Brandon Stone throws an 86-pitch complete game, leading the Gamecocks to a stunning upset victory over No. 11 Ole Miss.

In a performance that will be talked about for seasons to come, South Carolina’s Brandon Stone delivered a pitching gem that left the college baseball world in awe. With just 86 pitches, Stone recorded a complete game against the No. 11-ranked Ole Miss Rebels, powering the Gamecocks to a thrilling 4–1 upset victory and adding another signature moment to what is becoming a breakout season for the junior right-hander.

Stone’s outing wasn’t just dominant—it was surgical. He worked through the Ole Miss lineup with ruthless efficiency, locating pitches, inducing weak contact, and controlling the tempo from the first pitch to the last. While most complete games require upwards of 100 pitches, Stone accomplished the feat in a mere 86, a rare display of command, confidence, and composure.

Setting the Tone

From the very first inning, Stone appeared locked in. He retired the first six Rebels in order and allowed only five hits across nine innings, striking out five and walking none. His control of the strike zone was impeccable. Of his 86 pitches, 67 were strikes—a staggering 78% strike rate. Ole Miss, known for their power bats and patient approach, found themselves on their heels, unable to work deep counts or capitalize on opportunities.

“He was in total command of every at-bat,” said South Carolina head coach Mark Kingston. “Brandon didn’t just pitch well—he dominated. Every time we needed a big out, he delivered. And to do that against a team like Ole Miss speaks volumes.”

A Statement Win

Coming into the game, Ole Miss boasted one of the top offenses in the SEC, averaging 7.8 runs per game and riding a five-game win streak. The Gamecocks, meanwhile, had been searching for a spark after a string of inconsistent performances. Stone’s gem not only silenced one of the nation’s most potent lineups but also reignited belief in South Carolina’s ability to compete with the SEC’s elite.

Offensively, the Gamecocks supported Stone with a well-balanced attack. Junior infielder Gavin Casas opened the scoring with a solo home run in the second inning, giving Stone an early lead to work with. South Carolina would go on to score three more runs—two via clutch two-out hits—providing just enough cushion for Stone to work comfortably while maintaining pressure on the Rebels.

“The momentum shifted early when we got that run,” said Casas. “But it was Brandon’s night. We just tried to back him up with some runs and let him go to work.”

Efficiency is Key

Pitching coach Justin Parker praised Stone’s approach and maturity, noting how his efficiency allowed the coaching staff to stick with him deep into the game.

“You rarely see complete games anymore, especially with pitch counts and analytics influencing decisions,” Parker said. “But with the way Brandon was throwing—quick innings, no stress, no walks—it was clear he had plenty left in the tank. We didn’t even have anyone warming up in the ninth.”

Stone needed only 10 pitches in the final inning to seal the win, retiring the side on two groundouts and a pop-up, capping off a performance that will be etched into the annals of South Carolina baseball history.

A Career Night and Rising Star

For Stone, the complete game marked a career milestone. In only his second season as a starter, he has emerged as the Gamecocks’ ace. With a fastball sitting in the low 90s, a devastating changeup, and pinpoint command, Stone has baffled hitters all season long. His ERA now sits at 2.37, and he has walked just eight batters in 48.1 innings pitched—a testament to his elite control.

“I just wanted to get ahead, mix speeds, and trust my defense,” Stone said postgame. “It’s easy to pitch when you have guys behind you making plays, and tonight everything just clicked.”

The Gamecocks’ defense was stellar, turning two double plays and flashing the leather in the outfield. But it was Stone’s rhythm that kept the game moving, preventing Ole Miss from ever gaining traction.

His complete game was the first for a South Carolina pitcher since 2021 and the lowest pitch count for a nine-inning effort in recent memory.

Implications for the Season

The win couldn’t have come at a better time. South Carolina improved to 22–12 overall and 8–7 in SEC play. With postseason positioning on the horizon, marquee wins like this one over a top-15 team could prove pivotal for regional hosting consideration.

The Gamecocks have shown flashes of brilliance this season but had struggled to string together consistent performances against top-tier opponents. Stone’s dominance, however, could mark a turning point.

“This team has everything it needs to go on a run,” Coach Kingston said. “We’ve got pitching, defense, and when our bats come alive, we can play with anyone. Tonight proved that.”

National Spotlight

Unsurprisingly, Stone’s performance quickly caught the attention of national media and MLB scouts. Already on draft radars, his ability to go the distance with such efficiency likely raised his stock even further.

“Brandon Stone is the real deal,” tweeted an MLB scout from a National League team. “Poised, efficient, nasty changeup, elite pitch count management. He’ll pitch for a long time.”

D1Baseball and Baseball America both highlighted Stone’s outing as one of the best pitching performances of the weekend, giving South Carolina fans plenty to celebrate beyond just the win.

Looking Ahead

South Carolina will look to build off the momentum with a critical series against Florida next weekend. The Gators are ranked No. 6 and bring another explosive lineup to town, but with Brandon Stone leading the rotation, the Gamecocks now have an ace who can match up against any lineup in the country.

For Stone, the focus remains simple: win games and help his team reach Omaha.

“This is a team game,” he said. “I just want to go out, give us a chance to win, and keep pushing for our goals. Nights like this are special, but we’ve got more work to do.”

Final Thoughts

Brandon Stone’s 86-pitch complete game wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a statement. A statement that South Carolina baseball is not to be overlooked, and that in a sport increasingly dominated by bullpen matchups and pitch counts, there’s still room for an old-school gem to steal the show.

On a crisp night at Founders Park, Stone was more than just a pitcher—he was an artist, painting the corners, mixing speeds, and freezing bats. And in doing so, he didn’t just beat a top-ranked team; he inspired a fanbase, lifted a locker room, and carved his name into South Carolina baseball lore.