AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken claimed a 5-2 victory over No. 9 Columbus State in a conference contest Saturday afternoon thanks in part to a dominating pitching performance by Mitch Spence and a grand slam from Brian Parreira.

The Pacers are now 19-9 overall, and 10-4 in Peach Belt play. The Cougars fall to 22-4 overall, including an 8-2 record against conference foes.

The visitors jumped on top with a run in the first inning. Both teams remained quiet until the Cougars struck again in the top of the sixth, scoring one run in the stanza. However, in the bottom of the inning, head coach Kenny Thomas' team went to work.

Following a Jose Bonilla walk, Daulton Weeks cracked a double down the left field line, pushing Bonilla to third base. Nile Goings was intentionally walked to load the bases for Brian Parreira who promptly blasted a grand slam over the right field fence for the 4-2 advantage.

The Pacers would tack on another run in the seventh inning when Conner Durden reached on an error, allowing Jose Bonilla on third to cross home plate for the 5-2 lead.  

The Cougars threatened to score in the ninth with runners on first and second with one outs, but Spence forced a pop fly to center field, followed by a pop out to second base to end the game.

For the game, Weeks led the way with two hits, including a double. Brian Parreira had four RBI in the contest by way of a grand slam. Goings accounted for a double and a run scored while Bonilla crossed home twice.

Spence was spectacular on the mound, turning in a complete-game performance. He struck out a career-high 15 batters while only allowing two hits.

The Pacers return to action tomorrow against Columbus State at 1 p.m. Live stats and video will be available on PacerSports.com.