AIKEN, S.C. – The USCA baseball team used a walk-off hit from rookie
Hunter Thompson in the bottom of the ninth to defeat No. 8 IUP 9-8 Sunday.
The Pacers are now 7-7 on the season while the Crimson Hawks stand at 1-3.
Head coach
Michael Holder's team jumped on top with a pair of runs in the third inning.
Tyler Casciato singled up the middle and later advanced to third on an error.
Donovan Glisson singled home Casciato for a 1-0 margin.
Jack Hobson followed it up with a base knock through the left side of the infield, driving in
Brody Yeomans, who had walked two batters earlier.
Tied at 2-2 in the fifth,
Cannon Jones drew a lead-off walk and moved to second on a bunt by Sharp. After moving to third on a wild pitch,
Capers Molinaroli knocked Jones in with a base hit through the right side of the defense. With the bases loaded, Yeomans drew a base on balls, allowing Molinaroli to score for a 4-2 edge.
Trailing 6-4 in the sixth stanza, Holder's team pushed forward.
Trevor Gruszka led off the inning with a walk and moved to third on a base hit by Jones. Facing an 0-2 count,
Josh Sharp showcased his power with a three-run round-tripper for a 7-6 advantage.
IUP scored two runs in the seventh for an 8-7 lead and the Crimson Hawks maintained the advantage until the ninth.
With two down,
Brandon Osypczuk entered as a pinch hitter and ripped a 3-2 pitch down the right field line, prompting a pitching change. After Osypczuk went to third on a wild pitch, Sharp drew a walk as did Molinaroli. Both walks occurred on full counts. After another pitching change, Thompson hit a high bounding ball toward second base. The high chopper made its way to the outfield, driving in Osypczuk and Sharp for the victory.
For the game, Sharp led the way with three RBI on his home run. He also scored twice. Molinaroli, Thompson and Yeomans had two hits apiece. Thompson drove in two while Jones scored twice.
On the mound,
Cole Evilsizor got the win after working the last 2.2 frames. He had a pair of strikeouts and did not give up a run.
Connor Sampers got the start and had two strikeouts.
Damien Ashley tossed 2.1 frames and had two strikeouts.
Jacob Bodkin accounted for two strikeouts in 1.1 innings.
Logan Jamrosz also saw time on the mound.
The Pacers return to action Wednesday when they play at Francis Marion at 3 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.
