AIKEN, S.C. -
Augusta State dropped two Peach Belt Conference games to the 12th
ranked USC Aiken Pacers on Saturday afternoon at Roberto Hernandez
Stadium.
The Pacers erased a one-time 7-2 deficit in game one to emerge with
a 12-8 victory in the first game before overcoming a 5-1 deficit
for a 7-6 win in the nightcap.
Augusta State dropped the Jaguars to 13-25 overall and 3-14 in the
PBC, while USC Aiken improved to 27-12 on the season and 14-6 in
the league.
In game one, USC Aiken entered the bottom of the seventh inning
down 7-2. Things changed from there with USC Aiken posting six runs
in the frame to acquire its first lead of the contest at 8-7.
In the top of the eighth, Augusta State was able to procure a run
that tied the game once again at 8-8. USC Aiken was able to garner
four runs in the bottom portion of the eighth to garner the
eventual four-run win. Jowan Gray scored the game-winning run on a
wild pitch from Augusta State reliever Zach Minter.
Augusta State overall finished the first game with two more hits
than the Pacers at 11-9.
USC Aiken reliever Christian Stutts moved to 2-1 on the season in
relief of Pacer starter Steven Owens, who acquired a no decision.
Stutts dealt the final 1.2 innings, fanning two.
Minter suffered the loss in game one for the Jaguars in relief of
starter Wilson Taylor. Minter pitched just two-thirds of an inning,
walking three and allowing three earned runs.
In the second game, USC Aiken once again allowed the Jaguars to
take an early lead at 5-1. USC Aiken would acquire six runs in four
of its final five at-bats to obtain the one-run win.
Augusta State would scratch one more run across in the top of the
ninth inning to push the Pacers to the edge, but USC Aiken would
hold on for the 7-6 victory.
Jason Cochcroft relieved starter Thomas McLeod and improved to 5-0
on the season. Cochcroft retired all 15 of the batters that he
faced in relief of McLeod. Cochcroft struck out three of the 15
batters.
Chad Benefield obtained his sixth save of the year in the game.
Augusta State reliever Joah Evans suffered the loss. Evans pitched
the final two innings, allowing two earned runs. He is now 1-5 on
the year.
Tristan Toorie paced the Jags offensively on the day with four hits
and three RBI. Alex Walker and Andy Onufrak also had four hits on
the day with Onufrak having and RBI. Cole Payne had three hits with
two RBI, while Tony Baker had two hits and two RBI.
The two teams close out the three-game series on Sunday afternoon
at Roberto Hernandez Stadium. at 1:00 p.m.
