Kevin Burch allowed three three hits in seven innings and Ken Keesee went 3-for-4 as High Point downed Buffalo, 4-1, in the opener of a three-game series Friday afternoon at Erath Field.

The Panthers improve to 4-10 on the season, while the Bulls fall to 1-4.

Burch (2-2) allowed justa fifth-inning run en route to his second victory of the season. Toby Hoskins and Mark Shorey each threw a scoreless inning of relief, with Shorey earning his second save.

HPU scored three in the second off Buffalo starter Mark McMahon. Keesee scored on an RBI single by Mike Bruschuk, who came around on a sacrifice fly by Colin Cronin. Later in the inning, Matt Chrstie, who had reached on a fielders' choice, stole home to give the Panthers a 3-0 lead.

The Panthers got their other run in the fifth when Rey Rojas doubled and then scored on a throwing error.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 pm.