Gamecocks fall to Tennessee again

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Tennessee's defense kicked in when needed to keep South Carolina from a comeback for the second game in a row as the Volunteers beat the Gamecocks 8-7 in Southeastern Conference action Saturday.

The Volunteers (30-20, 11-14 SEC) used a six-run sixth to take the lead for good. Back-to-back three-run homers by Kelly Edmundson and Tony Delmonico put Tennessee up 7-2.

South Carolina (33-18, 13-13) answered with a homer by Jon Willard in the bottom of the sixth and a two-run double by Justin Smoak in the seventh. Michael Campbell's sacrifice fly RBI in the eighth brought the Gamecocks to one run down.

J.P. Arencibia hit a solo homer in the top of the ninth to put Tennessee back up by two.

Smoak had a solo homer in the bottom half of the inning to pull back within one, but the Vols turned a double play with one on, one out to end the game.

James Adkins (8-5) struck out seven in 6 2/3 innings for the win. Sean Watson picked up his 11th save of the season and second of this series.

Mike Cisco (5-3) struck out eight, but gave up seven hits and five runs in five innings to take the loss.