Bottom Line: Ex-Pack star helps power Pacers to series win

Former Greenbrier High School standout Robert Davis homered in consecutive games, as his USC Aiken baseball team won the final two meetings of a three-game home stand against Lincoln Memorial.

On Saturday, the Pacers picked up their first win at Roberto Hernandez Stadium by posting a 6-4 victory.

During USC Aiken's four-run first inning, former Greenbrier player Bradley Key recorded a two-run triple, and Davis then drove in Key for the final run of the rally.

Key and Davis each had two hits, with Davis going 2-for-3 with a homer and three RBIs.

That win evened the series at one game apiece, and on Sunday the Pacers really turned it on at the plate pounding Lincoln Memorial 21-5.

Again, Davis was swinging well, going 2 for 5 with a home run and four RBIs on Sunday.

In addition to Davis (first base) and Key (third base), three other Columbia County products were in the Pacers' starting lineup in the series finale - catcher Bob Hatcher arlem) had a hit and scored two runs, while Brandon Barenie (Evans) walked and scored a run.

While those four position players were doing their thing, Nick Wandless was on the mound. The former Greenbrier pitching ace shut down Lincoln's lineup, allowing just one hit in three innings of work.

Wandless struck out two to earn his first victory of the 2004 season, and despite issuing four walks, the right-hander seemed in complete control.

On Saturday, Steve Dunham (Evans) pitched for USC Aiken and notched a win, as the team's first two wins of the 2004 season were claimed by former Columbia County prep players.

But all in all, the weekend belonged to Davis, who went 4-for-8 with two homers and five RBIs in the two wins.

The Pacers aren't the only area college program reaping the rewards of Columbia County's bountiful baseball talent.

Next week, I will give you an update on the Augusta State University baseball team, which has received a boost this season from some local heroes.