Gamecocks, Greenbrier grad return to SRP for cross-state showdown

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One week ago, the SRP Park College Showcase brought us the rivalry of Georgia and Georgia Southern baseball.

This week, the action was packed once again with a cross-state meeting between No. 20 South Carolina and Georgia State.

The two went head-to-head on the diamond for the first time since 2009. This was the first time the Panthers and the Gamecocks have met in neutral territory.

Bringing the matchup to North Augusta, it was a chance for fans to catch a game they’d otherwise have to make the distance to Columbia for.

“It’s close by, we live in North Augusta, it was a good opportunity to enjoy the game together,” said one father and son duo.

The last time South Carolina played at SRP was in 2019.

While the park was dressed with fans in Garnet and Black, the ones in blue stood out for a good reason.

Brandi Bell was there in the stands to support State’s No. 8, her son, David Bell. Bell played for Greenbrier.

“I had to tackle him when I got here, it’s really cool. This is his dream since second grade, to play at Greenbrier than Georgia State, it’s everything he wanted.”

While it was a first for the Bell family to see David play in his college colors, he used to play at SRP Park with his travel team in high school.

Georgia State kept South Carolina grounded with a 2-1 lead through the bottom of the fifth. South Carolina tied it with a Ryan Bakes double. Pushing the Panthers to a quick 3-out in the top of the sixth, the Gamecocks went back to work in the bottom, scoring two.

They held on until the end with a score of 4-3, moving the all-time series between the river foes 8-4.

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