SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Wofford pushed across four runs in the sixth to take the lead for good Friday night in a 5-2 win over Gardner-Webb at Russell C. King Field.
The Terriers (10-4) left four men on over the first five innings and had two men thrown out on the bases, but produced a big inning when needed in the sixth.
Gardner-Webb (10-3) had just two hits through five, but made those knocks count to take an early lead.
Henry Rundio roped a leadoff double to right center in the first inning and came around to score on an RBI groundout by Collin Thacker for a 1-0 lead.
Three singles in the top of the sixth increased the lead to 2-0, when Sam Fulginiti plated Ryan Hodge with an opposite field knock. Wofford got out of a potential jam, however, and made a move in the bottom half of the sixth.
A single, walk and double to lead off the frame cut Gardner-Webb's lead to 2-1 and the 'Dogs went to the bullpen. Kody Ruedisili poked a one out single over the second baseman's glove to tie the score.
Ruedisili moved into scoring position on a fielding miscue at the plate. A wild pitch allowed James Plaisted to easily trot home for a 3-2 lead – and Conor Clancey doubled off the wall to push the lead to 4-2.
Mitch Warner came out of the pen to get the second out of the inning with two men on and got out of the inning when Thacker cut down a steal attempt at second base.
The lead quickly jumped to 5-2 in the seventh inning, with two singles followed by a long sacrifice fly off the bat of Matt Ramsay. Gardner-Webb got out of the inning still down three, but couldn't mount at threat offensively.
Wofford finished with 13 hits, getting two each from Alec Paradowski (2-for-4, run), Carson Waln (2-for-4, run), Plaisted (2-for-4, RBI) and Matt Pelt (2-for-4).
Matthew Milburn (3-0) went the distance, scattering five hits and striking out six for the win.
Gardner-Webb had five hits in the game, with Rundio (1-for-3, 2B, run) leading off that quintet.
Erik Heilgenstadt (1-1) took the loss, hurling 5.1 innings, allowing three runs and scattering eight hits. He fanned five and walked one. Will Sellers came on to work a scoreless eighth inning in relief.
The two teams will play the second game of the series on Saturday in Boiling Springs, N.C. First pitch is set for 2:00 pm in John Henry Moss Stadium/Bill Masters Field.
