GREENWOOD, S.C. – The USCA baseball team lost a 6-2 decision to sixth-seeded Columbus State Sunday afternoon in the PBC Tournament.
The Pacers complete the tournament with a record of 36-17.
Head coach
Keith Gorman's team had a chance to get on the board in the first inning.
Evan Harding recorded a single to center field, but he was erased on a fielder's choice.
Chancellor Jennings swiped second and a walk to
Blake Martin put two on with two down.
Salvatore Laimo recorded a single to right field, loading the bags. However, a strikeout ended the inning.
Down 2-0 in the fourth, Laimo drew a walk and took second on
Maverick Grigsby's base knock to left field. However, a double play ended the threat.
Trailing 6-0 in the bottom of the eighth, USCA got on the board. Harding led off the stanza with a double down the right field line. With one down,
Yariel Diaz belted a double to left field, knocking in Harding. Martin singled home Diaz, making it 6-2. Laimo's base hit put runners on first and second. After Grigsby was hit by a pitch to load the bases, the Cougars changed pitchers. However, back-to-back outs ended the threat.
For the game, Harding, Laimo and Martin had two hits apiece. Diaz and Harding each had doubles. Diaz and Martin had one RBI apiece while Diaz and Harding crossed home once each. Grigsby had one hit.
On the mound,
Ben Shepherd got the start and worked five frames. He gave up four runs – three of which were earned – on six hits. Shepherd had four strikeouts.
Luke Norman had two strikeouts in an inning of work while
Nick Napolitano had two strikeouts in 1.1 frames.
CJ Lincoln worked two-thirds of an inning with a strikeout.
Ron Robinson struck out a batter.
Joseph Rauscher saw time on the mound while
Kyle Stock struck out one in two-thirds of an inning.
