Baseball | March 26, 2024

Each week, USC Aiken will post notes. This week, USC Aiken plays Augusta in a neutral-site affair at SRP Park on Tuesday, March 26 before hosting Georgia College & State on Thursday, March 28, Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30.

Steger's Start

Although he did not pick up a decision in the win over Columbus State, starter Hunter Steger registered a season-high 10 strikeouts in his outing. He gave up three earned runs on seven hits and walked just two, helping keep USC Aiken within striking distance while on the mound.

Deibel Does It

AJ Deibel worked a scoreless sixth inning against Columbus State on Saturday. His outing was good enough for the victory as the Pacers took the lead in the bottom of the frame and never relinquished it.

Five Runs

The five-run sixth inning in the win over Columbus State was the most runs USC Aiken's scored in a frame since a five-run first inning in the series finale victory over Claflin on March 3. This season, head coach Michael Holder's team is 5-1 when scoring at least five runs in an inning.

Saving The Day

Newcomer Jared Huse registered his first career save in Saturday's victory over Columbus State. He worked the seventh, eighth and ninth frames and did not allow a base runner. Huse struck out six batters en route to getting the save. For his effort, Huse was named the Hutson-Etherredge Companies/Auto-Owners Insurance Student-Athlete Of The Week and the PBC Freshman of the Week.

Total Team Effort

Head coach Michael Holder's team snapped its losing streak with an emphatic 5-3 victory over Columbus State last Saturday. Down 2-0 in the sixth, the Pacers rattled off five runs and never looked back. Joseph Mozingo roped a double down the left field line, plating Capers Molinaroli. Moments later, Brandon Osypczuk was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, driving in a run. Brock Myers and Josh Sharp each had walks with the bags full, driving in runs. A passed ball allowed Cannon Frost to score for a 5-3 lead and the team never looked back. The Pacers tacked on another run in the eighth. Behind a solid start from Hunter Steger (no decision), a great inning from AJ Deibel, who picked up the win, and three strong innings from Jared Huse, USC Aiken secured the victory.  

Inside The Numbers

This week, USC Aiken plays Augusta on Tuesday, March 26 before hosting Georgia College & State on Thursday, March 28, Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30. Since moving to Division II, the Pacers are 113-50 (69.3 percent) in Tuesday games, 65-34 (65.6 percent) in Thursday games, 157-114 (57.9 percent) in Friday contests and 362-249 (59.2 percent) in Saturday games. During the same time, the program is 15-5 on March 26, 11-9 on March 28, 11-13 on March 29 and 10-10 on March 30.

Against The Opponents

This week, USC Aiken plays Augusta on Tuesday, March 26 before hosting Georgia College & State on Thursday, March 28, Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30. The Pacers hold a 94-32 lead in the all-time series against the Jaguars. The Bobcats have a 67-45 advantage in the all-time series against USC Aiken.