AMERICUS - Freshman Jordan McIlwain provided Georgia Southwestern with four innings of scoreless relief but the Hurricanes could not overcome an early deficit and lost, 2-0, in the Peach Belt Conference series opener against USC Aiken Friday evening at Hurricane Stadium.

GSW dropped to 5-12 overall and 1-9 in the PBC this spring while USC Aiken improved to 12-6, 5-5 in conference play.

In what turned out to be a pitching duel, the only offensive outburst came in the fourth inning when USCA put together a four-hit frame. Chaz Pal drove in the game's lone run with a triple to center field that brought home Ty Barkell.

Neither team had a player finish with multiple hits in the game.

GSW was held to three hits as USCA starter Forrest Koumas (2-1) went the distance and racked up a school-record 18 strikeouts. Koumas recorded a strikeout against every batter in the Hurricanes lineup.

GSW hurlers did their best to keep the game close. Starter Earl Dupree threw four innings before making way for McIlwain. Justin Barnes struck out the side in the ninth. Hurricane pitchers combined for eight Ks and held the Pacers to six hits.

Game 2 of the series is Saturday at 3 p.m.