AIKEN, S.C. – The No. 3 University of South Carolina Aiken baseball team posted a 3-2 victory over Young Harris Friday evening in the team's Peach Belt Conference opener.

The Pacers are 10-2 on the season.

Durden led the way with a three-for-four effort for head coach Kenny Thomas' team. The newcomer batted in a pair of Pacers.

In the bottom of the first, Jose Bonilla sent a double down the left field line and Mitchell Price bunted for a single, pushing Bonilla to third. After Price swiped second base, Durden singled him home for a 1-0 edge.

With two out in the third inning, Nile Goings smashed a solo round-tripper for a 2-0 advantage.

Due to stellar pitching by Connor Riley and James Lynch, the Mountain Lions were held off the board through the first eight frames. Riley wrapped up his effort with seven strikeouts while giving up just a pair of hits and two walks.

Lynch pitched the seventh and eighth, registering four strikeouts. He walked one but did not give up a hit.

The visitors got on the board with a pair of runs in the top of the ninth, but USC Aiken made sure it would not need extra innings.

Tyler Ammerman drew a lead-off walk. Luke Westerberg followed in Ammerman's footsteps, putting runners on first and second.

Bonilla was hit by a pitch to load the bags. With one down, Durden worked the count full before ripping the game-winning single to center field for the 3-2 victory.

Mitch Spence picked up the victory. He struck out three batters in the ninth inning.

The Pacers return to action tomorrow at 2 p.m., for the second game of the series. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.