SALISBURY, N.C.  – The No. 17 University of South Carolina Aiken baseball team rattled off a 5-4 non-conference road victory at Catawba Wednesday evening.

The Pacers are now 27-10 on the season.

On the second pitch of the game, Kody Belcher laced a line drive down the right field line, putting a runner in scoring position. Although the next two Pacers at the plate were unable to bring him in, Ty Barkell launched a two-run homer on an 0-1 count for a quick 2-0 lead.

Head coach Kenny Thomas' team pushed the margin to 4-0 with a pair of runs in the second. Ryan Metzler led off the inning with a four-pitch walk. When Ben Donath was hit by a pitch, it put runners on first and second. Charles Padilla grounded out to the pitcher, but both runners moved up 90 feet.

Sean Miller and Belcher registered back-to-back singles as each drove in a run for the 4-0 advantage.

In the bottom of the third, the Indians got on the board with an RBI single, making it 4-1. However, the home squad evened it at 4-4 on a three-run homer.

USC Aiken had a chance to take the lead in the fifth. With one down, Belcher beat out an infield bunt. T.J. Costen walked with two away, putting runners on first and second. Barkell reached safely on a fielding error, loading the bases. Thomas' team was unable to plate any runs though as Matt Bosse struck out to end the frame.

In the eighth, the score was still tied, 4-4. Barkell singled up the middle and Bosse reached on a fielder's choice, but Barkell was eliminated on the play. Bosse quickly swiped second and Metzler's single through the left side of the infield on a 2-2 pitch allowed Bosse to score what turned out to be the game-winning run.

Taylor Peed picked up the win, throwing 2.1 innings of relief. He struck out three and gave up just one hit and a walk without allowing a run. James Lynch came in from the bullpen to record the final two outs of the contest.

Caleb Smith started the game and worked 2.1 innings while Ben Black tossed 3.2 innings. Black struck out four while Smith made three batters go back to the dugout on strikeouts.

At the plate, Belcher was three-for-five with a double, one RBI and one run scored. Barkell and Metzler each had a pair of hits. Barkell had two RBI and scored once. Bosse, Metzler and Donath all crossed home one time each.

The Pacers return to action Friday night when they travel to nearby GRU Augusta in a Peach Belt Conference contest. First pitch is slated for 6:30 p.m.