Box Score
ROCK HILL, SC --  Winthrop capitalized on a big sixth inning and outstanding pitching on it's way to a 3-2 victory over Delaware State Thursday night at The Winthrop Ballpark.

In a game dominated by strong pitching, the Eagles were able to collect their second win of the season improving their record to 2-2.

After four innings of scoreless baseball, the Hornets struck first when DJ Miller was hit by pitch and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Justin Allen.  Miller then came around to score on a throwing error by shortstop Kyle Edwards attempting throw out the Hornet batter, JP Frey, at first base.

Winthrop came out swinging in the sixth inning when the Eagles reached relief pitcher Derek Marshallsea (0-1) for three runs on four hits.  Leighton Daniels started off the inning with a single to left field extending his hitting streak to four games.  Daniels advanced to third on a double to deep center field by junior Cody Dolan.  Matt Lobacz then stepped to the plate driving a 2-1 pitch down the right field line for a double scoring Daniels and Dolan.  The Eagles were able to manufacture another run in the inning when sophomore Clay Altman laid down a sacrifice bunt advancing Lobacz to third.  Lobacz then scored what would end up being the winning run on a pinch hit single by Max Vogel.

Delaware State would add another run in the 7^th when Frey singled and eventually came around to score an unearned run.  However, the Hornets would be stopped there as senior reliever Eric Ruth closed out the game pitching 2.1 scoreless innings and striking out three en route to his first save of the season. 

The Eagles were able to get the victory despite a no-hit performance by Delaware State's starting pitcher Jordan Elliott who went five innings, striking out seven.  Winthrop also received another strong outing from starting pitcher Matt Pierpont (1-0).  Pierpont pitched six solid innings giving up only one unearned run and striking out seven on the way to his first win of the season.

“Tonight was about pitching,” stated Winthrop head coach Tom Riginos after the game.  “If you pitch well, you are going to have a chance and that's exactly what we did tonight.”

The Coca-Cola Classic kicks off tomorrow at The Winthrop Ballpark at 12 noon when Army takes on Eastern Kentucky.  Winthrop is scheduled to take on Delaware State in game two of the tournament at 4 p.m.

Due to the weather forecast, fans should check winthropeagles.com for any schedule changes or updates.