ASHEVILLE, NC - Winthrop dropped the first game of this weekend's series 12-2 against UNC Asheville at Greenwood Field despite collecting 14 hits on offense. The Eagles left 13 runners on base on Friday night were topped by a flurry of late offense from the Bulldogs, who scored eight runs from the fourth inning onward. Winthrop dropped to 18-15 overall and 8-5 in Big South play with the loss, and UNC Asheville is now 12-20 overall and 7-6 in Big South play with the victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Starter
Zach Peek was unable to duplicate his dominance from the High Point series and was roughed up for seven runs (six earned) on nine hits in 4.0 innings, striking out three and walking three. Peek was Friday's losing pitcher, falling to 4-2 on the season.
Tyler Jones came out of the bullpen and logged 3.2 innings of relief, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits, striking out two and walking three.
Macklin Ohs came on with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning and induced a groundout, requiring only two pitches.
- The Eagles scored one run in the second and the third inning for the team offensive output on Friday.
Matthew Mulkey doubled down the left field line to lead off the top of the second inning, and was driven in on an RBI single to center field by
Jake Sullivan. In the top of the third,
Alex Raines singled to right field to lead off the inning and was advanced to third by singles from
Spencer Yankle and
Hunter Lipscomb. Raines came in to score on the fourth consecutive hit of the inning, an infield single by
Grant English. The Eagles would go on to leave the bases loaded in the frame.
NOTABLES
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Alex Raines had a 4-5 night in the series opener, singling in each of his first four plate appearances. Raines scored a run as well, coming in the top of the third inning.
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Spencer Yankle reached base all five times he came to the plate on Friday, going 3-3 with a trio of singles to go along with two walks.
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Matthew Mulkey also recorded a multi-hit game for the Eagles, going 2-5 on Friday with a double and a run scored.
UP NEXT: The Eagles will close the series on Saturday afternoon with a doubleheader at Greenwood Field.
Nate Pawelczyk will get the ball for the Eagles in game one and
Thad Harris will take the mound in game two. Game one is slated for a 1 p.m. start, with game two taking place 45 minutes after the conclusion of game one.
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