HOOVER, Ala. — South Carolina’s SEC Tournament troubles continued Tuesday, and likely ended the Gamecocks’ season in the process.
Reggie McClain scattered six hits over seven innings, leading Missouri to a 5-1 victory over USC in the opening round at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. The Tigers advance into the double elimination bracket beginning Wednesday against No. 2 seed Vanderbilt, while the Gamecocks’ run of 15 consecutive NCAA Tournament trips will end barring a surprise at-large berth awarded by the selection committee.
Although four SEC teams over the last decade have earned NCAA berths with 13 conference wins, the Gamecocks’ RPI of 60 entering Tuesday is likely too low to merit serious consideration.