Box Score MELBOURNE, Fla. - USC Aiken erased a one-point nine-run deficit, but in the end could not battle all the way back in a 12-11 loss to Florida Tech on Thursday afternoon at Seminick Hall Field.

Down 10-1 in the top of the fourth inning, USC Aiken responded by posting seven runs in the top of the fourth frame to sit behind just 10-8.

Florida Tech would post two more runs in the bottom of the eighth to enter the top of the ninth with a four-run advantage at 12-8.

The Pacers would not go down without a fight in the top of the ninth. After opening the inning with two quick outs things changed when David Vitko (Columbiana, Ohio/Youngstown State) got things rolling for the Pacers in the frame with a single to left center field. Kyle Rice (Augusta, Ga./Cross Creek) then singled himself on to place runners at first and second base.
Will Fulmer (North Augusta, S.C./Spartanburg Methodist) then put the Pacers behind just one in the game when he hit a three-run jack to left field.
The score 12-11 in Florida Tech's favor, USC Aiken kept pressing with Alex Franklin (North Augusta, S.C./North Augusta) singling up the middle to keep the Pacers' hope alive. Bill Rice (Sewell, N.J./Gloucester County College) then singled to right field to put runners at the corners with two outs.
Florida Tech pitcher Brandon Lindquist ended the Pacer threat by striking out Nick Aranas (Lexington, S.C./Lexington) to end the game. Lindquist's strikeout earned him his first save of the season.
Florida Tech pitcher Randal Thompson picked up the win from the hill. He is now 2-0 on the young season.
Tyler Stephan (Louisville, Ky./Trinity) suffered the loss for the Pacers from the mound. Stephan made the start in the contest, but only made it through 1.1 innings. Stephan struck out two during his time on the mound, but he also allowed seven earned runs on six hits.
Kyle Rice was the star offensively for the Pacers in the narrow loss to Florida Tech. He was 4-for-5 from the dish. He had one RBI and one run scored in the game.
Preseason All-American Travis Howard (Bonneau, S.C./USC Salkehatchie) went 3-for-5 for the Pacers in the game, collecting an RBI and scoring one run.
Chris Fox was the top offensive performer for the Panthers. He was 3-for-4 with two RBIs and three runs scored.
In total, USC Aiken finished with three more hits than the Panthers in the contest (17-14). Each team had one error.

USC Aiken will next close out its Florida road trip with a three-game set with defending NCAA Division II national champion Lynn in Boca Raton, Fla.

The Pacers and Fighting Knights will commence the three-game series with a 3 p.m. game on Friday, Feb. 12. The two will play at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13 before closing out the three-game set with an 11 a.m. game on Sunday, Feb. 14.

For those unable to make it to the games as always the USC Aiken Sports Information Department has you covered. Live stats will be available for Pacer fans who are unable to attend the games. The live stats can be accessed by clicking on the live stats link at www.pacersports.com.