Grant's 6 RBIs lead UCLA to postseason rout of South Carolina


Megan Grant drove in six runs, powering a potent UCLA offense that collected four home runs in a 15-1 regional final victory over South Carolina on Sunday at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles. The game was called after six innings due to the run rule.

The Bruins broke a scoreless tie in the third inning on a two-run home run by Rylee Slimp. The lead expanded in the top of the fifth when Grant connected for a grand slam that made the score 6-0 and extended her single-season home run record to 40. UCLA then put the game away with a nine-run outburst in the sixth inning, which included a two-run homer from Kaniya Bragg and another two-run shot from Soo-Jin Berry. Grant finished 2-for-3, while Berry went 2-for-4. Jordan Woolery added a two-run double, and Bri Alejandre and Alexis Ramirez each contributed two hits. Starter Taylor Tinsley pitched a complete game, allowing one earned run on two hits while striking out two and walking two.

South Carolina scored its lone run in the bottom of the fifth inning on an RBI single from Quincee Lilio, who finished 1-for-3. Tate Davis recorded the team's only other hit, going 1-for-3.

Gamecocks starting pitcher Jori Heard worked 4⅓ innings, surrendering seven runs (five earned) on seven hits. The Bruins' nine-run sixth came against two relievers, with Nealy Lamb allowing five earned runs on five hits, including two home runs, in just two-thirds of an inning.

Up next: The NCAA softball tournament continues Thursday with best-of-three super regionals.

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