AIKEN, S.C. – The USCA baseball team lost a 3-2 decision to Flagler College Friday evening in the first game of the three-game series.

The Pacers are now 13-11 overall, including 5-2 in PBC play.

Head coach Michael Holder's team fell behind 1-0 in the top of the first. His team responded quickly as Griffin Rowe led off the frame with a hit to right field. After moving to second on a sacrifice bunt by Josh Sharp, Jack Hobson's base knock pushed Rowe to third. Hunter Thompson recorded the RBI after poking an offering through the left side of the infield, driving in Rowe.

Down 2-1 in the fourth, walks to Tyler Casciato, Doom Dennis and Cannon Jones loaded the bases. However, a strikeout ended the threat.

Sharp led off the fifth with an infield single before promptly swiping second base. Two batters later, Thompson singled to third base. USCA was unable to push across the tying run in the frame.

The Pacers got things going in the seventh. Rowe started the inning with an infield single. After a pitching change, Sharp blasted a shot into right field, sending Rowe to third. Sharp took second on the throw to the infield. Jack Hobson hit a high bounding ball to third, plating Rowe.

The Saints pushed across a run in the eighth for a 3-2 advantage.

For the game, Rowe led the way with three hits and two runs scored. Hobson, Kirkland, Sharp and Thompson had two hits apiece. Hobson and Thompson each drove in a run.

On the mound, Blayne Newman worked 7.2 innings and had nine strikeouts. He gave up three runs on six hits and did not allow a batter. Damien Ashley worked the final 1.1 innings and had a strikeout.  

The Pacers return to action tomorrow when they host the Saints for a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.