Box Score Box Score
www.winthropphotos.com

ROCK HILL, SC- The Winthrop baseball team dropped its opening conference series as it fell to Gardner-Webb 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.

Winthrop moves to 15-8 on the year and 1-2 in Big South play while the Bulldogs improve to 14-10 overall and 4-2 in conference action.

Matt Crohan started and took the loss for Winthrop, allowing two runs on four hits in five innings. Michael Green came in to pitch the final four innings and held the Bulldogs to just one hit. Gardner-Webb starter Mitch Warner earned the win, giving up one run on seven hits in 5.2 innings.

Roger Gonzalez had the best outing of all the Winthrop batters, going 3-4.

Head coach Tom Riginos was happy with his team's efforts. "I think Warner did a really good job against us and we couldn't get anything going," says Riginos. He adds, "We just have to regroup. This is the first weekend and we have many more weekends left to come."

Gardner-Webb opened up scoring in the first inning as Ryan Hodge came home from second on single to center field by Sam Fulginiti.

The Eagles answered right back with a run of their own in the bottom of the first. Tyler Asbill led off the inning with a single and advanced to third on a double to right field by Babe Thomas. Asbill crossed the plate as Anthony Paulsen reached and advanced to second on an error by centerfielder Henry Rundio.

Scott Johnson scored the game-winner for the Bulldogs, scoring on a double by Tyler Best after walking in the fourth inning.

Winthrop's best opportunity to rally came in the sixth inning as three straight singles by Gonzalez, Jace Whitley and Brad Kaczka loaded the bases with two outs. However, Gonzalez tried to come home on wild pitch and was thrown out.

The Eagles host both of their mid-week games this week, beginning with The Citadel on Tuesday followed by USC Upstate on Wednesday. Both games are scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at The Winthrop Ballpark.