Baseball | January 26, 2024

AUGUSTA, Ga. – The University of South Carolina Aiken baseball team has been selected third in the PBC Preseason Poll, as announced by the league office.

Georgia Southwestern was tabbed to finish first while Columbus State edged the Pacers by a mere point (68-67). Lander and North Georgia tied for fourth while Georgia College & State, Augusta, Flagler, USC Beaufort and Claflin rounded out the poll.

Standout Joseph Mozingo was selected to the PBC preseason all-conference team at first base. The redshirt-junior from Huntingtown, Md., is coming off an impressive 2023 campaign. A year ago, he batted .393 and sported a .481 slugging percentage. Mozingo pounded out 53 hits, including nine doubles and a home run. He carried a .437 on-base percentage and sported a .987 fielding percentage. 

The Pacers open the season Friday, Feb. 2 when they host UNC Pembroke at 4 p.m. 

Coaches Poll
1. Georgia Southwestern (8) 80
2. Columbus State (1) 68
3. USC Aiken (1) 67
t4. Lander 51
t4. North Georgia 51
6. GCSU 47
7. Augusta 33
8. Flagler 27
9. USC Beaufort 16
10. Claflin 10
 
Preseason All-Conference
1b - Joseph Mozingo, USC Aiken
2b - Koby Ayala, Augusta
3b - Jace Bowen, North Georgia
SS - Miles Hartsfield, GSW
C - Will McClellan, Lander
OF - Jake Blinstrub, GSW
OF - Andrews Opata, North Georgia
OF - Derek Wylie, Columbus St.
DH - Connor Droze, Lander
P - Nick McCollum, GSW
RP - Peyton Burton, Columbus St.