Baseball | February 04, 2025

Each week, USCA will post notes.

Molinaroli Ties The School Record

In the season-opening victory over Mars Hill, Capers Molinaroli turned in a five-hit effort, tying the school record. His previous high for hits in a game was three. Molinaroli went five-for-five with two doubles and a home run. His five hits tied the school record, which has happened 19 times in the program's Division II history. For his effort, he was named PBC Player of the Week.

Another School Mark

Not to be overshadowed by Molinaroli's school record, newcomer Eliud Poventud tied the school record for sacrifice flies in a contest with two. Poventud tied the mark that has occurred 12 times in the program's Division II history.

Most In Division II

Head coach Michael Holder's team plated 18 runs in the season-opening win over Mars Hill. The 18 runs marked the most scored by a USCA team in a season opener in the program's Division II history. 

Kevin's Strong Performance

Kevin Cox turned in a solid performance in the season-opening win over Mars Hill. He worked 5.2 innings and had six strikeouts while giving up three runs on three hits with just one walk. Cox tossed 73 pitches and picked up the victory.

Josh Is Sharp

Josh Sharp had an impressive performance in the season-opening win. He went four-for-six in the No. 3 spot. Sharp recorded a double, drove in one and scored three times.

Making An Impact 

In his first career at bat as a Pacer, sophomore Donovan Glisson blasted a two-run home run over the left field wall in the first inning. Glisson took a 1-1 offering over the wall for the four-base hit, extending the lead to 5-0. He finished the game by going three-for-five. 

Butler Sits Them Down

Leading 18-3 in the ninth inning, Jacob Butler served up three strikeouts to the Lions of Mars Hill. He faced four batters overall and threw 20 pitches. 

Claiming The Series

After dropping the second game of the series, head coach Michael Holder's team claimed the series victory with a 7-5 victory on Sunday. It marked the second consecutive series the Pacers have won at home, dating back to last year's season-ending series win over USC Beaufort.

Playing Like He's An Upperclassmen 

Freshman Hunter Thompson turned in an impressive performance over the weekend. He went two-for-three on Friday, three-for-five on Saturday and two-for-four on Sunday. Overall, he has two extra base hits, three RBI and has scored three times. Thompson's .583 batting average leads the program as well. For his effort, he was named PBC Freshman of the Week.

Relief Pitching

After Cade Bouknight and Logan Wise combined to toss the first 5.1 frames on Sunday, Jared Huse and Cole Evilsizor combined to work the final 3.2 innings. Huse went two innings, had four strikeouts and did not allow a run en route to earning the victory. Evilsizor tossed the final 1.2 innings and had two strikeouts to pick up the save.

Inside The Numbers

This week, USCA hosts Emmanuel on Friday, Feb. 7, Saturday, Feb. 8 and Sunday, Feb. 9. Since moving to Division II, the Pacers are 158-119 (57.0 percent) in Friday games, 366-253 (59.1 percent) in Saturday contests and 219-166 (56.9 percent) in Sunday affairs. During the same time, the program is 10-1 on Feb. 7, 11-5 on Feb. 8 and 10-6 on Feb. 9.

Against The Opponents

This week, USCA hosts Emmanuel on Friday, Feb. 7, Saturday, Feb. 8 and Sunday, Feb. 9. The Pacers control the all-time series 10-1. All 11 contests have been played at Roberto Hernandez Stadium. The teams started the series in 2015.