COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – Brett McManus had a homer and three RBIs, Tyler Wilson threw seven strong innings and Rhode Island rallied from a 4-0 deficit for its first NCAA Tournament win, defeating South Carolina 5-4 Friday night.
The Rams (31-15) took the lead on a bases-loaded, two-run fielder’s choice in the fifth inning when McManus hit a fly into left center that Dom Thompson-Williams could not hold on to. Rhode Island center fielder Jordan Powell, at first, thought the ball was caught and was forced out at second.
The Rams face UNC Wilmington in the winner’s bracket on Saturday. The Gamecocks (42-16), the regional’s top-seeded team, will face Duke to try and avoid going 0-2 in tournament play.
Rhode Island’s comeback began with consecutive homers by Ryan Olmo and McManus in the fourth. After the Rams went in front, Wilson (13-1) held the Gamecocks in check. Tyler Barss earned his 13th save.