HIGH POINT, N.C. – The High Point University baseball team lost a 2-0 game to Wake Forest on Tuesday at Williard Stadium. With the loss HPU splits the season series with the Demon Deacons for the sixth consecutive year.
“This is a very disappointing game,” said head coach Craig Cozart. “There were a lot of missed opportunities and lot we didn’t do well and it resulted in a loss. The thing about baseball is you always have to get ready for the next day and we have VMI this weekend.”
The Panther bullpen put up six scoreless innings to end the game but the offense couldn’t get HPU back in the game, leaving 12 runners on base.
Junior Jared Avidon took the loss to drop to 1-2 this season. He went 2-1/3 innings on a scheduled staff day. He was responsible for both Wake Forest runs. He gave up five hits with two walks and one strikeout.
Freshman Matt Pirro got the win for Wake Forest. He improved to 2-1 on the season, throwing five innings in the longest start of his career. He allowed two hits while walking two and striking out one in the game.
Wake Forest put two runners on with a pair of two-out base hits in the first inning. Charlie Morgan singled to left and the lead runner, Mac Williamson headed for home. Sean Wilson threw Williamson out at the plate to end the inning and keep the Deacs from scoring.
Avidon loaded the bases in the third inning, giving up two hits and walking Williamson. He got ahead of Carlos Lopez with two strikes but the first baseman worked a walk from Avidon to drive in Wake Forest’s first run. Avidon was relieved by freshman Will Resnik with the bases still loaded. Resnik issued a walk to Charlie Morgan to give WFU a 2-0 lead. Jack Corey hit in to a double play to end the inning.
The Panthers had a runner at third in the second, fourth, fifth and eighth innings but failed to drive in a run. HPU had chances late in the game, putting two runners on in the eighth and ninth innings. Wake Forest closer Michael Dimock struck out Josh Spano to end the eighth inning and got Sal Pezzino to pop up to second base to end the game. Dimock earned his eighth save of the season.
Eight HPU relievers kept Wake Forest from scoring past the third inning. John Maloney pitched a hitless inning and Jordan Foster went 1-2/3 innings allowing one hit with three strikeouts. Nick Schumacher got two outs in the seventh inning and Kyle Wigmore struck out Williamson on three pitches for the final out of the seventh. Adam Pratson also gave HPU a scoreless inning of work. Freshman Cody Manzella made his collegiate debut, getting an out in the ninth inning and Jaime Schultz closed the game for his 12th appearance of the season.
Freshman Ryne Rush was 1-2 with two walks in the game. Ryan Retz and Dane McDermott each recorded a hit and a stolen base.
High Point (16-11, 2-1 Big South) hosts Big South Conference opponent VMI this weekend at Williard Stadium. Friday’s first pitch is set for 6 p.m.