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AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Augusta University baseball team dropped a 14-4 game to the USC Aiken Pacers on Friday night to open the Peach Belt Conference series at Lake Olmstead Stadium.

Augusta (11-25, 7-18 PBC) gave up an early lead to USC Aiken (22-13, 13-6 PBC) and never could recover. The Pacers outhit the Jaguars 14-5, while stranding 13 runners on base to AU's 12.

The Jags were led by sophomore Timothy Gray who went 2-for-3 with two RBI and a walk. Juniors Devin Bilardello, Harrison Moore, and freshman Jay Pendley all had a hit for Augusta.  

The Pacers loaded the bases in their first at bat and drove across two runs, before bringing in four runs in the second inning. Augusta got back two runs in the fourth. Pendley scored Moore on a sacrifice fly and Gray doubled to score freshman Mason Robertson for a 6-2 score. USCA scored another in the seventh inning and picked up five in the eighth as they went on to win big.

AU senior Sam Goberdhan (0-4) pitched an inning and allowed one hit for three runs, while walking five and striking out one. Junior Chase Slone took over pitching duties for the Jags and logged six innings of work. Slone allowed seven hits for four runs (two earned), with two strikeouts. Senior Tony Jones, Jordan Kelly, and freshman Brennen Berger pitched in relief for Augusta.

Augusta returns on Saturday, April 7 for game two of the Peach Belt series at 6:00 p.m. in Lake Olmstead Stadium.

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