South Carolina advances to the SEC Tournament semifinals behind home runs by Casas and Tippett

HOOVER, Ala. (AP) — Gavin Casas hit a three-run homer, Will Tippett homered in a three-run fifth inning and No. 10 seed South Carolina advanced to the SEC Tournament semifinals with a 6-5 victory over third-seeded Kentucky on Friday.

South Carolina (36-22) is headed to the semifinals for just the second time since 2013. The Gamecocks will play LSU for the second time in three days on Saturday, looking to avenge an 11-10 loss on Thursday.

First baseman Ethan Petry made a highlight play in the eighth inning to keep South Carolina in front. He dove to his right to catch a liner and then flipped the ball to second for an inning-ending double play.

Petry also had a pair of hits, including a double. Cole Messina, who entered 8 for 12 with six runs scored, four home runs and 14 RBIs in three tournament games, was walked three times.

Parker Marlatt (3-0) struck out six in 3 2/3 innings of relief to get the win and Matthew Becker added two strikeouts over the final 1 2/3 for his first save of the season.

Mason Moore (8-3) allowed six runs in 4 2/3 innings for his third loss of the season for Kentucky (40-14).

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