AIKEN, S.C. -- Ben Ferguson hit a two-run home run in the top of the first and four Belmont Abbey pitchers limited USC-Aiken to just two runs and six hits as the Crusaders won their sixth straight game, 3-2 Wednesday afternoon.

The Abbey improved to 28-11 overall and 18-0 in non-conference games with the win. The Pacers, which lost 20-3 in Belmont last night as part of the home-and-home falls to 25-14.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Ferguson, batting from the three spot, and Todd Velotta, batting second, each had two hits in a combined five at-bats. They scored all three runs and has two RBIs.
• In addition to his home run, Ferguson had his second triple of the season in the fourth, later scoring on a Connor Tucker sacrifice fly.
• USC Aiken plated two in the sixth on an RBI groundout and sacrifice fly,  but only had two more baserunners combined over the final three innings.
• Myles Hedgecock (4-0) scattered four hits in 3.0 innings of relief, allowing both Pacer runs, to get the win.
• Drew Stegura retired all four batters he faced in the eighth and ninth to earn his third save of the year.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey returns home for a crucial series against Conference Carolinas leader and No. 2-ranked North Greenville.
• The opener is set for 5 p.m. Friday, followed by a doubleheader at 1 p.m. Saturday.