Box Score NEWBERRY, SC--Newberry College fell behind early at home for the fifth straight game and lost in an 8-4 final at Kirkland Field Tuesday to the USC Aiken Pacers under the lights. It was the third straight non-conference loss for Newberry College (7-20).
The Pacers (18-11) jumped out to an early lead thanks to a
Leroy Walker (Aiken, SC) single to lead off the ballgame.
Walker then stole second, advanced to third on a
Clint Keown (Evansville, IN) groundout, and scored on an RBI single by designated hitter
Tavis Cummings (Thomson, GA).
Aiken scored one more in the second and two more in the third to extend a 4-0 lead.
The Indians first found paydirt in the third when second baseman
Ryan Bessinger (Columbia, SC) slapped a two-out single to right field. He crossed home plate safely when left fielder
Jimmy Stone (Wesminister, SC) tripled to right center, making it a 4-1 ballgame.
Aiken tacked on an unearned run in the fifth and scored three insurance runs in the ninth inning to take an 8-1 lead.
Newberry had nine hits, but the Aiken pitching and defense were dialed in. The Pacers turned three double plays in the ballgame, which killed potential rallies in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings.
The Indians put up a three on the scoreboard in the ninth, but could not sustain the surge.
Six Aiken pitchers combined to give up the four runs and nine hits. Reliever
Paul Ferrell (Summerville, SC) recorded the win (2-0).
Tyson Azevedo (North Charleston, SC) took the loss (1-3) in his first start and longest outing of the season. He went beyond 110 pitches and gave up 11 hits and seven runs (six earned), walking five and striking out a pair of Pacers in his eight and a third innings on the evening.
Shortstop
Tony Hanks (Lexington, SC) had three hits, while third baseman
Bradley Key (Evans, GA) scored three runs for Aiken.
For Newberry, designated hitter
Dustin Smith (Conway, SC) would not be put out. The sophomore was 4-for-4 and scored a run during the run in the ninth.
Aiken hosts Belmont-Abbey Wednesday evening at 6 p.m., while Newberry hosts Coker College at Kirkland Field Wednesday evening at 6 p.m.
USC Aiken 112 010 003 - 8 12 1
Newberry 001 000 003 - 4 9 2
