Box Score High Point University erased an early 3-1 deficit to post an 8-3 win over Wofford College Wednesday afternoon at Russell C. King Field.
The Panthers snapped a three-game losing skid and improved to 3-4 on the year with the victory while Wofford slipped to 3-4 in defeat.
High Point took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Jeff Cowan walked, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, advanced to third on a throwing error on a pickoff attempt, and scored on a wild pitch.
Wofford scored three times in the bottom of the first. First baseman Stephen Johnson led off with a walk and moved to second on a one-out walk to third baseman Shane Kirkley. Shortstop Brandon Waring doubled to drive in both runners. Catcher John Brandt doubled home Waring for a 3-1 Wofford lead.
High Point tied the game in the second. Designated hitter Chris Marks walked, moved to second on a balk and to third on a wild pitch before scoring on an infield grounder by second baseman Dustin Holtzman. Shortstop Alfie Wheeler followed with a single and Cowan was safe on an infield error. Wheeler scored on the front end of a double steal to knot the game at 3.
The Panthers took the lead with a single run in the third when rightfielder Mark Shorey doubled down the right field line, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a single by Marks.
High Point scored twice in the fourth when Holtzman doubled and scored on a single by Wheeler. Wheeler would score on a sacrifice fly by Cowan.
HPU added two runs in the fifth when Wheeler drew a bases loaded walk for one run and Billy Aguiar scored on Cowan's second sacrifice fly in as many innings.
Adam Wood took the loss for Wofford in his first career start. He went 3.1 innings and allowed six runs, four earned, and struck out one. High Point starter Matt Christie improved to 2-0 on the year with 5.1 innings of work shutting Wofford down after giving up three runs in the opening frame. Bubba O'Donnell pitched 3.2 innings of scoreless relief for the Panthers.
High Point concludes its season-opening 10 game road swing this weekend with a three-game series at Furman starting on Saturday at 1 p.m. with a doubleheader. HPU opens its home slate next Tuesday (Feb. 21) at 2:30 versus Triad-rival UNC Greensboro.
