COLUMBIA, S.C. (Interstat) — Adrian Quezada pitched six strong innings and Grayson Childers hit a three-run homer as the Queens (N.C.) Royals built a big early lead and survived a late rally to defeat the South Carolina Gamecocks 9-8 on Wednesday at Carolina Stadium.

The Royals scored nine runs over the first four innings, highlighted by Childers’ blast in the third. Quezada allowed three earned runs on four hits to earn the win.

South Carolina, which outhit Queens 14-10, chipped away and made it close with a four-run ninth inning, capped by Tyler Bak’s two-run homer. Beau Hollins drove in three runs for the Gamecocks. Reliever Davin Pollard recorded the final out for Queens.

The Royals evened their record at 4-4. South Carolina fell to 6-3.