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The Daily Tar Heel

Shifflett's 3-run home run pushes UNC softball past South Carolina in 7-3 win

Behind a three-run home run by Katelyn Shifflett, the North Carolina softball team defeated South Carolina, 7-3, on Wednesday afternoon.

What happened?

Things got rocky early, as runners occupied the bases for South Carolina (8-2), but smooth work from starter Brittany Pickett got UNC (7-4) out of the jam unscathed. The Tar Heels broke through in the bottom of the second. The inning started with a Berlynne Delamora walk, which marked the sophomore's 12th straight plate appearance in which she got on base — setting a UNC record and placing her sixth in NCAA history in consecutive plate appearances without getting out.

The next batter, sophomore catcher Katie Bailiff, continued her torrid start to the season by pounding a double off the right-field fence to drive in Delamora. That 1-0 lead would not stand long, however, as two South Carolina home runs in the top of the third gave the Gamecocks a 2-1 lead. The Tar Heels answered in the bottom of the third, as Bailiff delivered again with a two-run single up the middle to give UNC a 3-2 advantage. Sophomore pitcher Sydney Matzko got the ball in the fifth for North Carolina, giving up only one run to finish out the game.

It was the bottom of the fifth that sealed the day for UNC. Shifflett came up with runners on and did not leave those runners stranded. The junior connected for her first career home run — a three-run shot to left center — to give UNC a 6-2 advantage. Kendra Lynch pummeled a double off the left-field fence in the bottom of the sixth to push the Tar Heels ahead for good.

Who stood out?

With the Tar Heels up just one in the bottom of the fifth, Shifflett unloaded her first career home run with two Tar Heels on base to open the game up. It was a special treat for Shifflett to leave the yard, as it was also her birthday. The junior was a key cog for UNC defensively and at the plate. Her solid work at second base in addition to her heroics at the dish.

Shifflett had been grinding in the cages — and on Wednesday, she got the opportunity to show it.

"I've been working on that pitch in practice a lot," she said. "So it's good to finally see it in the game and succeed with it."

But Katelyn, did you get the ball?

"No I didn't," she said. "I actually don't even know where it is. It's probably in the bucket."

When was it decided?

Shifflett's home run essentially decided the outcome of Wednesday's contest. Her long ball took the Tar Heel lead from one run to four and buried the Gamecocks for good.

Why does it matter?

With the win, the Tar Heels are now 5-1 at home this season. This game gives them a nice momentum leading into this weekend's Carolina Classic, which is the final weekend before the ACC season begins.

Where do they play next?

The Tar Heels host the Carolina Classic this weekend, playing Towson on Friday at 5 p.m.

@WBOD3

sports@dailytarheel.com

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