AIKEN, S.C.--USC Aiken (12-6) overcame a three-run deficit and a one-run deficit to beat Trevecca (16-9), 7-5, today at Roberto Hernandez Stadium in Aiken, S.C. Trevecca’s Craig Ballentine went three-for-five with two runs scored and an RBI for the Trojans.

A two-run single by TNU’s Cody Willoughby in the second inning and RBI doubles from Ballentine and Bubba Norris in the third inning put USC Aiken behind 4-1. Zack Cooper’s run scoring single in the fourth inning cut the deficit to 4-2. Patrick Jones pushed across a run in the bottom of the fifth when he was hit by a pitch, with the bases loaded. Marc Joehnk followed with a fly ball to center field, deep enough to score Brandon Barenie from third base to tie the game. With runners on second and third and one out in the top of the sixth inning, Brad Coon reached on a fielder’s choice that drove in the go ahead run for Trevecca.

The Pacers answered in their half of the seventh. Bob Hatcher reached on an error to lead off the inning, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and to third on a wild pitch. Joehnk followed with a double down the right field line to tie the game. Ian Kowalchuk’s single up the middle platted Joehnk and gave USCA the lead for good.

Nick Wandless (1-0) pitched the final two and a third innings to earn his first victory of the season. Wandless allowed two hits and struck out five of the 10 batters he faced. Todd Dunlap (2-2) gave up six runs on 12 hits in seven innings for Trevecca Nazarene.

Trevecca returns home to host (@ Shelby Park) North Greenville for a game on Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday (back at Jackson Field) at Noon.