Box Score AIKEN, S.C. – The nationally 13th-ranked University of South Carolina Aiken baseball team utilized a four-run bottom of the sixth inning to catapult itself to a 10-6 non-conference victory over Limestone on Wednesday evening at Roberto Hernandez Stadium.
Tied 6-6 entering the bottom of the sixth inning, Branden Millhouse (Summerville, S.C./USC Upstate) started things off for USC Aiken in the frame by singling up the middle. Josh Miller (Chapin, S.C./Chapin HS) then singled through the right side to put runners at the corner for the Pacers.
Bryce Baur (Moncks Corner, S.C./Florence-Darlington Tech) then sacrificed over Miller to second to put two runners in scoring position with one out on the board.
After Bill Gerstenslager (Solon, Ohio/Mercyhurst) was walked to load the bases, Ty Barkell (Denver, Colo./Palmer Ridge HS) took advantage of his opportunity by doubling in Millhouse and Miller.
The score now 8-6, USC Aiken's Ryan Metzler (Glen Burnie, Md./Siena) then drove in the final two runs of the game for the Pacers when he singled through the left side to score Barkell and Gerstenslager.
USC Aiken (16-5) ended its win out-hitting Limestone (12-10), 14-12.
In the midst of a 12-game hitting streak, Barkell led four Pacers with multiple hits in the game. Barkell was 3-for-5 with three RBIs and two runs scored. He had two doubles in the contest.
Miller, Metzler and Gerstenslager each ended their efforts with two hits. Metzler had three RBIs in the game, while Gerstenslager scored three times. Miller scored two runs in the Pacer victory.
KJ McAllister led Limestone in its loss with three hits.
A total of 12 pitchers between the two teams were used. Seven Pacer pitchers saw the mound in the game.
Danny Wissman (Arbutus, Md./Hammond HS) claimed the win for USC Aiken in relief of starter Taylor Peed. He is now 1-0 on the year.
Limestone's Matt Varnadoe took the loss on the hill. He is now 3-2 on the season.
USC Aiken will next welcome Anderson to the 'Bert for a single 6 p.m. game on Thursday, March 14.
USC Aiken will then close out its week by welcoming Young Harris to the 'Bert for the first time as PBC opponents. USC Aiken and Young Harris will open their three-game league series with a 1 p.m. doubleheader on Saturday, March 16. One day later, the series will conclude with a 1 p.m. game on Sunday, March 17.
