Gamecocks fall to 2nd-ranked LSU - WNEM TV 5

LSU starting pitcher Aaron Nola hurled his third straight complete game as the second ranked Tigers defeated the Gamecocks 5-2 Friday. 

The Gamecocks are now 31-12 and 11-8 in the SEC with LSU improving to 39-4 and 16-3 in league play.

Joey Pankake belted his ninth home run of the season and Tanner English added a RBI triple as well for the Gamecocks in the loss.  Pankake went 2-for-4 to lead Carolina at the plate. 

Nola did not walk a batter and struck out eight to pick up the win.  He is now 8-0 on the year. 

South Carolina starter Nolan Belcher suffered the loss and is 6-4 for the season.   He worked 5.2 innings and allowed four runs on seven hits with four walks and four strikeouts.

The series continues on Saturday with first pitch at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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