In a day of comebacks, Elon and High Point split a Big South Conference baseball doubleheader Saturday afternoon at Latham Park. The Panthers rallied to win the nine-inning opener 8-7 and the Phoenix overcame the visitors in the seven-frame nightcap 4-2.
High Point trailed 5-3 with two outs in the top of the ninth inning of game one, but Andy Harney's grand slam off of Elon reliever Mike Fratoe gave the Panthers the victory.
The Phoenix exploded for four runs in the bottom of the sixth to overcome a 2-0 deficit and win game two.
In the opener, High Point was keyed by Harney (1-for-5, run, 4 RBI, HR), John Cavanaugh (3-for-5, 2 runs, RBI, double, SB) and Chris Vinar (2-for-3, 2 runs, RBI, HR). Elon was paced by Whit Bryant (3-for-5, run, 2 RBI, SB), Jason Tuttle (3-for-5, 3 runs, SB) and Gary Morris (3-for-4, 2 runs, SB).
Panther reliever Rusty Bodenheimer (3-1) worked three innings for the victory, allowing no runs or walks to go with one hit and one strikeout. High Point closer Chris Chandler survived a four-hit, two-run ninth inning to earn his seventh save of the season.
Phoenix starter Matt Garner worked eight innings, but was unable to earn a decision. He surrendered three earned runs on six hits and three bases on balls while fanning 11 Panthers. Fratoe (2-5) was charged with the loss after High Point scored five unearned runs on an Elon throwing error by Morris.
In the nightcap, Elon (26-11, 7-4 Big South) recovered from solo back-to-back homers by Cavanaugh and Ryan Thiede in the third inning. The Phoenix received multi-hit performances from Bryant (2-for-2, run, BB, double), Ricky Callison (2-for-3, run, double) and Barry Tejeda (2-for-2, RBI, BB, triple). Harney (2-for-3, double) led the Panthers (18-21, 5-6).
Elon's Tyson Blocker (6-1) went the distance, giving up two earned runs on five hits and two walks in seven innings while logging five Ks. Bodenheimer (3-2) suffered the setback when he faced three batters in the sixth, giving up three earned runs on three hits.
The two teams meet in the rubber match of the three-game weekend series Sunday afternoon at Latham Park. The first pitch is slated for 1:00 pm.
