COLUMBUS, Ga. – The No. 1 University of South Carolina Aiken baseball team lost a 3-2 decision at Columbus State Friday evening.

The Pacers are now 19-5 overall and 6-1 in league play. The Cougars improve to 14-8 on the year and 8-2 against conference competition.

Head coach Kenny Thomas' team fell behind 2-0 in the second stanza. The home team added another run in the third frame for a 3-0 edge.

In the fourth inning, Mitchell Price belted a one-out 2-2 pitch to right field for a single. A failed pick-off attempt allowed Price to hustle to third base. However, back-to-back outs left him stranded just 90 feet away from home plate.

USC Aiken cut into the deficit in the sixth frame. With two down, Jonathan Banks ripped a single to left field. Two pitches later, Price delivered a triple to center field, scoring Banks from first. Zach Moon walked as did Conner Durden, but an infield pop-up ended the threat with the bases loaded.

The Pacers made it a one-run game in the eighth inning when Price launched a solo shot over the left center field wall, making it 3-2.

Brian Parreira registered a pinch-hit single in the ninth, but USC Aiken was unable to knot the contest.

For the game, Price was a double away from the cycle, going three-for four. He drove in two runs. Banks and Parreira tallied the only other hits for the visitors.

On the mound, Joseph Benitez tossed a complete game. He struck out nine and gave up three earned runs on eight hits. He was saddled with the loss.

The Pacers return to action for the second game of the series tomorrow. First pitch is slated for 3 p.m. Live stats will be available at PacerSports.com.