PETE IACOBELLI
AP Sports Writer
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - LB Dantzler homered and drove in two runs, and South Carolina made coach Chad Holbrook's debut a success with a 4-3 victory over Liberty on Friday.
Photos: Opening Day 2013 | Fans Pack Carolina Stadium | USC Retires Ray Tanner's Jersey
The Gamecocks won their season opener for the 22nd time in 23 years. It followed a rousing pre-game tribute to former coach and current athletic director Ray Tanner. It was the first time since the 1997 season Tanner hadn't been in the dugout. His No. 1 jersey was retired and the street in front of Carolina Stadium was renamed "Tanner Way.
Tanner led the Gamecocks to College World Series championships in 2010 and 2011.
Dantzler put the Gamecocks up for good with a solo homer in the second. He added a RBI sacrifice fly in the sixth inning.