AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken baseball team lost a 9-7 decision to North Georgia Sunday afternoon in the home finale.

The Pacers are now 19-24 on the season, including 11-13 in league play.

The Nighthawks jumped on the board with seven runs through the first five innings before Nick Tripp launched a solo blast over the left field wall, making it 7-1.

Trailing 9-1 in the bottom of the seventh, head coach Michael Holder's team loaded the bases before a walk to Josh Sharp pushed across a run. With the count at 0-2, Jose Hernandez belted a single into left field, knocking in Jeff Cyr while pulling the team within six at 9-3. Tai Gilbert ripped an offering down the left field line and into the corner. The base knock plated Tripp and Sharp while cutting the deficit to four at 9-5.

Dalton Graves came in as a pinch hitter and knocked a pitch to third base. However, an error by the first baseman allowed two runs to score while making it 9-7.

In the six-run inning, USC Aiken had just a pair of hits but had 11 batters come to the plate.

The score remained at 9-7 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning. USC Aiken had a chance to tie the game after Carson Suess rocketed a pitch into center field on a full count. However, the Nighthawks managed to get the final out to secure the win.

Gilbert drove in a pair of runs in the win while Tripp crossed home twice. Nine USC Aiken student-athletes recorded hits in the game.

Jacob Fletcher got the start and worked four innings. He struck out three while Jacob Rye struck out four batters in three innings of work. Peyton Boozer and Austin Sandifer each tossed scoreless innings in the loss.  

The Pacers return to action Tuesday when they step out of conference and travel to UNC Pembroke. First pitch is slated for 4 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.