NEWBERRY, S.C. – The No. 22 University of South Carolina Aiken baseball team picked up a 5-3 victory over region foe Newberry Tuesday evening.
The Pacers are now 28-10 on the season while the Wolves fall to 28-15 overall.
Head coach
Kenny Thomas' team jumped on top of the Wolves in the first inning. With one down,
Luke Westerberg ripped a double to left center field. Three batters later,
Conner Durden belted a single to right field, allowing Westerberg to trot home for the 1-0 edge.
USC Aiken pushed its margin to 2-0 in the fourth stanza.
Jonathan Banks opened the inning with a double down the left field line.
Skylar Mercado's opposite field single advanced Banks to third base. Banks raced home on
Tyler Ammerman's sacrifice fly for the two-run advantage.
The Pacers extended their lead in the sixth. Durden led off the inning with a four-pitch walk. With one away,
Daulton Weeks registered a double, sending Durden to third. After a pitching change, Mercado's groundout allowed Durden to cross home for a 3-0 score. Ammerman reached on a throwing error as Weeks scored to make it 4-0.
Jose Bonilla drew a walk before
Freddie Beamon III rocketed a single to center field, plating Ammerman.
Jamie Morlan relieved starter
James Lynch in the bottom of the sixth. Lynch had an outstanding performance, striking out five while giving up just two hits without allowing a run.
The Wolves scored a run in the seventh and two in the ninth, but could get no closer.
For the game, Beamon III and Weeks registered two hits apiece.
Lynch picked up the win. Morlan tossed 1.2 innings in relief.
Joseph Benitez registered a strikeout to the lone batter he faced.
William Ard worked a scoreless frame while
Hunter Dollander closed the game in the ninth. Ard and Dollander struck out one batter apiece.
The Pacers return to action Friday when they host Francis Marion in a three-game series. First pitch on Friday is slated for 6:30 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.
