and allowed just 1 hit in 3 scoreless innings of relief to close out the victory. 

South Carolina will play host to Old Dominion at 7 pm Saturday at Founder’s Park. The Gamecocks hold a 19-4 advantage in the all-time series. 

The Monarchs defeated Jacksonville 4-3 in the nightcap. The Dolphins will face Virginia at noon in an elimination with the winner facing the loser of the South Carolina/Old Dominion contest at noon Sunday.