Feb. 9, 2008

Final Stats

AIKEN, S.C.--Scott Wandless and Justin Fry combined to hold Carson-Newman (5-2) to one run while freshman Chris Grandinetti provided the heroics in the form of a solo homer in the bottom of the eighth as #30 USC Aiken (3-1) took the series opener with the Eagles 2-1 on Friday evening at Roberto Hernandez Stadium. The Pacers have won three-straight against Carson-Newman and improved to 21-11 all-time.

With tonight's victory, USC Aiken equaled its entire win total from last year when being outhit by its opponent--one. The Pacers were 1-17 when that happened in 2007, but are now 1-1 in 2008.

Scott Wandless worked a powerful 6.0 innings in a no-decision. The senior lefthander scattered six hits, letting up the one run, walking one and striking out 10. He tossed 70 of his 94 pitches for strikes.

Derek Long's leadoff single in the top of the second led to the Eagles lone tally. A productive groundout to first by Jason Gray moved Long to second where he then scored on an RBI single to right field off the bat of Mills Rogers. Long finished 2-for-4 and was the only player on either team with a multi-hit night.

Brett Hontz (1-1) pitched a superb 7.0 innings, allowing two runs, one earned, on five hits and two walks, fanning five in the hard-luck loss.

Hontz retired eight-straight Pacers until issuing a lead off walk to Nick Aranas in the fifth frame. A sacrifice bunt was botched by Hontz trying to cut down the lead runner resulting in first and third with no one out for the Pacers. John Sherrer grounded into a six-to-three double play, but still plated Aranas to knot the game at 1-1.

The score remained 1-1 until the home half of the eighth. Grandinetti roped a 1-1 offering from Hontz sharply down the right field line. The ball stayed just fair, and just got over the wall for a solo home run. It was the first collegiate long ball for the Broomfield, Colo. freshman.

USC Aiken loaded up the bases in the inning, but Michael Elliot came on to get Gary Owens looking to prevent any further damage.

Justin Fry (1-0) worked a masterful 3.0 innings in relief of Wandless for the win. In facing 11 batters, he walked one and surrendered one hit, striking out the side in the ninth.

USC Aiken and Carson-Newman will play game two of their series on Saturday at 1:00 PM at Roberto Hernandez Stadium.