The High Point University Panthers added another mark in the win column after nabbing a 6-5 walk-off victory against Longwood in Williard Stadium.
Sean Duffy earned the win on the mound and moved to 2-1 on the season.
Javon Fields was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate while four other Panthers recorded multi-hit nights.
Site: Williard Stadium (High Point, N.C.)
Score: High Point 6, Longwood 5
Records: High Point (11-20, 6-5), Longwood (14-18, 6-2)
The Lancers got out to a hot start in the first inning for the second night in a row, scoring two runs on two hits to take the early lead.Â
But HPU starter
Teddy Merritt kept his composure and posted zeros on the scoreboard through the next four innings. Merritt finished his night with five strikeouts in 6.0 innings pitched, five hits, and zero earned runs.Â
The High Point bats rallied in the bottom of the fifth, posting three runs on the board to take the 3-2 lead. Lead-off hitter
Charlie Klingler walked and
Adam Stuart singled down the left field line to put runners on first and second with no outs.
Peyton Carr singled to load the bases for
Cole Singsank, who scored Klingler with a sacrifice fly out to right field. After a pop up left HPU with two outs, Fields' RBI-double to left field scored Stuart and moved Carr over to third to put two runners in scoring position.
Miggy Echazarreta's single off the end of the bat down the third base line put him safely on first base as Carr scored the go-ahead run.Â
Longwood wasted no time responding, adding three runs of their own in the top of the sixth on two hits and an HPU error.Â
The Panthers strung together another rally to chip away at the Lancer lead in the bottom of the seventh.
Blake Sutton led off with a down the left field line and scored on Fields' single through the left side to put High Point back within 5-4.Â
Down to their final three outs in a similar situation as the night before, the Panthers had Carr, Singsank, and Sutton due up to start the Panther rally. Carr led off with a double, but pinch runner
CJ Neese was out of a fielder's choice that left Singsank at first base with one out. Swinging at the first pitch, Sutton singled to right field and moved Singsank to third base on the play. Fields' fourth hit of the night was an RBI-single up the middle that tied the game and ensured HPU would survive at least another inning.Â
All fielders were pulled in in an attempt to save a run, but Echazarreta's shot to deep left field gave Sutton plenty of time to score from second base and give HPU it's third walk-off win of the season.Â
Up Next: The Panthers meet Longwood on Sunday afternoon for chance to clinch the series. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.
#GoHPU
