ATHENS, Ga. (Interstat) — Daniel Jackson’s second-inning grand slam erased an early deficit and propelled Georgia to a 5-2 victory over South Carolina in a Southeastern Conference opener Friday afternoon at Foley Field.

Jackson’s four-RBI blast to left field, his second homer in three games, followed an RBI single by Kenny Ishikawa. That five-run frame answered South Carolina’s two-run second, which featured an RBI single from Ethan Lizama.

Georgia starter Joey Volchko earned the win, allowing two runs over 6 2/3 innings. Reliever Justin Byrd struck out five in 2 1/3 scoreless innings for the save. The Bulldogs improved to 21-6 overall and 1-0 in the SEC despite being outhit 9-4.

The Gamecocks fell to 13-14 and 0-1 in league play. Patrick Evans had three of South Carolina’s nine hits.