HIGH POINT, NC—The Winthrop Eagles' baseball team finished their opening Big South Conference series strong with a 6-2 triumph over High Point in Game 3 of the weekend series at Williard Stadium Saturday afternoon.
With the win, Winthrop is now to 12-12 (1-2) on the season, while High Point falls to 18-6 (5-1).
Winthrop struck first for three runs in the top of the 1st. Tyler Asbill led the game off with a single to right center. Brandon Fite then singled to right field moving up Asbill. Anthony Paulsen was then walked, loading the bases for the Eagles with no outs. Catcher Roger Gonzalez then reached on a fielders' choice scoring Asbill. Jace Whitley later singled through the right side, with Gonzalez and Fite scoring on a subsequent fielding error to give Winthrop the early 3-0 lead.
High Point responded in the bottom of the 3rd when Hunter Lee was walked and then later advanced home on a wild pitch.
The Eagles added another run in the top of the 4th when Whitley scored on a wild pitch after reaching on a single to center. After Lowrie singled to left field, he later stole to increase Winthrop's lead to 5-1.
Winthrop its lead to 6-1 in the top of the 7th when Paulsen singled down the left field line scoring Asbill who had also singled earlier in the inning.
The Panthers cut the deficit to 6-2 in the bottom of the 8th when D. Fazio singled to left field scoring Lee.
High Point threatened in the bottom of the 9th but Winthrop's defense and bullpen held strong to give the Eagles the 6-2 final.
Winthrop's starting pitcher Thad Harris had a solid outing for the Eagles pitching 7.2 innings, compiling four strikeouts along the way.
Winthrop will look to continue its winning ways when the Eagles host North Carolina A&T this Wednesday, Mar. 30 at the Winthrop Ballpark beginning at 6:00 pm. The Eagles defeated North Carolina A&T 15-4 earlier this season in Greensboro.
For the latest information on the Winthrop Baseball team, follow @WinthropBasebal on Twitter or go to www.winthropeagles.com.
