CLEMSON, S.C. (WACH/AP) -- Starter Jordan Montgomery pitched eight shutout innings, allowing just three hits and striking out a career-high nine batters, to lead South Carolina to a 6-0 series-opening win over arch-rival Clemson Friday night.
The Gamecocks (7-1) scored by beating out a throw from first after a force-out, on a walk, a pair of sacrifice flies, a throwing error from a pitcher and a single.
The Tigers (5-3) had three errors, and the five of the Gamecocks' six runs came in innings when Clemson made mistakes.
"We played a clean game," said South Carolina head coach Chad Holbrook. "Jordan Montgomery was the story of the game. Incredible performance by him."
The game was Holbrook's first as the head coach in the heated rivalry and the first since the mid-1990's that did not pit former head coach Ray Tanner against Clemson coach Jack Leggett.
Tigers starter Daniel Gossett took the loss, throwing 110 pitches, striking out four and walking four while allowing three hits.
South Carolina has won 19 out of its last 26 against Clemson.
The series continues Saturday in Greenville and Sunday in Columbia.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH