AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken baseball team lost a 7-5 decision to No. 25 UNC Pembroke Saturday afternoon in the home opener.
The Pacers are now 0-4 on the season while the Braves improve to 3-0.
A two-run single in the top of the 12
th proved to be the decisive factor in the game. USC Aiken loaded the bags in the bottom half of the frame, but the squad was unable to push across a run.
In the bottom of the second inning,
Morgan Hyde doubled with one away.
Nick Tripp reached second on an error, allowing Hyde to come home.
Tucker Rabun singled home Tripp for a 2-0 edge.
UNC Pembroke sliced the deficit to one with a run in the top of the fourth.
David Jacobs legged out an infield single in the bottom of the fourth. He eventually moved to third on a double steal and came home on a sacrifice fly from Tripp.
USC Aiken added to its lead in the fifth. With the bases loaded, Jacobs reached on a fielder's choice as
James Eckert crossed home plate. Eckert singled to lead off the stanza.
In the sixth, Tripp singled and
Bryce Bulls came in as a pinch runner. Rabun singled home Bulls to make it 5-2.
The Braves added a run in the eighth and tied it in the top of the ninth with a two-run homer.
Rabun and Tripp each had a pair of hits in the contest. Rabun led the team with two RBI. Cyr walked four times while Hyde walked three times.
Wiggins started the game and worked five innings. He struck out three batters while giving up one earned run.
Evan Condon,
Austin Hohm and
Henry Cartrett each saw time on the mound. Hyde worked four frames and took the loss in the game.
The Pacers return to action tomorrow for the final two games of the series beginning at 12 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.