AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken baseball team lost an 8-1 decision to Georgia College in the opening game of the three-game series Friday evening.

The Pacers are now 10-5 overall, including 3-1 in league play. The Bobcats improve to 10-5 overall and 7-0 against conference competition.

The visitors had a chance to score with two on and one out in the top of the first. However, a spectacular catch by Nile Goings prevented any runs from scoring. Goings, playing in right field, ranged to his left at the crack of the bat. With the runners on the move, he snagged the ball with an outstretched arm near the foul line. After the catch, he turned and fired it to the cut-off man, who doubled off the runner on first base for the inning-ending double play.

Head coach Kenny Thomas' team was held without a hit through the first 6.1 innings. Trailing 5-0, Goings headed to the plate and blasted a 1-1 pitch over the wall, ending the no-hit bid and shutout in one powerful swing.

With two down in the stanza, Joey Smithers beat out an infield hit. However, USC Aiken was unable to do any further damage in the inning.

For the game, Goings and Smithers each accounted for hits. Conner Durden drew a pair of walks while Daulton Weeks was walked once.  

The Pacers return to action tomorrow when the squad hosts the Bobcats at 2 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.