Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

The Gamecocks played in a rubber game Sunday in Lexington, Kentucky, and they go on to take the series, defeating the Wildcats 4-2. 

The Gamecocks broke a 1-1 tie in the 7th.  Whitt Merrifield doubled down the right field line, driving in the go ahead run.  Merrifield would later score along with Jackie Bradley, Jr. on a single by Nick Ebert, giving South Carolina a three run cushion.

That is all pitcher Blake Cooper would need throwing a complete game and only allowing 2 runs on 8 hits and striking out 5.  Cooper is the first Gamecock pitcher to throw a complete game, and it is the second of his career.  Cooper was able to throw out of a jam in the bottom of the 9th -- with no outs and bases loaded.  Cooper was able to retire the next three Wildcats to get the win.

South Carolina returns to action on Tuesday, facing the Citadel at Joe Riley Park.  The first pitch is at 7 PM.