HIGH POINT, N.C. - The High Point University baseball team defeated the Binghamton Bearcats 5-2 in game two of the series on Saturday afternoon. 

Site: Williard Stadium
Score: High Point 5, Binghamton 2
Records: High Point (6-5), Binghamton (2-6)

Head Coach Joey Hammond: "Always happy to get the win and feels a bit better on the heels of yesterday. Really proud of the guys after challenging them to respond and answer. They did a great job and I'm not surprised by their approach, but I'm proud of their execution. Having the approach is one part, but they executed and it starts and ends with pitching. Ty [Brachbill] and Dom [LaDuke] were incredible, so proud of them. Christian [Smith] had big hits early and late in the game, as well as Willie [Ponce] starting the game with a 15-pitch at-bat coming from a guy who throws almost 100 MPH. I think that set the tone and then we settled into the game. I'm proud of our guys with the way we were able to turn the page and come back today and win the game. Those guys are going to be hungry with a rubber match tomorrow, hopefully we can build off that and win a series tomorrow."

After allowing a solo homer in the top of the first, HPU answered right away with three runs in the bottom of the inning. Willie Ponce walked and later scored, Lane Allen added a single, and Christian Smith delivered the big swing with a two-run double. Seojun Oh followed with an RBI single to give the Panthers a 3-1 lead after one.

Ty Brachbill settled in from there, working seven strong innings and striking out eight while allowing just two runs on 10 hits to improve to 2-0. High Point added to the lead in the fifth when Allen scored on a Smith RBI groundout, and Smith capped his four-RBI day with a solo homer in the seventh to make it 5-2.

Dom LaDuke closed the door with two scoreless innings out of the bullpen, striking out three to earn his first save of the season. Smith finished 2-for-3 with four RBI, while Allen went 2-for-4 and scored twice as HPU improved to 6-5 on the year.

High Point took control early and never gave it back, earning a 5-2 win over Binghamton on Saturday afternoon at Williard Stadium.

Up Next: High Point returns to the diamond tomorrow for game three of the series with the Bearcats. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.