FARMVILLE, Va. - Longwood used a big eighth inning to power past Presbyterian in the series finale at Buddy Bolding Stadium. The Lancers (11-13, 2-4 Big South) scored two in the bottom of the eighth thanks to two wild pitches to top the Blue Hose (11-13, 2-1 Big South)) on Sunday.
Willie Havens drove in two runs to lead the way for the Longwood offense, and
Kevin Warunek closed the door to pick up a crucial conference win.
TOP LWU PERFORMERS:
Willie Havens: 2-4, 2 RBI
Kevin Warunek: 2.0 IP, 4 SO, 1 H
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The first inning saw the Blue Hose take an early 1-0 lead in the top half, as they did in every game this weekend.
Willie Havens responded in the bottom half with an RBI single to plate
Blagen Pado and tie the score at one apiece.
From there, pitching proved to be the strong hold of the day as both teams had their staffs throw well.
Brenton Fisher threw four innings for the Lancers, and he struck out five batters. The four innings were a season high.
However, Presbyterian took a 2-1 lead through five and a half innings, but Longwood again answered. After a bunt single from Pado, Havens poked him home with another RBI single.
Presbyterian retook the lead in the top half of the eighth, but the Lancers would not be denied in the bottom half of the frame. After a
Blagen Pado walk and
Hayden Harris single, two wild pitches plated both runners to give Longwood the lead.
Kevin Warunek came out for his second inning of work in the ninth and retired the side in order, fanning all three of the Blue Hose batters to give Longwood the win. Warunek (1-0) picked up the win for Longwood, and Christian Charalambous (0-1) earned the loss.
WHAT THEY SAID:
"Big win for our group today," said Longwood Head Coach
Chad Oxendine. "To bounce back after dropping the first two and get one was something we knew we needed to do. We have to continue to improve and grow as a team to put ourselves in a spot to be successful at the end of the year.".
NOTABLES:
Kevin Warunek has had three straight outings in which he hasn't allowed a run.
UP NEXT:
Longwood returns to action Tuesday against Norfolk St. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.
#GoWood #HorsePower
