LEXINGTON, Va. – Reed Garrett allowed just three hits over seven-plus innings for the VMI Keydets, but a leadoff walk led to the game-deciding run in the eighth as the High Point Panthers prevailed, 2-1, in Big South baseball action Friday night in High Point, N.C.
With the game tied 1-1, Garrett walked Spencer Angelis on a 3-1 pitch to open the eighth inning. Rian Ellis relieved and Josh Spano had a bunt single to put two on with none out. A sacrifice bunt moved the runners up, and Ellis intentionally walked pinch-hitter Blake Hutton to set up a possible double play. A fielder's choice ground ball deep in the shortstop hole scored Angelis, however, to give High Point (20-14, 8-5 Big South) a 2-1 lead that would account for the final margin.
On the mound, Garrett (4-4) took the loss despite allowing just two runs on three hits over seven-plus frames of work. He walked five and struck out three. HPU starter John McGillicuddy allowed three hits and a single unearned run over 7 2/3 innings, but Conor Lourey, who got the final out of the eighth, moved to 4-0 with the victory.
High Point got on the board in the first inning, when Dane McDermott led off with a walk and moved to second on a wild pitch. Kyle Brandenburg then reached on an error and Josh Greene followed with a single, scoring McDermott to give the home team a 1-0 lead.
The Keydets (18-14, 6-7 Big South) left a runner at third base in the fourth, but that was the only Keydet to reach second base until the seventh, when Eric Mayers walked with one out. One out later, Mayers stole second and went to third on a throwing error by HPU catcher Spano. After a walk to Will Connerley, Mayers scored on a wild pitch to tie the game, 1-1.
VMI then nearly grabbed the lead in the eighth. Jordan Tarsovich singled with two outs, ending McGillicuddy's night and bringing Lourey out of the HPU bullpen. David Geary walked, and Brandon Angus followed with a single to shallow right. McDermott charged the ball and threw home to catcher Spano to get Tarsovich, ending the inning and keeping the score knotted at 1.
After the Panthers took the lead in the bottom of the eighth, VMI had one final chance. With one out in the ninth, Cameron Walter singled up the middle and Gary LeClair pinch-ran. LeClair stole second with two outs, but pinch-hitter Josh Worthley flew out to end the game.
At the plate, Angus had the lone multiple hit game for either team by going 2 for 4 in the setback.
VMI baseball will return to action Saturday for game two of the series with High Point. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.
