Box Score AIKEN, S.C.--Sophomore
Peden Rucker held a potent Indians lineup scoreless for eight innings as USC Aiken (9-3) completed the three-game sweep of 23rd ranked Catawba College (12-6-1) 4-1 in non-conference baseball action on a rainy Sunday afternoon at Roberto Hernandez Stadium. The 9-3 start is the best for USCA in 10 years since the 1995 squad opened the season 10-2.
Rucker faced just one over the minimum through four innings before Catawba threatened in the fifth. With runners at the corners, Bubba Morris grounded to
Casey Derhak at second base to end the inning. Rucker (2-0) went 8.0 innings scattering five hits and three walks, allowing one run and fanning seven in the win.
Brandon Barenie slapped a double to left center for the Pacers first hit of the game leading off the fifth.
Ian Kowalchuk's single through the left side plated Barenie for the game's first run. Barenie finished 3-for-4 with one RBI and one run scored.
Derhak's two-out double down the right field line pushed across Wadowski in the seventh to make it 2-0. Derhak extended his hitting streak to 12 games. Wadowksi went 2-for-4 for USCA.
Daniel Quartararo led off the home half of the eighth with a blast over the left field wall to make it 3-0 while Barenie singled in
Robert Davis to give the Pacers a 4-0 lead heading into the ninth.
After walking Aaron Rimer to lead off the inning, Rucker gave way to Derhak in relief. The Indians made it interesting, however, loading the bases with one out. But following an RBI groundout by Matt Kepley, Zach Evans popped up to
Matt Spivey at second base to end the game.
Morris was 3-for-4 to lead Catawba while David Thomas added a 2-for-3 day.
Jeff Abdelnour (3-1) went 7.0 innings surrendering four earned runs on eight hits, striking out two in the loss.
USC Aiken will conclude its four-game home stand on Wednesday, March 2 when the Pacers host Claflin University at 6:00 PM.
#23 Catawba........000 000 001 - 1 6 1
USC Aiken............000 010 12x - 4 9 1
E - M. Baker(3); Kowalchuk(4). DP - Pacers 1. LOB - Indians 10; Pacers 6. 2B - Derhak(1); Davis(6); Barenie(2). HR - Quartararo(3). HBP - Davis. SH - Thomas(1); Evans(4); Kowalchuk(1). SB - Mat. Smith(4). CS - Barenie(1).
