AIKEN, S.C. – The University pf South Carolina Aiken baseball team was able to complete the series sweep of Lander University following a 9-5 victory Sunday afternoon.
The Pacers improve to 29-16 overall, earning a 20-7 record in conference action.
Head coach Kenny Thomas' team would strike first. Jose Bonilla began the bottom of the first inning with a single to right field. With one out, Brian Parreira walked on four pitches, advancing Bonilla to second. The next batter, Nile Goings, blasted a single into left field, plating Bonilla for a 1-0 advantage. With one out, Conner Durden smacked a triple down the right field line, allowing Goings to cross home plate for a 2-0 lead.
The Pacers would continue to add to their lead in the second inning. Phillip Watcher singled to left field to begin the stanza. With one out, Chandler Rogers singled down the left field line, allowing Watcher to score for the 3-0 lead. Following a Bonilla double, Daulton Weeks grounded out to second base, allowing Rogers to score to increase their lead to four.
The Bearcats would battle back in the third, fifth, and sixth innings, knotting the score at 4-4.
However, the Pacers would respond in the bottom of the sixth. Brady O'Neil began the inning by sending a solo home run over the left field fence, giving the Pacers the 5-4 lead. With one out, Bonilla singled to left field, followed by Weeks reaching on an error. Brian Parreira was hit by a pitch following a pitching change to load the bases. With two away, Durden drew a walk to plate a run for the 6-4 advantage. The next batter, Joey Smithers, smacked a ground ball to the right side that was misplayed by the first baseman, allowing Durden, Parreira, and Weeks to score for the 9-4 advantage.
The Bearcats would respond in the ninth inning, plating a run to decrease the deficit to 9-5. With runners on first and second with one out, the Bearcats were threatening to rally. However, Hunter Shuff forced a fly out to right field and notched a strikeout to end the game.
For the game, Bonilla led the way with four hits in the contest. Goings and Durden registered two hits apiece while Durden drove in two. Brady O'Neil hit a solo home run to give the Pacers the lead.
On the mound, Zach Rafuse went six innings, allowing three runs while striking out six. Daniel Wiggins earned the win with an inning of work while recording a strikeout. Hunter Shuff picked up the save after working a scoreless 0.2 innings in the ninth.
The Pacers return to action Friday at 6 p.m. when they travel to Flagler University for game one of a three game series. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com
