AIKEN, S.C. – USC Aiken (5-1) had 15 hits on the day en route to a 10-5 win over Shepherd University (0-5) in baseball action at USC Aiken on Saturday.

Shepherd took a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Junior outfielder Brenton Doyle (Warrenton, Va./Kettle Run) singled and later scored on a wild pitch. The Rams added another tally as senior first baseman Justin Smith (Hagerstown, Md./Smithsburg/Hagerstown CC) singled and scored on a triple off the bat of sophomore outfielder Jared Carr (Martinsburg, W.Va./St. James School).

The Pacers answered back in the bottom of the frame with four runs. Philip Wachter doubled and scored on a double by Alex Mills to ignite the rally.

USC Aiken added single runs over the next four innings and plated two runs in the sixth on a two-run single by Sean McQuillan to take a 10-2 lead.

Shepherd completed the scoring with three runs in the eighth. Senior catcher Eddie Nottingham (Windsor Mill, Md./Mt. St. Joseph's) smacked a two-run single and sophomore pinch hitter Daniel Keer (Lehighton, Pa./Marian Catholic) had and RBI-single to key the rally.

Doyle went 3-for-5 with a pair of runs scored to lead the Rams.

Joey Smithers and Conner Durden each had three hits for the Pacers.

Zach Rafuse (5.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 7 K, 1 BB) (2-0) gained the win for the Pacers. Sophomore pitcher Adam Miller (Stephens City, Va./Sherando) (4.0 IP, 11 H, 7 ER, 3 K, 3 BB) (0-1) took the loss for the Rams.

The two teams return to action on Sunday at USC Aiken for a 1 p.m. contest to complete a three-game set.