AIKEN, S.C. – The USCA baseball team continued the strong start to the 2026 season with a 9-4 victory over region foe Francis Marion Tuesday afternoon.

The Pacers are now 3-0 on the season while the Patriots fall to 2-1.

Head coach Keith Gorman's team broke open the scoreless contest in the fourth stanza. Cannon Frost singled and moved to second on Osmin Melendez's base knock up the middle. With two outs and Melendez on second, Chancellor Jennings ripped a base hit to left field and moved to second on the throw. He hustled to third on a throwing error as Melendez scored on the play for a 1-0 edge.

Yariel Diaz posted an infield single, plating Jennings. After a walk to Donovan Glisson and Salvatore Laimo was hit by a pitch to load the bags, Cameron Austin Jr., drew a walk, scoring Diaz. Maverick Grigsby belted a triple to right center field, clearing the bags while pushing the margin to 6-0 – all with two away.

USCA added to the lead in the sixth. Cannon Frost drew a one-out walk and promptly stole second. Melendez's infield hit pushed Frost to third. Evan Harding recorded a base hit to second base, plating Frost. Melendez scored on a single from Jennings, extending the margin to 8-0.

For the game, Jennings and Melendez led the way with three hits apiece. Grigsby had two hits, including a triple. Grigsby drove in three while Jennings had two RBI. Austin, Diaz and Harding all had one RBI apiece. Laimo and Melendez each crossed home twice in the victory.

On the mound, Brady Dunlop got the starting nod and worked six effective innings. He had four strikeouts and gave up just two hits and a walk in his Pacer debut. Myles Chabi took over in the seventh and tossed a scoreless frame. Dante Onorato worked the eighth and had a strikeout. Dylan Dickert threw the ninth frame to close things out.

Laimo tied the school record for hit by pitches with three.

The Pacers return to action Friday when they host Emory & Henry at 4 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.