Central, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken baseball team fell to the Southern Wesleyan Warriors 3-2 Wednesday afternoon.
The Pacers are now 9-5 on the season. Historically, USC Aiken is now 2-1 against the Warriors.
USC Aiken struck first in the fifth inning earning two runs. After posting two outs,
Kaden Blankenship singled and then advanced to second on a walk to
James Eckert.
Josh Sharp was also walked loading the bases.
Jackson Hannon singled driving in two runs.
The Warriors cut the lead in half with a homerun in the bottom of the fifth.
The Pacers carried the 2-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth. Southern Wesleyan loaded the bases with zero outs and earned their first run by a hit batsman. A walk with the bases still stacked ended the game for the Pacers.
For the game, Hannon was three-for-four with two RBI, a walk, and a stolen base. Sharp collected a double on one-of-four hitting including a walk.
Justin Byrd,
Jose Hernandez, and
Tai Gilbert each collected a hit.
Derek Espinoza started on the mound for the Pacers and pitched five frames giving up one run on two hits and four strikeouts.
Evan Condon pitched three innings in relief allowing one run on one hit and four strikeouts. Louis Smith faced two batters giving up a run and a walk and
Dylan Wilhelm pitched a third of an inning walking one and striking out one.
The Pacers return to action on Friday for a three-game series on the road against conference foe, USC Beaufort, in Hardeeville, S.C. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.
