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The High Point University baseball team limited Wake Forest to just three runs on five hits but couldn't pick up the win, falling to the Demon Deacons by a score of 3-1 on Tuesday evening in Winston-Salem, N.C. Senior Steve Antolik went 2-4 from the plate, picking up the Panthers' only RBI in the game.

“There were a lot of positives to take away from tonight,” head coach Craig Cozart said. “Our focus was very good; unfortunately we just didn't get that big hit with runners in scoring position. The bright spot was what we were able to do on the mound. We had a bunch of guys we haven't seen a lot this year go out and keep us in the game. We see the same team tomorrow and I think we will get the result we are looking for at home.”

Al Yevoli took the loss for the Panthers going two- thirds of an inning, giving up three hits and two earned runs. His record falls to 0-1 while WFU starter Brian Holmes improved his record to 1-1 with the win.

HPU falls to 15-16 overall on the season with the loss while Wake Forest improved to 11-17.

The Panthers got on the board first, taking a one-run lead in the top of the first inning when sophomore Mike Mercurio scored on a ground out to the shortstop by Antolik. Mercurio led-off the game with a double to right center and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by senior Drew Geissinger before scoring the game's first run.

Five different HPU pitchers combined to hold Wake Forest scoreless through the first five innings of action as Mikel Rodenberg, Nick Schumacher, Adam Pratson, Steven Roche and John Maloney allowed just one hit while striking out five batters.

The Demon Deacons managed to break through and take the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning on back-to-back home runs off Yavoli by Matt Conway and Mac Williamson. The junior lefty picked up two quick outs on two-straight infield pop-ups before Conway and Williamson each connected for solo shots.

Wake Forest added an insurance run in the seventh inning when Steven Brooks hit a two-out single to left center off Kyle Wigmore to drive in Conor Keniry from second. Keniry reached on a fielder's choice and moved to second when Zane Yanzick was hit by a pitch.

Drew Dades will take to the mound for the Panthers tomorrow when the two teams face off at Williard Stadium in the second game of the home-and home series. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.