Josh Cotten threw eight scoreless innings and allowed just four hits to lead High Point to a 2-1 victory over in-state rival and ACC foe Duke Wednesday afternoon at Erath Field.

Chris Draska's two-run home run in the fourth inning scored Seby Renta for all the runs the Panthers would need.

Matt Kniginyzky worked the ninth for his first save of the year.

Cotten's eight-inning effort was the longest of his career, and improved his record to 2-4. Danny Otero (2-3) took the loss for the Blue Devils.

HPU has now won three of four and improves to 9-39, while Duke drops to 23-24. The Panthers lead the all-time series between the schools, 10-7.

Cotten, who allowed just one runner past second base in eight innings, found himself in a jam in the third when Jonathan Anderson singled and advanced to third when Adam Murray reached on a fielding error. But Cotten got Javier Socorro to ground into a double-play to end the threat.

In the bottom of the fourth, Renta doubled off Otero before Draska hit his fifth homer of the year, giving the Panthers a 2-0 lead.

That score held up until the ninth, when the Blue Devils mounted a last-gasp rally. Tim Layden reached on a lead-off single and moved to second on a groundout by Mike Miello. Brian Hernandez then singled through the infield to give Duke runners at the corners with one out. Bryan Smith then hit a ground ball to second which forced out pinch-runner Kyle Silver, but Anthony Bell's throw from second base for the possible game-winning double play was wide of the base, allowing Layden to score and Smith to move to second.

Kniginyzky then got pinch-hitter Brandon Whiting to ground out to secure the win.

Rey Rojas had a game-high two hits for the Panthers.

High Point travels to Charleston this weekend for an important Big South Conference series against Charleston Southern beginning Friday. Click here for live audio.