AIKEN, SC--USCA's Alex Franklin spoiled what started out to be a great night for the Trojans; Franklin popped a a three-run homerun to left field in the bottom of the sixth inning, overcoming a 7-6 Trojan lead, eventually leading to a 12-9 loss for AU on Thursday evening at Roberto Hernandez Stadium in Aiken, SC. The win is the fourth straight for USCA, who have now won 10 of their last 12 contests. The loss dropped AU to 16-20 on the year. The Trojans, who were ranked as high as #23 in the nation at one point, have now dropped their last 10 games. What is most heartbreaking though, is having been close to winning nearly every game during that stretch. USCA's Franklin was just 1-3 from the plate on the night, scoring two runs. The Pacers had just two players acquire multiple hits in the game with freshman Cody McMorris and sophomore Stephen Carmon both collecting two each. McMorris had three runs and an RBI, while Carmon had a run and an RBI. B.J. Smith led the Trojan effort at the plate, picking up three hits and an RBI to go along with two runs. Trojan hitters combined for 12 hits on the game compared to just 10 from USCA, but AU hitting was not quite timely, as the team left 9 runners on base throughout the nine-inning ordeal. To make matters worse for the Trojans, when USCA got on base, they were outright thieves, stealing 9 on the night and constantly putting pressure on AU pitchers with runners in dangerous spots. Tyler Stephan logged the win for USCA, allowing just one hit while striking out two. Sophomore reliever Justin Rogers was saddled with the loss in relief for the Trojans, as starter Luis Martinez left after four innings. Rogers pitched an inning, giving up three earned runs and three hits. The loss dropped Rogers to 2-1 on the year. The Trojans will travel to Limestone College in Gaffney, SC this weekend, as they will tangle with the Saints in a very important 3-game Conference Carolinas series. Follow TROJAN baseball at home or away... GO TO e scores now to receive live in-game updates, news, promotions, and more Receive updates on all 16 Trojan varsity teams