WINGATE, N.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken baseball team picked up a hard-fought 9-5 win at Wingate Wednesday afternoon.

The Pacers are now 5-2 on the season while the Bulldogs fall to 7-1.

Head coach Kenny Thomas' team was led by Brian Parreira's two hits and three RBI. Joey Smithers and Conner Durden knocked in two runs apiece. Jose Bonilla, Smithers and Chandler Rogers all crossed home twice apiece.

Four of USC Aiken's 12 hits went for extra bases, including round-trippers from Durden, Parreira and Smithers.

Christian Aragon worked five frames, striking out eight batters and giving up four runs en route to earning the win. Daniel Wiggins earned his first save, throwing 3.1 frames. He struck out five and gave up one earned run on a pair of hits.

Trailing 1-0 heading in the fourth, the Pacers got things going with two down. Daulton Weeks singled and scored on a base knock by Philip Watcher.

In the fifth, Thomas' squad quickly had two outs before Rogers doubled down the left field line. Bonilla reached on an error, putting runners on first and third. The miscue proved costly as Parreira smashed a three-run homer over the right field wall. On the very next pitch, Smithers took the pitch and blasted a homer to right center field for a 5-1 edge.

Leading 5-4 in the top of the seventh, Smithers singled home Rogers, who led off the frame with a single. After a balk scored Bonilla, Durden launched a two-run shot over the fence for a 9-4 advantage.

Although Wingate plated one more run, Wiggins ensured the win by the visitors.   

The Pacers return to action Friday when they host Mount Olive at 4 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.