AIKEN, SC –  Despite a strong start, Newberry Baseball came up just short in a 4-2 loss to USC Aiken on Tuesday night. The Wolves moved to 25-22 overall after the non-conference defeat.

Newberry scored in the first and fourth innings to keep the game tight early, but the Pacers responded with late offense, plating two runs in the bottom of the eighth to take the lead for good.

Chandler Mims led the Wolves at the plate, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Jesse Free added a hit and scored a run, while Kade Faircloth reached base twice and swiped a bag. Newberry made the most of their opportunities by drawing seven walks, four of them from Parker Mergo, and stealing three bases.

On the mound, Hunter French got the start and pitched four solid innings, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out two. Josh Bandy and Brayden Gilson combined for 3.1 innings out of the bullpen, before Wyatt Carey finished the eighth.

Newberry's defense was sharp without committing an error, but the Wolves stranded 11 runners on base, proving to be the difference in the close matchup.

The Wolves will play their final series of the regular season on the road vs. Francis Marion. On Saturday, they will play the opening doubleheader at 1pm and 4pm, with a single game to close it out on Sunday at 1pm.