ELON, N.C. — A six-run third inning, and seven scoreless innings from the bullpen, powered the High Point University baseball team to a Tuesday Triad Rivalry road victory over Elon University, 13-3.
Site: Latham Park
Score: High Point 13, Elon 3
Records: High Point (16-5) Elon (8-12)
Head Coach Joey Hammond: "Really proud of how our guys responded to a tough start to the game, especially on the road. A really important trait of a good club is how they respond to adversity. This team continues to show they won't blink in those scenarios, and although it doesn't mean we will always be successful, it's a great trait for our guys to have. Although we were able to do several good things offensively, the story of the game was our guys out of the bullpen. Cord, Monty, and Kimel were incredible. As we continue through the season, that will be key for our ability to reach our goals."
The Panthers took an early three-run deficit as the Phoenix plated three runs in the first inning, but that advantage didn't last long.
Once the third inning rolled around, High Point started chipping away.
Landen Johnson and
Brayden Simpson drew back-to-back walks to score the first two runs, and then
Three Hillier took the lead for good with a bases-clearing triple to spark the Panthers.
Hillier led the team with four RBI while Simpson,
Christian Smith and
Jack Clark had two RBI apiece. Johnson and
Jace Kohler each worked counts and earned free passes as
Konni Durschlag,
Miggy Echazarreta, Johnson and Simpson accounted for two runs scored each.
The offense was backed up by brilliant bullpen innings as
Cord Butler (W, 2-2) relieved
Brody Shawn in the first inning and tossed 4.2 scoreless innings while striking out four.
Adrian Montenegro threw two unblemished innings with a pair of whiffs, and
Mac Kimel tossed the final scoreless inning.
High Point was moving on the bases as Simpson had two steals while
Jackson Melton, Echazarreta, and Smith each swiped a free bag.
After a six-run third inning, the Panthers had three more two-run innings with the final one coming in the eighth inning to secure the 10-run, run-rule victory.
Up Next: The Panthers head to Minneapolis for a three-game series with the University of Minnesota at U.S. Bank Stadium, beginning Friday, March 21 at 7 p.m. (EST).
#GoHPU
