DUE WEST, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken baseball team lost a 7-6 decision at Erskine Tuesday afternoon.

The Pacers are now 3-1 overall while the Flying Fleet stand at 4-1.

Head coach Kenny Thomas' team was led by Joey Smithers, who accounted for four hits in six at bats, along with Trey Polewski's two-hit, three-RBI effort. The dyad accounted for six of the team's eight hits – with the others coming via Conner Durden and Sean McQuillan.

USC Aiken jumped on top in the first when Durden singled home Smithers, who opened the game with a single and a steal of second base.

Trailing 2-1 in the fourth stanza, Polewski smashed a three-run homer down the left field line for a 4-2 edge. The round-tripper brought in Chandler Rogers and Andrew Brown III. However, the Flying Fleet would regain the lead with a four-run fifth inning, including three runs which were unearned.

USC Aiken battled back, making it 6-5 with a run in the sixth when Blake Bottomley reached on a fielder's choice, allowing McQuillan to score.

After Erskine plated a run in the bottom half of the stanza, Thomas' squad once again made it a one-run game. Rogers walked to lead off the inning. With one down, Polewski singled to put Rogers on third. Smithers roped a single to left field, plating Rogers to bring the visitors within one at 7-6.

USC Aiken got a runner on in the ninth, but a pair of fielder's choices ended the contest.

Connor Christensen worked 4.2 frames, giving up five runs – only one of which was earned – on five hits to go along with four strikeouts. Hunter Shuff struck out three batters while Jon Yarbrough struck out one.

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