AIKEN, S.C. - The University of South Carolina Aiken baseball team garnered a 3-2 victory over North Georgia to win the series Sunday afternoon.

The Pacers move to 15-7 overall, tallying a 9-3 conference record.

Both teams remained scoreless in the first two innings. In the top of the third inning, the Nighthawks had two runners on base with one out and were threatening to score. However, Christian Aragon tallied two consecutive strikeouts in order to keep the opposing team off the board.

In the bottom of the third inning, head coach Kenny Thomas' team went to work. The inning began with a Joey Smithers single to second base. That was followed by a Conner Durden double to right field, scoring Smithers for a 1-0 lead. Nile Goings followed with a walk before Durden and Goings advanced to second and third base, respectively, following a grounder. With one out, Blake Bottomley flied out to right field, allowing Durden to cross home plate while pushing the lead to 2-0. However, the Pacers were unable to do anymore damage in the inning.
North Georgia tallied two runs in the top of the fourth inning, knotting the contest at 2-2.

The Nighthawks would threaten again in the top of the sixth with runners on first and third with two outs. However, Hunter Shuff forced a ground ball to Cary Holloway at third base. He promptly fired the ball to first base to record the putout and end the inning.

In the bottom of the stanza, the Pacers would strike again. With two outs, Holloway was able to reach second base following a throwing error by the Nighthawks' defense. Chandler Rogers blasted a single to left center, scoring Holloway from second base for what turned out to be the game-winning run.

In the top of the ninth inning, the Nighthawks were eyeing a comeback. However, Daniel Wiggins promptly retired the side, with the last batter flying out to Jose Bonilla in center field to end the contest.

For the game, Smithers lead the way with two hits and one run scored. Durden and Rogers also tallied hits in the contest, registering one RBI apiece.

On the mound, Aragon had four innings of work, allowing two runs on two hits while registering 10 strikeouts. Hunter Shuff picked up the win after three scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out two. Daniel Wiggins earned the save after two scoreless and hitless innings while striking out four.

The Pacers return to action Friday, March 16 when they travel to Georgia Southwestern for a 5 p.m. first pitch.