HARDEEVILLE -- It was a day filled with emotion and pride at the Richard Gray Sports Complex as the USCB Sand Sharks honored their Class of 2025 ahead of Saturday's matchup against USC Aiken. Although the afternoon ended with a 12-3 loss to the Pacers, the seniors' impact on the program was on full display.
Before the first pitch, Nikko Andre, Sebastian Biggs, Brayden Fowler, Caleb Freeman, Andrew Kleppinger, Keylan Newton, Anthony Storzieri, Ryan Stansell, and Jake Tanner were recognized for their contributions to Sand Shark baseball. Each senior played a role in Saturday's contest, embodying the resilience and heart that have defined their careers.
The Sand Sharks started strong, jumping out to an early 3-1 lead after two innings. Andre provided the first big moment for the home crowd with a clutch two-run single, followed by an infield RBI single from Terry Dean.
However, USC Aiken's offense found its rhythm in the middle innings. The Pacers surged ahead with a five-run fourth inning to take a 6-3 advantage and added two more runs in the sixth before Mother Nature intervened. A lightning delay of over two hours paused the action, but the momentum remained with the visitors after play resumed.
Both bullpens held firm through the seventh and eighth innings, trading zeros, before Aiken broke through again with three more runs in the ninth to widen the gap.
Despite the result, Saturday was about much more than the final score. It was a celebration of a special group of seniors who have left a lasting legacy in Hardeeville, setting the standard for future Sand Sharks to follow.
The rivals wrap up the series tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m. in Hardeeville.Â
