CHARLESTON, S.C. – The High Point University baseball team dropped game two of the Charleston Southern series on Saturday afternoon, 3-2.
Site: Nielsen Field
Score: High Point 2, Charleston Southern 3
Records: High Point (6-13, 0-2), Charleston Southern (10-9, 2-0)
Head Coach Joey Hammond: "As frustrating as it is to lose a close ballgame, I have to give credit to CSU as they were slightly better than us in every phase today. The margin for error is razor thin in conference play and this game was decided by a matter of inches. A bloop single that popped out of our glove on a diving attempt and wind aided homer were the difference. Our offense did a poor job of making an adjustment to what the CSU pitchers were doing, and we just couldn't stack enough at bats or get a single big hit after the first inning. Having said all that, our guys are aware of the importance of salvaging a game in the series tomorrow before heading back home."
Gus Hughes pitched a great 6.1 innings on the mound for the Panthers in game two. He allowed two runs, on four hits, striking out eight batters. Hughes battled out on the mound to get HPU into the seventh with minimal damage.
The Panthers, once again got on the board first in the top of the first as
Adam Stuart blasted one off the left field wall for a double.
Konni Durschlag stood on second after his double and was sent home to score the Panthers first run.
The Buccaneers answered right away in the second as a solo home run tied the ballgame at one. In the fifth inning, they found their way on top 2-1 off an RBI single to center field.
High Point tied the ballgame back up in the seventh off a foul ball fly out from
Frank Kelly but there was
Sam Schner standing on third able to tag up and score the tying run.
Matt Little came in to relieve Hughes in the bottom of the seventh. The first batter Little faced brought the lead back to CSU as he hit a solo shot to bring them up 3-2. Little pitched 1.2 innings, allowing one run, on one hit, striking out two batters.
High Point headed to the top of the ninth down 3-2 and was unable to climb their way back.
Up Next: The Panthers are back to play the final game of the series tomorrow, March 17 at 1 p.m.
#GoHPU
