Box Score FLORENCE, S.C.--USC Aiken fell 3-0 in the rubber game of a Peach Belt Conference baseball series against 29th ranked Francis Marion University, today in Florence, S.C. The 30th ranked Pacers fall to 11-5 overall and 4-5 in conference play. The Patriots move to 13-6-1 on the season and 5-6-1 in the PBC. The two nationally ranked teams split a doubleheader on Saturday.

Two ground balls moved Omar Quiles to third base after a lead off single in the first inning. Michael Ward's infield single scored the game's first run and staked the Patriots to an early 1-0 advantage.

Francis Marion benefited from three double plays that stalled the Pacers' offensive attack. The first came in the second inning with one out, runners at the corners, and USC Aiken threatening to tie the game. FMU starter Michael Williams got Matthew Tripp to hit into a 5-4-3 inning-ending double play.

In the fifth inning, with Bob Hatcher on first base and one out, Williams again got Tripp to hit into an inning-ending double play. Williams (1-0) tossed five innings, allowing five hits and one walk to earn his first collegiate victory.

The Patriots added to their 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Luke Ogletree's double down the right field line platted two runs for the home team. 

The Pacers attempted to rally in the top of the sixth. Zach Cooper led off the inning with a walk and Casey Derhak followed with a bunt single. This time FMU reliever Mitch Norris squashed the rally by inducing Marc Joehnk into a twin-killing and getting Daniel Quartararo to go down on strikes to end the inning.

Still looking to get back into the game in the eighth, Joehnk's single to right field put Pacers on the corners with two outs, but Norris got the third out and then retired the side in order in the ninth inning to end the game. Norris allowed just one hit in four innings of relief work to earn his first collegiate save.

Pedan Rucker (2-1) pitched well for USC Aiken. The sophomore allowed just five hits in eight innings of work, while walking two and striking out two.

Quiles and Ward each finished with two hits in four at bats for FMU. Quiles scored twice and Ward drove in one run. Derhak and Hatcher each finished with two hits for the Pacers.

USC Aiken steps out of conference play on Tuesday when Trevecca Nazarene visits Roberto Hernandez Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. 

#30 USC Aiken .........000 000 000 - 0 6 0
#29 Francis Marion ..100 020 00x - 3 5 1