ROCK HILL, S.C. – Winthrop scored 14 runs in the second inning to power a 17-7 win over Gardner-Webb Saturday afternoon at Winthrop Ballpark.
The Runnin' Bulldogs (13-10, 3-2 Big South) got an RBI double in the top of the first from Sam Fulginiti to take a quick, 1-0, lead and starter Matt Fraudin needed only 11 pitches to easily work through the Eagles' order in the bottom of that inning.
After a quick top of the second, Fraudin started off the bottom half of that inning with his second strikeout of the day, but Winthrop (15-9, 1-1 Big South) had more in store for that inning, sandwiching two walks around four consecutive hits to take a 4-1 lead. When the smoke cleared, the Eagles had scored 14 runs on 11 hits and a GWU error chasing Fraudin after just 1.2 innings of work.
Gardner-Webb countered with a solid response in the third, scoring three runs – two on a bases-loaded single by Henry Rundio and the third on a passed ball. The Runnin' Bulldogs would not be able to catch up, however, as Winthrop's bullpen kept its healthy cushion intact.
The Eagles struck for three more runs in the bottom of the sixth, before Gardner-Webb rallied for three runs in the ninth for the final margin. Luke Kaesmeyer doubled in that frame and scored on Patrick Graham's RBI knock – then Jacob Walker hammered a pitch over the wall for his second two-run home run in as many games.
Fraudin (3-2) took the loss, allowing four more earned runs (12) than he had in his previous 33.0 innings of work in 2015. Beau Hilton came on to get out of the second inning and hurled 3.1 innings of relief without allowing an earned run.
Gardner-Webb kept battling at the plate despite the large early deficit, finishing the day with 14 hits, including three for extra bases.
Scott Johnson (3-for-3) led the way, with Fulginiti (2-for-3, 2B, RBI) also collecting a pair of safeties.
Winthrop had 19 hits, with nine coming in the second inning alone. Anthony Paulson (2-for-5, 3 RBI), Roger Gonzalez (2-for-5, RBI), Brad Kaczka (3-for-4, 2 RBI), Mitch Spires (2-for-4, 2 RBI) and Kyle Edwards (3-for-4, 3 RBI) were among the most effective at the plate for the Eagles.
Reliever Freddie Sultan (1-0) picked up the win out of the bullpen, hurling 4.1 scoreless innings with five strikeouts and three hits allowed.
The two teams will play the series rubber match on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 pm in Rock Hill.
