No. 19-rated Wake Forest scored nine runs in the first inning and extended High Point's winless streak to seven games with an 18-3 win over the Panthers Tuesday afternoon at Hooks Field.

The Panthers fall to 7-17 with the loss, while the Demon Deacons improve to 16-7.

Brent Sportsman (0-1) was roughed up in his first career start in a Panther uniform. Sportsman, who lasted just one-third of an inning, walked eight of the 11 batters he faced and allowed nine earned runs. The Deacs sent 15 hitters to the plate in the first inning.

High Point got on the board with a single run in the third and two in the fourth to claw within 9-3. Shortstop Matt Christie walked, stole second, advanced to third on a groundout, and scored on a wild pitch by Wake starter Adam Hanson.

In the fourth, rightfielder Chris Draska led off with a solo homer, and catcher Jayson Hoffman doubled and scored on a base hit by first baseman Brent Myers.

The Deacs responded with four runs in the bottom of the inning to take a 13-3 advantage, and scored a single run in the fifth and two runs each in the sixth and eighth innings to complete the scoring.

Leftfielder Matt Gorman went 2-for-4 at the plate for the Panthers. For Wake, first baseman Jeff Ruziecki went 2-for-2 with three RBI and three runs scored.

HPU hosts Appalachian State (5-14) Wednesday night (7:00 pm) at Finch Field in Thomasville, home of the Thomasville Hi-Toms of the Coastal Plain League.

Admission for HPU students (with valid ID), children, and senior citizens is $3, while adults will be admitted for $5.