LEXINGTON, SC—The Winthrop Eagles' baseball squad's season came to an end when they were eliminated in the second round of the Big South Conference Tournament, dropping a 6-2 decision to No. 2 seed High Point.
With the loss, Winthrop will finish the season at 28-27, while High Point improves to 32-23. High Point will go on to play the loser of the Longwood vs. Liberty game.
"First of all, I want to congratulate High Point. They played a great game, but our guys didn't roll over. That's what we've talked about all year long. We've had our backs against the wall and nearly every time we've fought back and I think you saw it again today," said head coach Tom Riginos.
"Today's about our nine seniors. Those guys have done a great job with this program. But this nine seniors have won 78 games in the last two seasons and they've stuck with the program. I think that says a lot about these seniors. These nine guys will always have a special place in my heart."
Tyler Asbill led the morning off with a double for the Eagles in the top of the 1st. After Asbill advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from Brandon Fite, and was later sent home on an Anthony Paulsen groundout for the 1-0 lead.
The Panthers responded quickly in the bottom of the 1st when Dominic Fazio launched a three run homer for the 3-1 lead.
The scoring continued in the top of the 2nd when Asbill connected with his second hit on the afternoon, knocking in Mitch Spires who had been walked earlier in the inning.
High Point's Austen Zente led off the bottom of the 3rd with a solo shot to right field. High Point added another one on an RBI single through the left from Hunter Lee to widen the margin to 5-2.
The Panthers added another run on a bizarre two error play from the Eagles in the bottom of the 5th.
Winthrop had their chances but were unable to capitalize and their season came to an end in a 6-2 defeat.
Winthrop's starting pitcher Thad Harris received the loss, pitching two innings allowing four earned runs. Harris was able to compile three strikeouts during his short outing however. High Point's Andre Scrubb earned the win pitching 6.1 innings only allowing two runs.
For the latest information on the Winthrop Baseball team, follow @WinthropBasebal on Twitter or go to www.winthropeagles.com.
