AIKEN, S.C. – The No. 15 University of South Carolina Aiken baseball team started off strong, but two big innings propelled Catawba to an 11-4 victory Friday evening.

The Pacers are now 35-14 on the season.

After a quick first two innings of work by senior Derek Beasley, head coach Kenny Thomas' team got things going in the bottom of the second. Ty Barkell's high chopper just over the third baseman's outstretched glove put a runner on first. Barkell took his time coming around to score when Ryan Metzler launched a two-run homer over the left field fence for a 2-0 advantage.

USC Aiken had a chance to increase the margin with two down as Matt Bosse stole second after ripping a single into left, but a strikeout ended the threat.

The Indians battled back, making the score 2-1 after plating a run in the third. With two on, Beasley struck one batter out and forced the other to send a high fly ball to center field that Kody Belcher caught for the final out of the frame.

No other runner for either team reached base until the top of the fifth. Catawba took the lead by scoring four runs on three hits, including one that was unearned for a 5-2 edge.

The Pacers were unable to get anything going in the bottom of the fifth but the squad threatened in the sixth until a double play ended the stanza.

Catawba broke things open with a five-run seventh for a 10-2 lead.

USC Aiken would not quit, scoring two in the bottom of the frame, making it 10-4. Metzler walked to lead off the inning and T.J. Costen was hit by a pitch. Bosse laced a double down the left field line, allowing Metzler to score. Charles Padilla's groundout two batters later plated Costen for the fourth run of the game.

The visitors scored another run in the top of the eighth for the final tally. Thomas' team had a runner reach base in the ninth, but a groundout ended the game with one on.  

The Pacers return to action tomorrow at 2 p.m., when they square off against the Indians. Senior Day festivities will take place prior to the game. Fans should arrive by 1:45 p.m. Live statistics, audio and video will be available for those unable to be in attendance.