BOILING SPRINGS – Winthrop used a four-run rally in the top of the eighth to beat Gardner-Webb 7-5 Friday afternoon in Big South Conference baseball action.

The Runnin' Bulldogs (12-23, 3-8 Big South) jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after two innings and appeared to be on their way to another win in the series, but the Eagles (13-21, 7-4 Big South) rallied to tie the score with one run in each of the fifth, sixth and seventh innings.

Bo Rusher III blasted a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh to give Gardner-Webb a 4-3 lead – his third long ball of the year – and the home team again had the momentum.

Winthrop got to the GWU bullpen in the eighth, scoring four runs to go up 7-4. The big blast was a two-run shot to centerfield by Johnny Strauss after the Eagles had gone up 5-4.

Gardner-Webb was able to get an RBI single from Daegan Brady in the bottom of the eighth to pull closer, but Winthrop's Josh Bookbinder retired the 'Dogs in order in the bottom of the ninth to end the game.

Bookbinder (1-1) picked up the win in relief, hurling 3.0 innings and allowing two runs on a pair of hits. Carter Sutton went 6.0 innings in a no decision with three runs allowed on six hits. He struck out six.

The Eagles had 14 hits in the game and 11 of those knocks were singles. C.J. Conrad led the way, going 4-for-5 with an RBI. Joey Tepper went 3-for-5 at the plate with a pair of RBI.

Gardner-Webb had eight hits on the day, paced by Jacob Marcos' 3-for-5 effort in the leadoff spot. Five other GWU batters had one hit in the game.

Reliever Michael Portella (2-1) was tagged with the loss, allowing three runs on four hits in 1.2 innings of work. Starter Tyler Switalski worked quickly early on and took a no decision. He left the game with a lead after working 5.2 innings and allowing two runs on five hits.

Gardner-Webb and Winthrop will play the rubber match on Saturday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 pm.