NEWBERRY, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken baseball team lost a hard fought 8-7 game at Newberry Wednesday evening.

The Pacers are now 7-12 on the season.

Trailing 2-0 in the top of the second, Dalton Graves recorded a lead-off single and moved to second on a wild pitch. Moments later, Doom Dennis ripped a single to right field, allowing Graves to race home.

USC Aiken took the lead in the third frame. Brock Myers was hit by a pitch and stole second with one away. Moments later, he was able to trot home when Graves belted a two-run home run to right field.

The Wolves battled back, tying the game in the third before pushing the score to 5-3 with a run in the fourth and another in the sixth.  

USC Aiken got things going in the top of the seventh inning as Cade Bouknight roped a single through the left side. He moved to second on a groundout by Jack Hobson. A fielding error allowed Myers to reach base while Bouknight hustled to third. Josh Sharp promptly brought him home with a single to left, pulling the Pacers within one at 5-4. After a walk to Capers Molinaroli, Graves was hit by a pitch, tying the score at 5-5.

With the bases still loaded, Joseph Mozingo drew a walk, allowing Sharp to cross home plate. A walk to Kaden Usry gave the visitors a 7-5 advantage.

Newberry made it 7-6 with a run in the seventh before posting two runs in the bottom of the ninth to secure the victory.

For the game, Graves and Sharp led the way with two hits apiece. Graves drove in three and scored twice. Myers crossed home plate twice.

On the mound, Derek Espinoza got the start and recorded four strikeouts in 5.2 frames. Jared Huse posted four strikeouts in relief but took the loss while throwing 3.0 innings.

The Pacers return to action Friday when they play at Georgia Southwestern starting at 6 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.