FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.- A five-run fourth inning by High Point doomed the Runnin' Bulldogs, as Gardner-Webb would drop a 6-2 elimination game to the Panthers at the 2019 Big South Baseball Championship at SEGRA Stadium in Fayetteville, N.C.
Gardner-Webb's season ends at 25-26, while High Point improves to 25-26 overall.
The Panthers stepped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the second on a RBI double to the left field gap by Ryan Russell.
High Point broke the game open in the fifth, plating five runs. The first run came as JJ Woodard reached on a fielder's choice, allowing Joe Johnson to score. Russell followed by mashing a three-run blast well past the left field gap wall to give the Panthers a five-run lead.
HPU added one more in the frame on a RBI single off the bat of Brady Pearre to set the score at 6-0.
The Runnin' Bulldogs scratched in the bottom of the seventh on a base knock by
Chandler Redmond that sent
Justin Kunz home from second base after he led off the frame with a double to left field.
GWU managed just one more run in the contest, with that happening in the bottom of the ninth with
Mitch McLendon connecting with a double to the right field gap.
High Point totaled 10 base hits throughout the contest, with Russell leading the way with a 3-for-4 night, including a double, home run, and four RBI.
Gardner-Webb managed seven hits on the night, paced by
JP McGuire with a 2-for-4 performance, both doubles.
Andrew Gottfried (2-4) earned the win for HPU, going the distance with 10 strikeouts and no walks. The senior righty allowed two runs while scattering seven base hits.
Isaac Campbell (4-5) took the loss for the 'Dogs, giving up five runs on four hits in 3.1 innings on the mound.
Kyle Ruehlman hurled 2.2 innings, surrendering a run on five knocks while fanning three batters. Seniors
Jarrett Thompson and
Aaron Stewart combined to wrap up the game, combining for three scoreless frams and just one base hit.
Wednesday night's game marked the final game of GWU head coach
Rusty Stroupe's career. The Cherryville, N.C. native finishes his 17-year stint at the helm of the Runnin' Bulldogs as the program's all-time wins leader at 481 victories.