The Winthrop University baseball team lost a close game against High Point on May 9, falling 9-8 in extra innings at Williard Stadium. The Eagles took an early lead but could not hold off a late rally by High Point.
This game was important for both teams as they entered the matchup with identical conference records. The outcome affects their standings in the Big South Conference.
Winthrop started strong, scoring three runs in the second inning with Jaylen Hernandez driving in two runs. By the fifth inning, Winthrop led 6-0 after contributions from Corey Wouters and Chazz Grossington. However, High Point began to close the gap with one run in the fifth and three more in the sixth inning. Grossington hit a home run in the seventh to extend Winthrop’s lead to 8-4, but High Point responded with another rally, tying the game at eight after nine innings.
High Point won the game with a sacrifice fly in the tenth inning. Brayden Gilley pitched six innings for Winthrop and recorded three strikeouts. Alan Benhard extended his on-base streak to 23 games, while Grant McGuire had his fifth three-hit game of the season. After winning their first four extra-inning games this year, Winthrop has now lost two consecutive contests that went beyond regulation.
The teams will meet again for game two of their series tomorrow at 4:00 p.m.
