Box Score AIKEN, SC--John Wallace and company shut down the vaunted Pacer offense as Carson-Newman (1-0) spoiled the inaugural game in the brand new, 1,000-seat Roberto Hernandez Stadium by downing USC Aiken (0-1) 5-1 on Saturday afternoon.
(Photo: First pitch at Roberto Hernandez Stadium by Steve Dunham.)
Wallace (1-0) held the Pacers to one run on four hits in 7.0 innings of work in the win. Gavin Scroggins came on to work the eighth allowing no runs on two hits while Blake Ryman tossed a perfect ninth. Wallace recorded the lone strikeout for the Eagles staff.
After Wes Ward's one out single to center field, Brian Chapman knocked him in with another single to center to make it 1-0 in favor of Carson-Newman. Brett Lindsey doubled home Jonathan Mary in the second to push the margin to 2-0.
USCA responded in the bottom of the second with a sacrifice fly off the bat of
Tony Hanks to bring home
Robert Davis to cut the lead to 2-1. It would be the only run of the game for the Pacers.
Wallace allowed just three base runners from the third inning on, a walk to
Brandon Barenie in the third, a single by
Ashley Farr in the sixth, and
Matthew Tripp reaching on an error in the seventh.
Carson-Newman pushed two more across in the fourth inning on a one out single to left field by Mary bringing home Nick Jacobs and Charlie Monroe to make it 4-0. The Eagles added the game's final tally in the seventh when a botched pickoff turned into a double steal and TJ Gravley crossed home plate.
Steve Dunham (0-1) went 4.0 innings in his Pacer debut allowing four runs, three earned, on six hits and one walk striking out three. Derek Claussen and
Jon Paul, also seeing their first action in a USCA uniform, combined to toss 2.2 innings of relief giving up one earned run on two hits and two walks.
Nick Wandless came on and worked the final 2.1 innings in dominating fashion, not allowing a hit or a run, striking out two and walking one.
Daniel Quartararo led the Pacers offensively with a pair of singles. Mary and Ward both went 2-for-4 for the Eagles.
USC Aiken and Carson-Newman will close out their two-game set on Sunday, February 1 at 1:00 PM at Roberto Hernandez Stadium.
Carson-Newman......110 200 100 - 5 8 2
USC Aiken.................010 000 000 - 1 6 2
