COLUMBIA, S.C. – The fifth-ranked Gators dropped their first Southeastern Conference series of the season as they fell to No. 25 South Carolina, 4-1, Saturday afternoon at Founders Park.
 
South Carolina (15-6, 3-2) took the lead and sealed the series when Wes Clarke connected on his nation-leading 12th home run on the season, clearing the wall in right for a three-run shot.
 
Florida (16-7, 3-2) grabbed an early lead off South Carolina starter Brannon Jordan with a run in the second on a Kris Armstrong double down the line in right that scored Sterlin Thompson. Armstrong finished 2-for-2 with two doubles as both teams finished with five hits.

Jordan (2-2) earned the win, allowing one run on five hits while striking out nine. Jack Leftwich (4-1) was tagged with his first loss of the season, allowing the three runs on four hits in 4 2/3 innings.
 
Florida succumbs to its first series loss of the season since the opening set against Miami. The Gators will close the series on Sunday. The finale will begin at noon and be seen on SEC Network and heard on ESPN 98.1 FM/850 AM WRUF.