Georgia Southwestern surrendered four runs in the first inning and could never recover en route to a 7-4 loss on Sunday afternoon at the hands of USC Aiken in the final game of their Peach Belt Conference series at Hurricane Field.

USC Aiken wasted no time jumping to a lead with three consecutive singles and a Travis Howard double to open the game.  Just like that, GSW was in a 2-0 hole. The Pacers proceeded to score another run on a fielder's choice and their final run of the inning came off a Chris Grandinetti single. 
 
GSW got a run back in the bottom of the first when a Kevin Carroll single knocked in Chris Lingham, who started the home half of the inning with a double down the right field line.
 
The Pacers would add a run in the top of the second to push their lead back to four runs, 5-1.
 
The Hurricanes put a three-hit inning together in the bottom of the second, to get back another run and put the score at 5-2.
 
However, Nick Aranas would start off the third inning with a triple to left center and eventually score to put USCA on top by four runs once again at 6-2.

Through a constant rain, both teams played on and the Hurricanes pushed across a run in the fourth on a Daniel Stokes RBI single up the middle to score Cody Adams.

Southwestern would creep to within two runs of the Pacers in the sixth when an Adams sacrifice fly brought in Jared Allen; who had reached base earlier in the inning on a throwing error.

Another USCA run in the seventh would complete the scoring.

Jason Cochcroft (3-1) picked up the win on the hill for USC Aiken. Cochcroft hurled five innings, allowing eight hits and three runs. Beau Hill pitched two innings and earned the save, allowing one run - no earned - and one hit.
 
Cody McMorris guided the Pacer offense, securing a game-best 3-for-4 performance from the dish. McMorris scored two runs and stole a base.  Alex Franklin went 2-for-3 with a RBI and two runs scored. Aranas also finished with two hits, including the triple. Howard led the Pacers with two RBIs in the game.
 
Andrew Whiggum (2-3) was tagged with the loss for the 'Canes.  Whiggum was roughed up for five runs in one inning on the mound. Tyler Daniel pitched five innings of middle relief for GSW and allowed only one run on two hits.  Brandon Reeder did not allow an earned run in his inning of work.

Carroll, Adams and Zack Stanton had two hits apiece for Southwestern.  Adams was 2-for-2 with a double, RBI and run scored.  Stokes had two RBIs.
  
The Hurricanes take on Flagler College in a three-game midweek series starting Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. in Americus.   

PICTURED: Kevin Carroll

PHOTO BY: Chris Fenn