ROCK HILL, S.C. – Gardner-Webb plated a run in the second inning, but would be unable to produce any additional offense, dropping a 3-1 decision to Winthrop on Saturday afternoon.

Gardner-Webb falls to 22-24 overall and 9-11 in Big South play, while Winthrop improves to 25-18 overall and 12-5 in league play. 

It was the fifth straight loss for the Runnin' Bulldogs, with four being by two or less runs. 

The Eagles would scratch first, plating one run in the bottom of the first on a RBI double down the left field line by Mitch Spires. 

GWU would answer in the top of the second inning.  Justin Kunz would hit a base knock into the right field gap, and would later advance to second base on a throwing error by Winthrop pitcher Nate Pawelczyk.   Mickey Dugan would double to deep right field to plate Kunz to tie the game.

Tyler Halstead would give Winthrop the lead once again in the bottom of the second on a solo home run to left field.

The Eagles would increase their lead to 3-1 in the bottom of the fourth inning on a RBI single to left field by Brandon Fite. 

Bradley Hallman (3-4) took the loss for Gardner-Webb, working 8.0 innings, allowing three runs on seven base hits with three strikeouts.

The Runnin' Bulldogs had five base hits on the afternoon.

Nate Pawelczyk (7-1) earned the win on the mound for the Eagles, tossing 7.0 innings.  He allowed one run on four base hits with nine strikeouts.  Riley Arnone worked the final 2.0 innings to earn the save. 

Winthrop collected seven base hits, with Spries (2-for-4, 2B, RBI) leading that effort. 

The two teams will wrap up the series tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 pm.