Softball | March 11, 2024

AUGUSTA, Ga. – University of South Carolina Aiken softball standout Payton Baker has been named the PBC Pitcher of the Week while teammate Kate Newberry has been named the PBC Freshman of the Week, as announced by the league office.

Baker, a native of Denver, N.C., was outstanding for the Pacers. She went 2-0 on the week with a 0.46 ERA in three appearances. Baker got the starting nod and worked all eight innings of the 4-3 victory. She struck out eight batters and gave up just one earned run without walking anyone. After getting one out against the Bulldogs in the nightcap, Baker went the distance in the 4-1 win over USC Beaufort. Baker struck out six and did not give up an earned run while scattering three hits.

Newberry, a native of Watkinsville, Ga., hit .385 in four games last week. She posted five hits, drove in five and scored four times while sporting an .846 slugging percentage. In the win over No. 11 Wingate, she posted two hits and had three RBI. In the eighth inning, Newberry registered a walk-off two-run homer. She tallied a solo round-tripper in the nightcap against the Bulldogs. Newberry garnered two hits and scored in the opener against USC Beaufort. Newberry wrapped up the season with one RBI and a run scored in the victory over the Sand Sharks.